Bears Ears National Monument – Image Gallery
Bears Ears National Monument
Bears Ears National Monument in Utah is a sacred and culturally significant area filled with stunning red rock formations and ancient archaeological sites.
Details
Bears Ears National Monument
Bears Ears National Monument is a protected area located in southeastern Utah, encompassing 1.35 million acres of land. Designated as a national monument in 2016 by President Barack Obama, Bears Ears is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service.
Features:
- Two prominent buttes, known as the "Bears Ears," which stand as distinctive landmarks in the region
- Archaeological sites dating back thousands of years, including ancient cliff dwellings, rock art, and artifacts left behind by indigenous peoples
- Diverse ecosystems, ranging from desert shrublands to alpine forests, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species
- Recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife watching
Ecological Significance:
Bears Ears National Monument is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to its diverse range of ecosystems and species. The area is home to over 15 plant and animal species listed as threatened or endangered, including the Mexican spotted owl and the Gunnison sage-grouse.
The monument also plays a crucial role in protecting cultural resources and sacred sites of indigenous tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Ute, and Zuni. These sites provide a connection to the land and history for these communities and are integral to their cultural identity.
Overall, Bears Ears National Monument is a unique and valuable landscape that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the region, making it an important area for conservation and preservation.
Bears Ears National Monument
Points of Interest
Bears Ears National Monument Points of Interest
- Bears Ears Buttes: These twin buttes are iconic features of the monument and can be seen from miles away. They are sacred to several Native American tribes and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dark Canyon Wilderness: This remote wilderness area offers rugged canyons, lush forests, and clear streams for hiking, camping, and backpacking. The solitude and beauty of Dark Canyon make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Valley of the Gods: This scenic valley is filled with towering red rock formations that resemble monuments and temples. The Valley of the Gods is a popular spot for photography and scenic drives.
- Grand Gulch: This deep canyon is home to ancient ruins, rock art, and artifacts left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans. Hiking through Grand Gulch offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
- Natural Bridges National Monument: While not technically part of Bears Ears National Monument, this nearby park features three natural stone bridges formed by erosion. The park offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and camping opportunities.
Bears Ears National Monument – Images
Description: This view is looking north along Utah Highway 261 toward the Bears Ears. Natural Bridges National Monument is to the left of the image.
Image by U.S. Geological Surey – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This view is looking north along Utah Highway 261 toward the Bears Ears. Natural Bridges National Monument is to the left of the image.
Image by U.S. Geological Surey – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Bears Ears buttes in the daytime, looking north along UT-261, as seen at the intersection of state roads UT-261 and UT-95.
Image by Bigbear213 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Bears Ears National Monument, Utah
Image by Photo by Mike McGlew - Mcglewm – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: The Bear Ears National Monument Inter-Governmental Cooperative Agreement was signed on June 18, 2022 after President Joe Biden issued a proclamation to restore land of the monument on October 8, 2021. Pictured are the signatories, from left to right are Christopher Tabbee, Malcolm Lehi, Homer L. Wilkes, Tracy Stone-Manning, Carleton R. Bowekaty, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, and Davis Filfred with the presidential proclamation at White Mesa Community Center in Utah.
Image by Bureau of Land Management Utah – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This photo shows the Bears Ears buttes part of lands sacred to Native Americans in the southwestern US. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bears_Ears_National_Monument
Image by brucerinehart (Bruce Rinehart) – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: #TBT to my trip to Bears Ears in honor of #LatinoConservationWeek. This week I co-sponsored @RepLujanGrisham’s #ANTIQUITIESActOf2018 to protect our public lands, which includes language from my plan to #SaveBearsEars.
Image by United States Congress - Office of Ruben Gallego – Public domain – Wikimedia
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