Bears Ears National Monument: Map

Picture a place so vivid and colorful that the visual stimulation you’re experience draws tears to your eyes interrupting the very view that drummed up enough emotion to activate those tear ducts. That’s what the majority of the Bears Ears area will do to a person, its real, its western and its gold. As such it needs to be protected like treasure and thankfully it now will be. But where exactly is this hidden treasure? Below is a rough map of the monument, but more importantly we’ve taken the liberty of point out some treasures to behold that are now protected! Please stop in at the San Juan Inn for the evening and a recharge for your next adventure. We’re one of the closest motels/hotels to Bears...

Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears encompasses the Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa, Muley Point, Moki Dugway, Natural Bridges National Monument, Comb Ridge and a handful of many hidden gems we don’t dare mention here(for fear they’ll be overwhelmed by crowds). With all of these phenomenal geological features protected by the establishment of the new presidential proclamation we are thrilled that the global tourism will only become more attractive.  For the last forty years these areas were considered remote and had very few visitors, which is what made them and still make them special today. With much controversy and publicity and now many thousands if not millions more people aware of this area we can’t help but welcome the new designation with a little bit of caution. It is necessary to protect these earthly treasures from overuse and industrious scarring so that our global visitors can experience Utah, and America the same way we have for the last 60 years, with pristine views horizon to horizon. We’re excited to see the protection taking place formally, and hope to maintain the unadulterated, and undeveloped landscape of the west.  Thank you to the administration and President Obama for the foresight to protect the land that is sacred and recognize that the tourism industry is more abundant and long lived than oil. Here is an informative video by Patagonia and the Friends of Bears Ears with a thorough explanation of the threats the area was up against without protection. Excellent work by everybody involved in raising awareness of the issue. As a motel / hotel near Bears Ears we’re thankful our visitors will have these treasures for years to...
Lake Powell

Lake Powell

Lake Powell The San Juan Inn is a perfect pit stop on your way to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The San Juan River is one of the tributaries that feeds Lake Powell and the San Juan Inn sits right on the river. If your travels take you to Halls Crossing Marine, Bull Frog Marine, or Wahweap Marina near Page Arizona, the San Juan Inn and Mexican Hat make for a great relief stop from the highway. Load up on needed food or relax in a clean room with a hot shower after...
Moki Dugway and Muley Point

Moki Dugway and Muley Point

Moki Dugway and Muley Point Overlook The moki dugway is a highway like you’ve never seen before. Climbing the cliffs and meandering up the side of a mesa the Moki Dugway has been featured in films, and was an engineering feat a the time it was built. Moki Dugway is Utah state highway 261, which is a paved for most of the way except at the dugway, where it hasn’t been paved except around certain corners to maintain grade . Driving up the switchbacks is an exciting Utah adventure that most cars can handle. The reward for taking this route is the view at the top. You can use the Moki Dugway overlook or take the less beaten path and head toward the Muley Point overlook, which is a short drive on a dirt road. From this vantage point Monument Valley is off in the distance, with the Goosenecks state park in the foreground, a truly breathtaking sight you must experience in...
Valley of the Gods, Mexican Hat, Utah

Valley of the Gods, Mexican Hat, Utah

Valley of the Gods is a secluded, scenic and inspiring scene. With a thirteen mile road that drives through the heart of Valley Of the Gods it is and excellent adventure for experiencing the desert’s beauty. Along with that there are many pools in the washes that often hold tad poles, and frogs which is an exciting experience for curious kids and adults. Home to an annual balloon gathering, the Valley of the Gods is well appreciated for its seclusion yet captivating in its beauty.   With views from Cedar Mesa of Valley of the Gods the horizon seems to go forever, while the rock formations continue to awe.   A dramatic scene with clouds creating the contrast of light the Valley of the Gods can easily become a photographer’s dream destination.  ...