This is the third in a series of incredible archaeological structures found in the Bears Ears National Monument cultural landscape.

These images are from a trip this year in late September and early October to the Blanding and Bluff areas of Southeast Utah.

The BLM does not require a special permit to visit this location, but you do need a monument pass available at kiosks.

The House on Fire Ruin is an easy 1.9 mile out and back trail near Blanding, Utah

The vertical image is 11 MM on a full-frame sensor. The horizontal image is at 22 MM. A very wide angle lens helps greatly. I used a polarizer for both images.

Four Corners Photography has these excellent details.

The road leading to the trailhead for House on Fire is located on Co. Rd 263 which is about halfway between the town Blanding and Natural Bridges National Monument near mile marker 102 on the north side of Hwy 95. If you’re coming from the west it’s very easy to find. Thirteen miles after the intersection of Hwy 261 and 95 ou will see a sign for ‘Mule Canyon, Indian Ruins‘ – this is NOT where House on Fire is located. As soon as you pass this, the turn for House on Fire will be your next left. If you’re coming from the east, it’s the next right after mile marker 102.

Turn north onto 263 and you will immediately see a BLM Monticello kiosk. This is where you can pay for your backcountry permit to hike to House on Fire. Backcountry permit fees are $2/person, or if you will be spending some time hiking in the area, you can also purchase a week permit for $5/person.

After purchasing your permit, continue down the road approximately 0.3 miles and you will see a small turnout for parking on the right-hand side (N37.537333 W109.732010) and the trailhead marker on the left (west, across the road and down into the canyon).

The hike is a very easy one. Walk along the canyon for about 20 minutes (5/6 mile). The ruin will be located right-hand some 30 feet above the canyon floor. The climb is easy and the point is marked with a cairn (N37.543900 W109.74606).

There is a very particular moment of the day to be at House on Fire Ruin. The sunlight has to reflect from the canyon in mid-morning to cast a warm glow on the alcove. Avoid early morning or after sunset as the light is dull. After mid-day the sun shines into the alcove and the contrast will be a real killer.

Expect company on this hike.

Equipment

Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.

Bears Ears Previous Posts

The Moon House Ruin – Bears Ears National Monument

Fallen Roof Ruin – Bears Ears National Monument

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Mike “Mish” Shedlock