4 Must See Bluff Attractions

The beautiful town of Bluff offers jaw dropping scenery, history, river rafting and access to ancient archeology. While you’re in Bluff, we recommend these 4 Must See Attractions.

Bears Ears Education Center

Bluff is located on the southeastern rim of the Bears Ears National Monument.  You can explore Bears Ears by car, or take a day hike or, for the more adventurous, a multi-day hike.

Start at Bluff’s Bears Ears Education Center before your visit to the Bears Ears area.  Here you’ll find educational exhibits, maps, and knowledgeable volunteers can assist in planning your visit.  The center also helps visitors learn how to Visit With Respect to help protect and preserve the Bears Ears landscape for future generations. Books and basic equipment are available for purchase. Free Admission.

Bluff Fort

Stop at the Bluff Fort for a glimpse at early pioneer life in Bluff. You can learn about the first Anglos to settle Bluff in the 1880’s. Discover why Mormon pioneers came to Bluff and their arduous journey over the Hole-in-the Rock trail. View the original Barton Cabin (on the National Register of Historic Places) and replicas of other log cabins. The Co-op serves as the Visitors Center and Gift Shop. Free admission.

San Juan River

No trip to Bluff is complete without a rafting trip down the San Juan River. The usually gentle river makes for an excellent family trip and is an intimate way to see the region’s spectacular canyons, archeology, and wildlife. Half-day, 1-day, or 5-day trips with a knowledgeable guide are available through Bluff’s local river company. Check out the Sand Island Boat Launch 4 miles west of Bluff.

Sand Island

One of Bluff’s most popular spots is Sand Island. It is the put-in for the famous San Juan River rafting trips in the region.

Even if you are not taking off on a river trip, be sure to stop here for:

• the Sand Island Petroglyph Panel. Archeologists believe this place held special significance for ancient peoples by the amount (over 100 yards) and time span of rock art. Most petroglyphs are from the early Basketmaker through Pueblo III eras, ranging from 2500 to 800 years old. More recent Ute and Navajo rock art have brighter carvings and lower wall locations. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Easily accessible. Picnic sites and camping sites are available.
• the Bluff River Trail.  Newly opened in Spring 2025, the Bluff River Trail provides access between Sand Island and Bluff.  At Sand Island, you can access a lovely, paved, 1 mile roundtrip, ADA trail through the upper Sand Island area.  You can also continue on the trail into Bluff (about 5 miles).  See more important petroglyphs along the ADA trail, including an image of a mammoth/bison thought to be 12,000 years old or older.
• Camping and Picnic Areas.  Individual campsites are on a first come, first served basis (self-register kiosk).  Larger groups can reserve a campsite at recThe Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved at recreation.gov.