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 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...
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. ...
Picture the beauty of a place being so powerful that it inspires you to the soul. Monument Valley is such a place. By wandering the desert in awe of the impressive geology there is a majesty and humbleness that one will only encounter here because the scale of the world around you elicits a once in a lifetime experience unrivaled in most...
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Arizona/Utah You’ve seen it all in the movies and famous photography but now its time to experience the red rock American west in person. Monument Valley is by far one of the most eye catching, and phenomenal places on earth. Monument Valley’s Mittens One of the most famous monuments in the valley has to be the mittens. Two enormous buttes stand tall over the valley floor with what appears so be two thumb spires. There are two of them very similar in appearance giving the sense that hands from the earth are revealing themselves in this sacred...
Mexican Hat, Utah is named after a geological marvel of erosion. The persistent sands, wind, and water of time have sculpted the sandstone of the Mexican Hat Rock into what it is today. Sombrero, the Spanish word for the Mexican Hat was too difficult to spell, so our well read town founders, stuck to their guns on the English version of the word. Ever since then our little town of 40 or more people has continued to be confused with Mexican Water, Arizona, or confused entirely as being in Mexico and quite often mistaken for a 10 gallon hat. But nevertheless Mexican Hat, Utah is a real town and exists near the Four Corners in between Monument Valley and Bluff Utah. Getting here could be quite possibly one of the most beautiful drives you’ll experience in your lifetime, it is definitely worth the trip. Just be sure to hike to the head under the Mexican Hat Rock when you come. It will be a view you won’t forget. ...
