Trail through Bears Ears National Monument joins National Trails System

The Indian Creek section of Bears Ears National Monument boasts world-class rock climbing and multiple cultural sites. Photo: Bureau of Land Management – Utah

BLUFF, Utah — A scenic trail along the San Juan River in southeastern Utah has been designated a National Recreation Trail, becoming one of just a handful of Utah routes to receive the federal distinction.

The designation, announced Friday by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in conjunction with National Trails Day and Great Outdoors Month, recognizes the Bluff River Trail as one of six newly designated national trails across the country. The trail joins a nationwide network of more than 1,350 National Recreation Trails.

The Bluff River Trail follows the San Juan River through the town of Bluff and surrounding landscapes in Bears Ears National Monument. The approximately 8-mile non-motorized route begins at Sand Island Recreation Area and winds through cottonwood groves, floodplains, and river habitat while providing access to cultural and archaeological sites that span thousands of years of human history.

Federal officials highlighted the trail’s accessibility and educational value, noting that interpretive exhibits along the route connect visitors with ancient petroglyph panels and the region’s deep Indigenous and pioneer history.

A trail years in the making

The Bluff River Trail was developed through a partnership involving local volunteers, the Bluff City Historical Preservation Association, the Bureau of Land Management and conservation organizations. The trail provides the only public access to the San Juan River within the town of Bluff and has become a centerpiece of outdoor recreation in one of Utah’s most culturally significant landscapes.

Today, visitors use the trail for hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching, while gaining access to river beaches and views of the towering sandstone bluffs that define the San Juan River corridor.

What the designation means

National Recreation Trail status does not place new federal restrictions on a trail, but it does provide national recognition and can help communities pursue grants, partnerships, and tourism opportunities.

The designation arrives as visitation to Bears Ears and surrounding public lands continues to grow. While nearby destinations such as Arches and Canyonlands National Parks often receive the most attention from Utah visitors, Bears Ears has emerged as a major recreation destination in its own right because of its unique combination of cultural sites, backcountry landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.