The Citadel
The Citadel is most definitely deserving of being my first blog post as it did not disappoint! The Citadel is an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling within Bear Ears National Monument, in southern Utah. The trailhead is located on Cigarette Springs Road, off highway 261. If driving a vehicle with high clearance, I recommend bypassing the first parking lot at the junction of Cigarette Springs Road and where the trailhead is designated within AllTrails. Doing so will reduce your roundtrip mileage by about 1 mile and prevent you from having to “hike” on the non-scenic road leading to the actual trailhead. The majority of this hike is rather flat, on sandstone, and follows the Road Canyon rim providing excellent and expansive views.
At about 2 miles into the hike, the Citadel Overlook turnoff is on the right. The overlook would likely be a good option for those with any physical limitations, but otherwise, I would bypass and get to the real deal! I would not call the transition from the upper trail to the peninsula a true scramble, but you might find yourself using your hands for balance as you navigate your way down. The first view of the peninsula hits hard, it’s unlike anything I have seen and no photograph can bring justice to its humbling presence.
View from Citadel looking back on trail.
Would you expect to find shrimp in the desert? What about snails? Naturally occurring sandstone basins, called ephemeral pools or “potholes” can be found along the Road Canyon rim as you hike toward the peninsula. When filled with water, these potholes form tiny ecosystems and are home to a variety of tiny creatures including both snails and a variety of shrimp. The fairy shrimp can be seen here:
These potholes are very sensitive to human impact; therefore, please refrain from sticking your hands in the water-filled potholes and from stepping in the dry potholes.
If travelling to Bears Ears National Monument (from the North), I recommend having no less than 1/2 tank of gas as you leave Blanding and your cooler filled with your favorite snacks and water. Maverick in Blanding is approximately 1 hour from the junction of Cigarette Springs Road and highway 261 and will be the closest source or food and fuel. The Patio Diner (closed on Sundays), across from the Blanding Visitor Center is a great stop for lunch, dinner, or the cutest mini ice cream cones!
The Kane Gulch Ranger Station on highway 261 is about 30 mins from the Citadel trailhead and will be the closest bathrooms. The trailhead does not have a vault toilet so be prepared to pack-it-out.