Hotel Rock
61 miles
full day - approx 7 hrs
Spend the day riding some of the most scenic trails in Bears Ears, with stops at ancient cliff dwellings, sandstone arches, and sweeping canyon overlooks. The Hotel Rock tour is perfect for curious explorers who want a full-day adventure filled with history, geology, and unforgettable views.

Sites You'll Visit:
Brushy Overlook
Old 95
Camel's Ridge
Small Arch
Hotel Rock
Upper Baullies overlook
Hammond Canyon overlook
Over and Under Ruin
Additional Info:
Begins and ends in Blanding, Utah
Some technical riding and uneven terrain
Small group sizes—so you’re not part of a noisy convoy
Explore a little-known corner of Bears Ears
Side-by-side to ride (or ride with your guide)
Safety gear and a trail briefing
Time to explore, ask questions, and take in the views
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Full Description
A rugged ride to ancient dwellings and wide canyon overlooks. If you’re looking for a full day of exploring, where every stop tells a story and every turn opens up a new view, the Hotel Rock tour is a solid pick.
This loop takes us into the heart of Bears Ears National Monument and covers a mix of archaeology, geology, and high-desert beauty—along some of the most fun trails to ride in the area. We’ll start in Blanding and follow the old 95 route—once a main road, now a quiet, scenic path into the backcountry.
Our first stop is Brushy Overlook, where we’ll get a panoramic view of the region. It’s the kind of place that makes you take a breath and pause. You’ll understand why the Ancients chose to live here.
From there, we’ll ride out to Camel’s Ridge, a curving sandstone formation that rises like the back of a sleeping beast. The terrain here is rugged and wild, with scattered piñon and juniper trees, and often a breeze that carries the scent of sagebrush. We'll also stop at a small arch, a tucked-away rock formation that’s easy to miss unless you know where to look.
The highlight of the tour is Hotel Rock, named for its line of Ancestral Puebloan ruins built under the overhang of a sandstone formation—almost like rooms along a corridor. These structures are over 1200 years old and surprisingly well-preserved. We'll get out, walk around, and talk about what life may have looked like here centuries ago. It’s a powerful place, and we treat it with care.
From there, we’ll make our way to a series of stunning overlooks. First up is the Upper Baullies Overlook, where the land drops off into a complex, rugged canyon system. Next is Hammond Canyon Overlook, a wide view that gives you a real sense of the scale of this place. Both are great spots for quiet reflection—or a snack break with a view.
We’ll finish the loop with a stop at Over and Under Ruin, a fascinating cliff dwelling that spans both above and below a narrow ledge—giving it the name. It’s another reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the people who once lived here.
After that, we’ll head back toward Blanding, with a few scenic stops along the way. This tour is a full day, and by the time we’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through both space and time.

Tour Guide Q&A
Who drives on the tours?
Each machine has seating for three guests and one driver.
If your group includes more than four guests, one lucky guest will get to be the driver!
If nobody in your group is comfortable driving a side-by-side please contact Sunrise Outfitting to request additional drivers.
