Bluff River Trail
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Bluff River Trail
Bureau of Land Management
Frontcountry Trail
- Length
8.2 miles
- Elevation Gain
70
- Route Type
out & back
- Length
8.2 miles - Elevation Gain
70 - Route Type
out & back
The non-motorized trail covers just over 8 miles from the ADA accessible Sand Island Recreation Area trail segment at the west end and follows the river corridor to the southeast side of Bluff. The Bluff River Trail provides the only public access to the San Juan River in Bluff. It is a project of the Bluff City Historical Preservation Association, a community-based, volunteer-powered organization, and the extraordinary partnership with the Grand Canyon Trust and the Bureau of Land Management. The Sand Island segment is the only ADA trail currently in Bears Ears National Monument. It highlights petroglyphs that span thousands of years of human history.
Location: Located on the north banks of the San Juan River through the town of Bluff Utah, beginning southeast of town near 37.28029, -109.54859 and terminating at the ADA accessible trail segment at Sand Island Campground near 3.26281, -109.60891
- States: Utah
- Counties: San Juan
- Cities/Townships: Bluff
The Bluff River Trail flows the green corridor along the banks of the San Juan River. There are 4 access points and two loop segments. The trail grade generally follows the river with the west end climbing the short distance above the river. At Sand Island the two trailheads can be connected via a wooden ladder built by the BLM.
The lower parking at Sand Island Campground and boat ramp takes visitors on the ¼ mile wheelchair accessible route through towering cottonwood trees along an extensive petroglyph panel whose images span thousands of years. There are 8 wayside interpretive panels highlighting some of the imagery and benches to sit and rest along the way. One of the panels is even tactile, allowing visitors to feel the panel as well as see it.
The ADA segment connects to the main trail heading to Bluff or there is an option to return to the lower parking via a footpath with views of the river.
The main trail is open to hikers, non-motorized bikes, and equestrians. This trail weaves through riparian habitats of dense cottonwood trees and open floodplains for a rewarding day hike.
The east end of the trail creates an easy 2.5-mile loop through BLM administered land for hikers looking for a shorter hike.
The Bluff River Trail exemplifies the beauty and rich cultural history of Southeastern Utah. With it’s shady paths, and mixed habitat, it is a trail unlike any other found in San Juan County.
Accessibility Information
The lower trailhead at the Sand Island Campground takes visitors on the ¼ mile wheelchair accessible route through towering cottonwood trees along an extensive petroglyph panel whose images span thousands of years. There are 8 wayside interpretive panels, all set to ADA height standard highlighting some of the imagery and 4 ADA compliant benches to sit and rest along the way. One of the panels is even tactile, allowing visitors with sight difficulties to feel the panel as well as see it. This trail segment is six feet wide and has an ADA compliant surface approved for mobility devices. The trailhead parking has designated ADA parking spots and an accessible CXT vault toilet.
Allowed Uses:
Bicycling Bicycling, electric Bicycling, hand powered, recumbents, tricycles Dogs, off leash Dogs, on leash Electric micro-mobility devices Equestrian Hiking/Walking Trail runningOther Activities
- Camping
- Fishing
- Heritage and history
- Picnicking / Playground
- Wildlife viewing / observation
Public Contact
Jeremy Martin, Outdoor Recreation PlannerBureau of Land Management
Monticello Field Office
PO Box 7
Monticello, UT 84535
[email protected] • 435-587-1523
More Details
- Elevation (low): 4311
- Elevation (high): 4388
- Elevation (cumulative): 70
- Part of a Trail System? No
- Surface (primary): Soil
- Surfaces (additional): Paved, Rock, boulders, Rock, crushed, Rock, smooth, Sand, Soil
- Tread Width (average): 36"
- Tread Width (minimum): 24
- Running length (minimum): 3.2
- Tread Grade (average, percent): --
- Tread Grade (maximum):
- Running length (maximum): --
- Cross-slope (average, percent): --
- Cross-slope (maximum): --
- Running length (maximum): --
- Certified as an NRT
Jun 5, 2026
