Monarch Cave Ruins
1.6 Miles Roundtrip : 1.5 Hours
Very Easy. Be Careful When Crossing Creek, Though
Lovely Hike Next to Comb Ridge to Fairly Preserved Ruins in a Cave That Reminds the Viewer of a Monarch Butterfly
One of the first Ancestral Puebloan / Anasazi ruins I ever visited that wasn’t in a park or monument was Monarch Cave Ruins. At the time, it was one of the easiest to find information and maps to and it seemed accessible with my 2WD truck. Now there are a ton more ruins like that, but c’est la vie. I really enjoyed hiking out to this one which is just off the Butler Wash Road which is just off the Bicentennial Highway next to the Comb Ridge, in Bears Ears National monument. Although I did get lost and waste some time and water and I did step into a cow crap creek which ruined my boots. But that’s all part of the adventure. As always, be very respectful, mindful, and reverent of the area.
Monarch Cave is lumped in with the Butler Wash Ruins and to reach it, you’ll exit off of 163, very near where it intersects with 191. You’ll want to turn north onto 262/ Lower Butler Wash Road between mile posts 41 & 40 and on the opposite side of the road from Bluff Airport Road/ County Road 269A. I made it with my 2WD but 4WD is smarter & high clearance practically required. After reaching the gate, make sure you close it behind you! After driving ~7 more miles, turn left onto a little spur that has a parking lot look and feel to it. There are two parking “lots” but both will get you to the trail, just don’t start turning to the right on Lower Butler Wash Road.
The north bound trail is pretty well worn and beaten down by many a boot but there is still a good amount of vegetation and it is easy to explore down the wrong alcove but there are the occasional rock cairns and there is a sign post at the correct spur. Turn left, meander through the thick and dense brush, and you’ll soon be there. Once you see the cave, it is unmistakable. It really does look like a Monarch Butterfly with its wings spread.
I also really enjoyed all the art and petroglyphs and the carved footpath. But remember, no touching! Well, except the footpath. This was a great introduction to the Anasazi for myself and I recommend everyone start here with the easy drive, hike, and accessible ruins, art, and a peek into history.
