WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

July 26, 2026

Vol. 4, No. 30

UNIQUELY UTAH[2]

Few places in Utah are more unique than Cedar Mesa, an expansive area occupied by the Ancient Puebloans more than 700 years ago. With ancient artifacts, rock art, a two-story ruin, and a dozen canyons, the area has something for everyone. Much of the area is remote with limited access, although careful planning allows for camping, horseback riding, and day trips. Hikes from numerous trailheads range from four to more than fifty miles. With limited water and unmaintained trails, hikers with limited experience should team up with an experienced backpacker.

Encompassing more than 400 square miles in southeastern Utah, elevations range from 4,500 to 7,000 feet above sea level. Considered high desert, winters are often blustery and summers can be dangerously hot. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, affording uniquely different experiences. Spring provides an abundance of sprouts and new leaves and longer days. Fall is colder with the potential for freezing temperatures at night, with nearly-perfect day conditions for exploring ancient ruins.

Moki Dugway drops more than 1,200 feet in three miles. Grand Gulch is nearly fifty miles long. Although mostly dry, it flows into the San Juan River with numerous tributaries, including Cow Tank and Todi.

Blanding, Utah is a common base camp. Located within ninety miles of seventeen national monuments and numerous parks, the area is rich in Navajo, Ute, European, and Spanish cultures. The Blanding Visitor Center provides a bit of local history, along with maps, brochures, and a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Home to cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, Blanding events include the Fall Festival in September and the Bears Ears Marathon in November.

WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Create a word search or crossword puzzle based on the cultures, trailheads, and/or ancient ruins of Cedar Mesa or visit your local library or bookstore for stories about Grand Gulch, the Utes, pioneers Jens Nielson and Platte Lyman, and much more

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[1]A weekly blog/newsletter by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2]Resources: Friends of Cedar Mesa, https://www.friendsofcadarmesa.org/visit-with-respect/;

“In Praise of Cedar Mesa”, a chapter from David Roberts’ book, In Search of the Old Ones, Simon & Schuster, April 1997; Bureau of Land Management, www.blm.gov; www.visitblanding.com.