Bears Ears National Monument is one of the best places in the American Southwest to combine mountain biking with archaeological exploration, and a guided tour is the ideal way to experience it. Rim Tours’ Bears Ears mountain bike tour takes you from cool ponderosa pine forests at 8,000 feet down to desert terrain overlooking the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, with daily stops at cliff dwellings, petroglyph panels, and ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites along the way. The riding is easy enough for beginners and families, making this one of the most accessible multi-day adventures in Utah.
The Route: Pine Forests to Desert Canyons
The tour starts near the Bears Ears themselves — two prominent buttes that are landmark features of the southern Utah skyline and hold deep cultural significance for Native American tribes in the region. From this high-elevation starting point surrounded by ponderosa pine, the route follows forest roads and trails along Elk Ridge, the long backbone ridge running between the Abajo Mountains and the Colorado River.
The riding terrain is primarily doubletrack — packed dirt forest roads and BLM routes that do not require technical mountain biking skills. This means you can focus on the scenery rather than worrying about your next wheel placement. The daily mileage is manageable, and the overall trajectory is downhill as you descend from alpine forest into the red rock desert.
Archaeological Treasures Along the Way
What makes this tour truly special is the archaeology. Bears Ears National Monument protects one of the densest concentrations of archaeological sites in the United States, and the Elk Ridge corridor passes through some of the most significant ones. Your guides are trained interpreters who bring the cultural history to life at each stop.
During the tour, you will:
- Hike to cliff dwellings tucked into sandstone alcoves that sheltered Ancestral Puebloan communities centuries ago
- Study petroglyph panels with rock art that tells stories of hunting, ceremony, and daily life
- Explore remote canyon sites that most Bears Ears visitors never reach because they are accessible only by dirt road and trail
- Learn about the cultural significance of these sites from guides who know the area intimately
The combination of riding and hiking keeps each day varied and engaging. You are never on the bike for too long before stopping to explore something remarkable on foot.
Camping at Cathedral Butte
The final night’s camp at Cathedral Butte is one of the most spectacular campsites in all of southern Utah. Perched on a high point overlooking the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, it offers panoramic views of layered sandstone spires and deep canyons stretching to the horizon. Bring binoculars — you can often spot additional cliff dwellings in the canyon walls below.
Sunsets and sunrises from Cathedral Butte are extraordinary. The desert light transforms the rock formations through a progression of colors that makes for unforgettable evenings.
What Is Included
Rim Tours handles all the logistics on this trip:
- Bikes: Full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bikes sized to each rider
- Support vehicle: Carries all camping gear, food, water, and bike tools
- Meals: Gourmet backcountry cooking — hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, and full dinner spreads with appetizers
- Camping: Tents, camp chairs, wash basins, and solar shower
- Guides: Expert guides who lead rides, hikes, set up camp, cook meals, and tune bikes daily
You bring personal clothing, a sleeping bag, and a sense of adventure. Everything else is taken care of.
Who Is This Trip For?
This tour is designed for a wide range of riders:
- Beginners who have never mountain biked but can ride a bike comfortably
- Families looking for an active multi-day adventure that kids can handle
- History enthusiasts who want to see world-class archaeological sites in their natural setting
- Experienced riders who want a relaxed pace with cultural immersion rather than technical challenge
The riding difficulty is rated easy/beginner. Physical demand is moderate — you will ride 15-25 miles per day on doubletrack with some short hills. The elevation starts at 8,000 feet and descends, so the air is thinner at the beginning but the overall trend is downhill.
When to Go
The Bears Ears mountain bike tour runs during summer months (June through September), when the high-elevation starting point provides comfortable riding temperatures even when lower desert areas are sweltering. For spring and fall dates, Rim Tours offers the Needles to Moab Canyonlands Tour, which covers nearby terrain in Bears Ears at a moderate/intermediate riding level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the riding on the Bears Ears tour?
The riding is rated easy/beginner. The route follows doubletrack roads (packed dirt, loose rock, some sand) that do not require technical mountain biking skills. The daily distance is 15-25 miles with some climbs, but the overall direction is downhill from 8,000 feet to about 5,500 feet.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The Bears Ears tour is one of Rim Tours’ most family-friendly multi-day adventures. Children who can ride a bike comfortably for a few hours can typically handle the terrain. Contact our office at 435-259-5223 to discuss your family’s specific situation.
What archaeological sites will we see?
The specific sites visited can vary based on conditions and group interests, but every tour includes visits to cliff dwellings, petroglyph and pictograph panels, and other Ancestral Puebloan sites. Guides provide cultural interpretation at each stop.
How do I get to the starting point?
The tour meets in Moab (or a designated pickup location), and Rim Tours provides shuttle transportation to the Bears Ears area. You do not need a 4WD vehicle or any special transportation.
What if I have never been on a mountain bike before?
That is perfectly fine. Your guide will fit you on the bike, explain the controls, and give you basic riding instruction before you start. The doubletrack terrain is forgiving, and the pace is set by the group. Many guests on this tour are first-time mountain bikers.