The best way to see Bears Ears National Monument is on a guided mountain bike tour that follows the twin-track roads along Elk Ridge, combining easy riding with expert-led hikes to cliff dwellings, rock art panels, and some of the most spectacular desert scenery in Utah. Bears Ears protects over 1 million acres of canyons, mesas, and hundreds of ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites — and a guided tour ensures you see the best of it without the considerable logistical challenges of exploring this remote area on your own.
Why Mountain Biking Is the Ideal Way to Explore Bears Ears
Bears Ears National Monument is vast and remote. Most of its most significant archaeological sites and scenic viewpoints are accessible only by dirt road, and the distances between them make hiking alone impractical for a comprehensive visit. A mountain bike covers ground efficiently while keeping you connected to the landscape in a way that a vehicle cannot.
The riding within Bears Ears is on twin-track BLM and Forest Service dirt roads — not technical singletrack. This means you do not need mountain biking experience. If you can ride a bike, you can ride Bears Ears. The terrain is manageable for beginners while the scenery and cultural richness satisfy even the most seasoned outdoor adventurers.
You could venture out on your own with rented camping gear and bikes, doing research in advance and managing your own logistics. But on a guided tour, you will:
- See all the best sites that only local guides know how to find
- Learn what you are looking at from expert interpreters trained in the area’s cultural history
- Eat well with gourmet backcountry meals prepared at camp each morning and evening
- Skip the logistics of camping gear, route planning, water management, and mechanical support
The Rim Tours Bears Ears Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Rim Tours’ Bears Ears Backcountry Weekend is a 3-day guided tour that covers the Elk Ridge corridor from Bears Ears Pass to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.
Day 1: Arch Canyon Cliff Dwelling
The tour begins near the 8,000-foot Bears Ears Pass, west of Blanding. A shuttle takes you to your first night’s camp in the ponderosa pines. After packing a lunch, you ride a thrilling descent to the trailhead for your afternoon hike — a walk into a spectacular and well-hidden cliff dwelling overlooking Arch Canyon. After the hike, you can ride back up to camp or catch a lift with the support vehicle.
Back at camp, relax under the pines with views of Hammond Canyon while guides prepare the evening meal. Wash basins and a solar shower are available, and the dinner spread features scrumptious appetizers followed by a full gourmet meal.
Day 2: Elk Ridge Plateau to Cathedral Butte
Day two traverses the Elk Ridge Plateau through aspen meadows and along the ridge backbone. The route climbs to Big Notch — a challenging ascent rewarded with panoramic views from the top. After lunch, the riding turns fast and fun as you descend toward Cathedral Butte. Camp tonight overlooks the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park from one of the most sensational campsites in southern Utah. Approximately 25 miles of riding.
Day 3: Descent to Dugout Ranch and Newspaper Rock
The final day is fast, fun, and mostly downhill, losing over 1,000 feet of elevation as you descend toward Dugout Ranch. Lunch includes a stop at Newspaper Rock — one of the most impressive and accessible petroglyph panels in the Southwest, featuring hundreds of symbols carved over thousands of years. Then it is back to Moab.
Tour Specifications
- Tour Rating: Moderate — physical demand is mostly moderate with several short strenuous sections
- Daily Mileage: 20-25 miles per day
- Terrain: Doubletrack with packed dirt, loose rock, and some sand
- Technical Difficulty: Not technically difficult, but includes some obstacles and several climbs/descents
- Elevation Range: 8,500 feet down to 5,500 feet
- Season: Summer (June-September) for the Bears Ears Backcountry Weekend; spring/fall for the Needles to Moab tour
- Includes: Full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bike, all meals, camping gear, support vehicle, expert guides
Bears Ears: What Makes It Worth Protecting
Bears Ears contains one of the densest concentrations of archaeological sites in North America. Hundreds of ancient cliff dwellings, granaries, and rock art panels dot the canyons and alcoves throughout the monument. These sites represent thousands of years of continuous human habitation by Ancestral Puebloan, Navajo, Ute, and other cultures.
Beyond archaeology, the monument encompasses wilderness-quality canyons cutting through sandstone to the Colorado River, diverse ecosystems from alpine forest to desert scrub, and some of the darkest night skies remaining in the lower 48 states.
The national monument designation protects these resources while keeping the land open for recreation — including mountain biking on existing roads and trails. A guided tour is the most responsible way to experience the archaeological sites, as guides know how to visit these fragile resources without causing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced mountain biker?
No. The riding is on doubletrack roads, not technical singletrack. The skill level required is basic bike riding ability. The terrain includes some loose rock and sand, but nothing that requires mountain biking expertise.
How do the 3-day summer tour and the spring/fall Needles tour compare?
The summer Bears Ears Backcountry Weekend is rated easy/beginner for riding difficulty and runs June through September at higher elevations where temperatures are comfortable. The spring/fall Needles to Moab Canyonlands Tour is rated moderate/intermediate and covers different terrain within the monument at a slightly more challenging riding level.
What should I bring?
Rim Tours provides bikes, camping gear, all meals, and support logistics. You need to bring personal clothing appropriate for desert conditions (layers, sun protection), a sleeping bag (can be rented), and personal items. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Is Bears Ears accessible without a guided tour?
Yes, but it requires significantly more planning. You will need a high-clearance vehicle for most roads, your own camping gear and water supply, detailed maps, and knowledge of the area to find the archaeological sites. There is limited cell service and no developed facilities within most of the monument.
How far is Bears Ears from Moab?
The northern edge of Bears Ears National Monument begins about 40 miles south of Moab. The starting point for the Rim Tours tour (near Bears Ears Pass) is approximately a 2-hour drive from Moab, with shuttle transportation provided.