Explore Bears Ears: By River

Explore the spectacular Bears Ears National Monument, a stunning red-rock landscape that is sacred to five sovereign Native tribes and home to the highest concentration of ancient cultural sites in the country.

Hear about the historic coalition of tribal governments, community organizations, and Earthjustice attorneys that assembled to protect this one-of-a-kind landscape when former President Trump rolled back federal protections to open the area to oil and gas drilling, mining, and other industrial activities. The swift action of Bears Ears defenders helped to stave off some of the worst industrial activities until the Biden administration was able to fully restore protections to Bears Ears in late 2021.

Gain a deeper understanding of this place from Earthjustice experts, Louis Williams, a Navajo adventurer who was born and raised in Navajo country, and experienced guides from Ancient Wayves, the first and only Navajo-owned outfitter within Bears Ears and on the San Juan River.

Jamie Dobbs / Earthjustice

We have two different five-day, four-night trip formats to choose from:

River-based trip

Float trip down the San Juan River includes two nights of camping. A calm, congenial river, the San Juan offers a relaxing float trip livened up by fun Class II rapids.
Register for River-based Trip

Land-based trip

Spend each night in a hotel. Daily activities include short and easy hikes to petroglyphs and cliff dwellings.
See Land-based Trip

Bears Ears National Monument

Gain a deep understanding of Bears Ears National Monument. These mesas, cliffs and canyons are home to over 100,000 Native American archaeological and cultural sites, some dating back to 12,000 B.C.E. Today, this place remains sacred to five sovereign Native tribes: the Hopi, Navajo, Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute, and Zuni.

Louis Williams & Ancient Wayves

Spend your days walking and paddling alongside the experienced guides of Ancient Wayves who have ancestral ties to this landscape. Their goal is to provide guests with unique, authentic and fun experiences to share the beauty of this land and the rich cultures that exist in the region.

Earthjustice at Work

Following the leaders of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition who sued President Trump the day after he rolled back federal protections of Bears Ears, Earthjustice represented nine conservation organizations in a lawsuit, charging that the administration’s actions violated the 1906 Antiquities Act and the U.S. Constitution, stripping protections from priceless cultural and natural heritage that belong to all. These actions stalled the worst of industrial activities until the Biden administration was able to fully restore protections to Bears Ears in late 2021.

Josh Ewing / Getty Images

Thursday, May 22 – Monday, May 26, 2025

5 Days, 4 Nights

DAY  1

Welcome to Bluff, UT

Thursday, May 22

Overnight

Desert Rose Resort & Cabins - Bluff, UT

Welcome! If flying into Durango-LaPlata County Airport (DRO), you will meet your Iconic Trip Leader at baggage claim by 2pm. A two-and-a-half hour private shuttle will take you to Desert Rose Resort & Cabins, our base for the next two nights. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation at the Bears Ears Education Center.

Steven St. John for Earthjustice

DAY  2

Depart on the San Juan

Friday, May 23

Overnight

Camping on the San Juan River

Today, we embark on a three-day rafting trip down the San Juan River. After leaving the comforts of Desert Rose Resort, we’ll begin by meandering slowly past orange- and black-streaked sandstone outcroppings with petroglyph panels abounding. We’ll break for lunch and a short hike.

Steven St. John for Earthjustice Steven St. John for Earthjustice

This evening, our guides will prepare dinner on the beach while we set up camp among cottonwoods and giant sagebrush. Enjoy fireside chats, warm beverages, stargazing, and more as you settle in for the night.

Jamie Dobbs / Earthjustice Diana Robinson Photography / Getty Images

DAYS  3

Continuing down the San Juan

Saturday, May 24

Overnight

Camping on the San Juan River

Wake up to coffee on the beach before breaking down camp. We’ll float 10 miles down the river today, stopping to walk along painted rock art sites and cliff dwellings hidden among the alcoves. In the afternoon, the river narrows and the pace quickens as we enter the canyon where we’ll set up camp in the shade of tall limestone walls full of fossils.

Steven St. John for Earthjustice Jamie Dobbs / Earthjustice

Like the previous night, our guides will prepare a hearty meal as we enjoy casual conversations and activities on the riverbed.

DAY  4

Exiting the San Juan

Sunday, May 25

Overnight

Strater Hotel - Durango, CO

We make our way out of the canyon as our float this morning continues with fun rapids. Take a moment to notice the undulating patterns in the rock while we keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep. The canyon walls begin to open and Mexican Hat Rock — a large lab of rock balanced on a small pedestal — comes into view. Here, we’ll pull out of the water and say farewell to this sacred land as we begin our journey back to Durango.

Tony Shi Photography / Getty Images Warren Price / Getty Images

Tonight, we have one final meal together and toast to the wonderful memories we’ve collectively built before saying our goodbyes the next day

DAY  5

Departure Day

Monday, May 26

It may be hard to leave this sacred land full of archaeological, scenic, and scientific treasures as you’ve built a meaningful connection with Bears Ears National Monument, the local people, and Earthjustice staff. But today, you wake up rested with a renewed sense of determination. Catch your flight back home, and share stories from your journey with your loved ones.

Steven St. John for Earthjustice

• Dates: Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Monday, May 26, 2025
• Group Size: 12–16 Guests
• Minimum Age: Guests must be at least 7 years old

Package Rate

• Double occupancy $6,100 per person
• Single occupancy: $6,420 per person

Register for River-based Trip

See Land-based Trip

Julie Kinamore  |  Iconic Adventures

An invoice for your deposit will be sent within 24 business hours of registering. For more information about the trip, please contact Julie Kinamore from Iconic Adventures at concierge@iconicadventures.com or (877) 941-9412.

CST#2104024

Matt Horst  |  Earthjustice

If you have Earthjustice-related questions, please contact our travel team at travel@earthjustice.org or (312) 800-8308.

At Earthjustice, we go to court for the future of our planet. But we are more than just lawyers in a courtroom: our litigation, advocacy, and communications work lead to real change on the ground.

As a valued Justice Partner and Evergreen Council member, you’re invited to travel with us to experience firsthand how our legal wins matter profoundly for people and the environment.

Each trip is intentionally customized to explore major environmental and public health fights alongside Earthjustice attorneys, local experts, and community advocates. Pairing a behind-the-scenes look at our regional work with comfort and adventure, your experience will color the stories you tell friends and families for years to come while building relationships with the magnificent places we fight for.

Our trips are priced only to cover expenses and are not intended to help fund our organization. In partnership with renowned tour operator Iconic Adventures, we offer these trips to you as an opportunity to connect with our shared mission.

All 2025 Explores Trips

Steven St. John for Earthjustice