Bears Ears Backcountry Tour 4-Day

Day 1

– On our way to the trailhead we pass through Blanding where we will stop at the Edge of the Cedars Museum to learn more about the ancient peoples of the 4 corners region. After this educational and truly interesting stop we'll drive on towards the start of our bike ride on the south side of the 8,000-foot Bear's Ears Pass, close to Natural Bridges National Monument. We'll ride up and over the pass and check out the views into upper Arch Canyon on our way to camp overlooking another spectacular canyon, Hammond Canyon. We'll stay here for 2 nights and with good eyes or binoculars there are ancient ruins of cliff dwellings across the canyon. Your guides will set up a cozy camp in the ponderosas and take care of all the details while there are opportunities from camp for hiking or riding extra miles. Washbasins are available for cleanup and a solar shower is usually available for 1-2 evenings during the trip. Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and a delicious, healthy meal will cap off a perfect, action-filled day! Stories around the campfire will cap off your first day into the southwest wilderness.

Day 2

– 5-6 miles – Upon waking you'll smell the scent of coffee brewing and the noises of breakfast. After eating we'll head on down the trail. Our ride today includes a rip-roaring descent to the trailhead of our hike. On foot we'll explore the high plateau desert surroundings and view spectacular and well-hidden cliff dwellings which demonstrate the ingenuity and building skills of our long ago inhabitants of this region. We recommend bringing small binoculars for this hike if you have them. After the hike, you may choose the challenge of riding back up to camp or opt to save your energy for the days ahead and catch a ride with the support vehicle. Miles range from 12-18 for this out and back excursion plus 5-6 miles of hiking.

Day 3

– After another delicious breakfast, we'll begin our traverse the Elk Ridge Plateau. Aspen meadows line our route as we make our way to Big Notch – a challenging climb but well worth it for the views at the top! After lunch, the riding is fast and fun as we descend towards Cathedral Butte and our final resting place at Cathedral point. Our camp tonight overlooks Canyonlands National Park and is truly one of the most sensational campsites in the area. Mileage is approximately 25 miles.

Day 4

Distance: ** 5-6 miles Distance: 20-25 miles | Elevation: 1,000 ft

– 20-25 miles | 1,000 ft –

**