Where, and what, the heck is Bears Ears National Monument?

Bears Ears National Monument, located in southeastern Utah, is a striking landscape rich in both natural beauty and cultural history. Known for its twin buttes that rise prominently above the desert, the monument covers a vast area of red rock canyons, mesas, and sandstone cliffs. It is a place where stunning geology meets ancient human history, with thousands of archaeological sites—including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and artifacts—left behind by Ancestral Puebloan peoples.

For many Native American tribes, Bears Ears remains a sacred place filled with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Today, it continues to be a living landscape, where traditions and stories are passed down through generations. Visitors can explore scenic trails, hidden canyons, and remote plateaus that showcase both breathtaking vistas and quiet solitude.

During my visit to Bears Ears, I hide to House on Fire, located in the South Fork of Mule Canyon. It is one of Utah’s most iconic archaeological sites. Built by the Ancestral Puebloans, this ancient granary sits beneath a sandstone overhang that, when lit by the morning sun, creates the illusion of flames rising from the rock—giving the ruin its fiery name. The short hike to reach it is about two miles round-trip.