This past December then President Obama penned 1.3 million acres of this staggeringly barren land as a National Monument, protecting 18 wilderness study areas and miles of pre-western archeological sites from looting and energy development. Ink still wet on the page, Utah’s Governor signed a resolution crying federal overreach, urging the new administration to trump the decree — including Bears Ears National Monument.
With Monument Valley not far away, Bears Ears rarely receives the attention it deserves, that is until Patagonia put it on the map. Now the entire outdoor industry is on it’s toes, demanding that Utah stand up for its lands not sell them.
This gravel bike ride through the region shows first hand just how beautiful it really is.
Ready for a ride?