We often get renters wondering where to go. Bears Ears National Monument is a little off the beaten track, and one of our favorites and can easily be explored in a day trip or overnight from Moab. Heading South from Moab on Highway 191, you have a couple of options:
Exploring the Indian Creek Unit:
Exit onto Highway 211, and descend into the Indian Creek Valley. Take a stop at Newspaper Rock- an excellent example of the petroglyphs in the area. Continue on towards the entrance to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Camping options include Hamburger Rock (pit toilets, no running water) or The Needles Outpost(showers and WIFI). Excellent hiking is located in Canyonlands National Park nearby.
Exploring the Shash Jaa' Unit
Continue on 191 South of Moab to Blanding, UT. Take a stop at the Edge of Cedars Museum to learn about the pre-historic Native American tribes in the area. Continue South and take Highway 95 West. Side Trip to the Kane Gulch Range Station and day hike in Cedar Mesa area. Camp and hike some more at Natural Bridges National Monument(water, flush toilets).