Mule Canyon Kiva Bears Ears National Monument, Utah

Mule Canyon Kiva – Bears Ears National Monument, Utah



The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Location: Bears Ears National Monument, Utah
Managing Agency: Bears Ears National Monument
Pets: Allowed
Fees: None
Restrooms: Yes. Outhouse style
Camping: Not allowed
Trail Condition: Paved path. Very easy and doesn't change much in elevation
Distance: About 0.15 mile roundtrip
Time Required: 15+ minutes
Sights: Several Ancestral Pueblo ruins and a kiva
Best Season: All
Water Info: Bring a bottle of water if needed
Parking Elevation: 6140 ft
Summit Elevation: Varies slightly
Elevation Difference: Varies slightly
Trek Planner Maps

Trail Map

GPS Coordinates

Parking and Trailhead: 37.53997, -109.7426
Kiva: 37.53927, -109.74195

Experience. Discover. Explore.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer



There are no services at the kiva, so make sure to have enough fuel, food, and water.  Tire changing equipment would be ideal but you won’t be going on any dirt roads.  It’s just better to be prepared for anything!  I had a few bars of spotty cell service coverage, but don’t count on it.

The walk to these ruins will not take you much time.  I think I spent about 20 minutes seeing everything.  The paved path is easy and even folks who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility could easily see the ruins.

The ruins are located right off of Utah State Route 95.  There is ample parking for cars and trailers and there is even an outhouse.  The loop trail begins on the south east side of the parking and continues south east until you get to some information signs.  The information is very interesting and you can learn a lot about the people who once lived here and why this area was so special to them.

These ruins were constructed by a people named the Ancestral Pueblo.  They loved this area and spent hundreds of years creating a living in this harsh environment.  There are plenty of small and medium sized water sources included some small creeks, which provided for their crops and building materials.  They, of course, had the mountains where the Bears Ears peaks are located which provided many resources and had many uses.



The ruins include a circular kiva.  A kiva was used for spiritual ceremonial purposes and also used as a meeting place.  Kivas are underground and have lots of symbolism.  Please be respectful and do not climb down inside the kiva.  This is still a sacred place and please just observe and admire the craftsmanship that has lasted anywhere between 700-1000+ years old.

You can see other ruins here that resemble other sites in Bears Ears and other nearby areas.  Please do not climb on the walls or enter the structures.

It is very quiet here and I had an enjoyable time trying to imagine life as it was 1,000+ years ago.  The kiva is the crown jewel of the ruins and is still in excellent condition.  It’s covered now with a pavilion to further protect it.



Personal Thoughts

Personal Thoughts

This was a welcome stop on my way from Lake Powell to Blanding. I would highly recommend a short stop to see these incredible ruins!

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Melanie Nielsen

What an awesome website. You continue to amaze me with the amount of work and attention to detail in all that you do. Thank you.

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