Explore Southeast Utah’s National Monuments:
your basecamp to adventure awaits
The Bears Ears cultural landscape is known to contain more than 100,000 cultural and archaeological sites, making it the most significant unprotected archaeological area in the United States. Perhaps nowhere in the United States are so many well-preserved cultural resources found within such a striking and relatively undeveloped natural landscape.
FIND YOUR TRAIL.
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Butler Wash Archaeological Sites
Trailhead Distance to Dark Canyon: 11 Miles
Butler Wash, nestled in the rugged landscape of Southeastern Utah, is a treasure trove of ancient history and culture. This area is renowned for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins, rock art, and cliff dwellings, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived here over a thousand years ago. The Butler Wash sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest.
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Moon House
Trailhead Distance to Dark Canyon: 8 Miles
An intricate and well-preserved ruin located in McLoyd Canyon. The hike to Moon House is challenging (3 miles round trip) and involves scrambling, but the reward is a spectacular multi-room dwelling
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House on Fire
Trailhead Distance to Dark Canyon: 20 Miles
A short, easy hike (1 mile round trip) located in Mule Canyon. The trail leads to the House on Fire Ruin, a stunning ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwelling named for the way the rock above it glows like flames in the morning light.
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Bears Ears National Monument
Proximity to Dark Canyon:
Dark Canyon is centrally located within the Bears Ears MonumentNestled in the heart of southeastern Utah, Bears Ears National Monument spans over 1.3 million acres of awe-inspiring landscapes. This natural wonder is named after two distinctive buttes that resemble a bear's ears, offering breathtaking vistas and unparalleled outdoor adventures.
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Monument Valley & Forest Gump Point
Distance to Dark Canyon: 51 Miles
Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border, is one of the most iconic and picturesque landscapes in the United States. Known for its towering sandstone buttes, vast desert vistas, and rich Native American history, this stunning region offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Valley of the Gods
Distance to Dark Canyon: 17 Miles
The Valley of the Gods is a hidden gem located in southeastern Utah, offering a more secluded and tranquil alternative to the nearby Monument Valley. This scenic valley is known for its striking sandstone formations, expansive desert landscapes, and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty and solitude.
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Moki Dugway
Distance to Dark Canyon: 14 Miles
The Moki Dugway is a remarkable and thrilling stretch of road located in southeastern Utah. Carved into the edge of Cedar Mesa, this gravel road offers breathtaking views of the Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, and the distant spires of the Colorado Plateau. With its steep switchbacks and dramatic elevation changes, the Moki Dugway is a must-see for adventurous travelers.
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Muley Point
Proximity to Dark Canyon: 19 Miles
Muley Point, located in southeastern Utah, is a hidden treasure that offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the American Southwest. Perched atop Cedar Mesa, this scenic overlook provides stunning vistas of the winding San Juan River, Monument Valley, and the vast expanse of the Colorado Plateau. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking solitude in a magnificent natural setting.
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Natural Bridges National Monument
Distance to Dark Canyon: 17 Miles
Natural Bridges National Monument, located in southeastern Utah, is home to some of the most impressive natural rock formations in the United States. This scenic and historic area features three massive natural bridges—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo—formed by the erosive forces of water over millions of years. The monument offers visitors a chance to explore stunning landscapes, rich cultural history, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
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Jailhouse & Perfect Kiva
Trailhead Distance to Dark Canyon: 3 Miles
Located in Bullet Canyon, these sites offer a glimpse into ancient Puebloan life. Jailhouse Ruin features a unique structure that looks like a jail cell, while Perfect Kiva is a well-preserved ceremonial structure.
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The Citadel
Proximity to Dark Canyon: 11 Miles
The Citadel Ruin is one of the most spectacular and remote ancient ruins located within Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah. Perched atop a narrow mesa, this Ancestral Puebloan site offers visitors a unique combination of historical intrigue, breathtaking views, and a challenging hike, making it a must-see destination for adventurous travelers and history enthusiasts.
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Kane Gulch Ranger Station & Grand Gulch Trailhead
Distance to Dark Canyon: 7 Miles
Kane Gulch Ranger Station serves as the primary gateway to the Grand Gulch Primitive Area, a stunning and culturally rich region within Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah. This ranger station provides essential services, information, and permits for visitors looking to explore the area's numerous hiking trails, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes.
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Bears Ears Overlook & Dark Canyon Wilderness Area
Distance to Dark Canyon: 20 Miles
Bears Ears Overlook, situated within Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah, provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the monument’s iconic twin buttes and the expansive, rugged landscape that surrounds them. This vantage point is a must-see for those seeking to experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable area.
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Comb Ridge
Proximity to Dark Canyon: 26 Miles
Comb Ridge is a striking geological formation and an important cultural site located in southeastern Utah. Stretching approximately 80 miles from northern Arizona to the Elk Ridge Plateau, this dramatic monocline is known for its sharp ridges, deep canyons, and rich archaeological history. It offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and a glimpse into the ancient past of the region.
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San Juan River & Mexican Hat
Distance to Dark Canyon: 26 Miles
The San Juan River near Mexican Hat, Utah, offers a blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. This scenic stretch of the river winds through dramatic sandstone canyons, providing visitors with opportunities for river rafting, hiking, and exploring ancient Native American sites. It's an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.