|
|
Photo by Phil Bellman |
The town of Bluff
is located in a unique area of the country offering access
to just about any type of backcountry adventure imaginable.
Take off from Bluff
to the west to discover the incomparable Cedar Mesa. Driving
the exciting Mokee Dugway on Highway 261 or coming in from
the north on Scenic Byway Highway 95, leads to some of the
most beautiful canyons to be found anywhere!
|
| The
trailheads for these canyons are accessed by dirt roads, some
of which may require four-wheel-drive. Exploring the canyons
can be as short as a day hike or, for the more adventurous,
provides opportunities of up to a week or more of hiking through
spectacular scenery while investigating the ruins of the Anasazi
culture of a thousand years ago. Some of the canyons offer arches
and bridges carved by millions of years of erosion and slickrock
trails for smooth walking. There are many dramatically different
canyons offering opportunities for return visits to see them
all. |
|
A word of caution
is in order: The archaeological sites are VERY FRAGILE. Climbing
and pulling on the walls is forbidden as is taking ANYTHING
from the site including artifacts and other remains. Please
take the time to learn about the Anasazi and the proper protocol
for visiting these sites.
Surrounding Bluff
are still more canyons and mesa-tops to explore. These areas
can be easy day hikes from roads just outside of town and
offer more rock art panels, ruins and just great views of
the amazing desert.
|
Photo
by Phil Bellman |
|
|
Drive throughout
the Four Corners region and visit the sites that bring the
world to Bluff. Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Natural
Bridges, Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands and Hovenweep are
just a few of the National Parks, Monuments and Navajo Tribal
Parks that attract visitors by their serenity, beauty and
natural wonder. The photographer, budding archaeologist or
sightseer will enjoy the landscape of the entire region.
Photo
by Phil Bellman |
One
of Bluff's most popular spots is the BLM Sand Island Camping
Area. It is the put-in for the famous San Juan River trips
in the region. Even if not taking off on a river trip,
be sure to stop to see some of the most telling examples
of many ages of rock art. From ancient times many cultures
have left their mark and told their stories on the painted
walls along the San Juan corridor. Then spend one day
or many traveling the river know for the steepest gradient
in North America! |
A fast moving river
without technical whitewater, it is a challenging trip with
opportunities to view layers of geological formations and
to visit fascinating rock art and ruins on short hikes along
the way. Whether traveling all 84 miles to Clay Hills take-out
for a multi-day trip or just doing the 26 miles to Mexican
hat - in one day or a few - the San Juan features a trip that
is enjoyable for the entire family. From senior citizens to
kids with water-fight buckets, everyone enjoys trips through
the scenic canyons of the San Juan.
|
| Mountain
bike enthusiasts will find a pleasant diversion from slickrock
trails here in Bluff. There are many dirt roads taking off just
outside of town that lead to wonderful views, interesting archaeology
and just great rides. |
|
Only 25 miles north
of Bluff are the Abajo Mountains offering a cool break for
the summer visitor and even backcountry skiing in the winter.
The 10,000 feet of elevation showcases lakes for fishing and
easy access by paved and unpaved roads for spectacular vistas
and shady picnics.
Remember to contact
the appropriate agency to obtain permits for camping, hikes
or river trips. If possible, hire a guide to lead those trips.
Bluff has experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic backcountry
guides and river outfitters trained to help find exciting
places, better understand what is being examined and explain
ways to help preserve the sites for future visits and archaeological
interpretation.
Come to Bluff for
adventure because as the saying goes: There IS something for
everyone.
|
|
