– 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.
Bears Ears Backcountry Tour 4-Day
ModerateOverview
Celebrate our new National Monument! Ride from the Bears Ears, follow Elk Ridge from cool alpine to near the Needles District of Canyonlands NP
Join us for an unsurpassed 4-day Bears Ears adventure! Our route begins below the 8,000 foot Bears Ears Pass, surrounded by ponderosa pine, and follows Elk Ridge, the backbone between the Abajo Mountains and the Colorado River. We’ll explore secluded canyons, rich in cultural history of the Anasazi people, searching for ancient rock art and cliff dwellings. The landscape changes from cool alpine to colorful desert after our dramatic descent to the boundary of Canyonlands National Park. Our final night is spent at this area’s most beautiful campsite, Cathedral Butte. For those considering doing a multi-day tour for their first time, especially those who have little or no camping experience, we’ve written a detailed description of what it’s like to go on a multi-day tour with us.
Highlights
- Join us for an unsurpassed 4-day Bears Ears adventure
- Our final night is spent at this area’s most beautiful campsite, Cathedral Butte
Tour Details
Day-by-Day Itinerary
– 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.
– 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.
Distance: ** 5-6 miles Distance: 20-25 miles | Elevation: 1,000 ft
– 20-25 miles | 1,000 ft –
**
Everything hauled, cooked, and set up — you just ride.
A Rim Tours multi-day camping trip is a fully supported, fully catered backcountry experience. You pedal world-class trails all day; we carry the gear, run the kitchen, and have camp — cold drink in hand — waiting when you roll in.
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Rugged Overland Support
A purpose-built 4x4 support truck carries every bag, tent, and cooler — so you ride light and free, with a lift or a break never far away.
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Full Camp Kitchen
A complete mobile kitchen rolls with us, run by guides who genuinely cook. Real, fresh meals in the heart of the backcountry.
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Fresh Trail Lunches
Midday spreads built right on the trail — never sad, squished, pre-made sandwiches.
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Hot Dinners in Camp
Hearty, satisfying dinners cooked fresh every evening under the desert stars.
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Cold Drinks, Always
Plenty of water and ice, the cold beverages you love waiting at camp, and crisp cold sparkling water out on the trail.
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Camp Set & Waiting
Camp chairs, a relaxed camp, and your tent already set up when you roll in. Arrive, unwind, refuel.
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Deeply Experienced Guides
Guides with decades on these trails — part navigator, part mechanic, part chef, part storyteller.
Guiding Moab since 1985 · Small groups · Local guides
Dates & Availability
Daily departures — pick your date when you book
Choose the date that works for your group in the booking calendar.
Bears Ears Backcountry Tour 4-Day runs Summer.
Book Bears Ears Backcountry Tour 4-Day
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