We have returned from one of the more fantastic road trips to the newly founded Bears Ears National Monument, and have experienced views, sights, sounds and vistas that cannot be duplicated in pictures and on video.
We started out by looking online, then visiting the BLM office in Monticello to get maps, sound information from the expert, and were not disappointed.
Our travels started on Highway 95, just a short drive from Blanding to the Butler Wash Ruins, Mule Canyon Kiva, Mule Canyon trail to House of Fire (where the roof of the overhang providing shelter for the early Native Americans is rippled sandstone, giving the effect of dancing fire curtains in the morning sun), Kane Gulch Ruin from Kane Gulch Ranger Station. A very small fee allowed us to enjoy a most wonderful day of hiking on trails sometimes primitive, sometimes on slick rock and mostly along river and creek beds, taking pictures and enjoying clean air.
On our second day we visited Bridges National Monument, again on Route 95, which is probably one of the more scenic roads in this great country. Crossing Comb Ridge, and driving along Grand Gulch Wilderness area is something our grandchildren and great-grandchildren must be able to experience. The drive from Kane Gulch Ranger station on route 261 takes you from the heights of the plateau at 6,935 feet and drops some 1,350 feet in 3 miles on a masterfully designed and built road and provides access to Valley of the Gods. Several overlooks allow one to see spectacular scenery to Monument Valley, and Goosenecks State Park along the San Juan River.
We have only experienced a very small part of the vast national monument, but I would hate to see commercial and industrial development ruin this marvelous area. The argument is made by some folks in San Juan County that they are being deprived of making a living. Hardly.
Tourism, if done properly, can provide a very good living. (Look at Switzerland and Italy). Good restaurants in Blanding are nonexistent. Good professional service is desired by tourists who come to this area from around the globe. Provide and allow tourists (and locals) the ability to enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer, without having to drive some 20 miles to the next town. Provide good tours and guide services.
Let’s enjoy and grow this treasure.
Peter J. Bsumek, Cottonwood Heights
