Located off Hwy 191, 340 miles south of Salt Lake City, in the sun-parched basin of the Abajo Mountains, Blanding serves primarily as a jumping-off point to Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument. It was on the fringe of town where the final conflict between the Native Americans and the US Army took place in 1923.

Though unspectacular as far as small towns go, Blanding does feature the impressive White Mesa Institute, which offers programs on the Southwest’s indigenous people, wildlife, and archeology. There are also outfitters who operate tours to the spectacular Anasazi, or Ancestral Puebloan (prehistoric ancestors of modern Pueblo people), ruins in the Four Corners region.

A self-guided trek along dusty Hovenweep Road takes in six ancient pueblos (villages), on what forms part of the Trail of the Ancients. Five of the sites are only accessible by hiking trails. The ruins at the Edge of the Cedars houses an enormous kiva (ceremonial building) and also features several square towers, which are not characteristic of the typical circular design. The outdoor treasury also displays a large collection of Anasazi pottery.

West of Blanding, off Hwy 95, is the Natural Bridges National Monument, a landscape of eroded sandstone bridges carved by the thrashing waters of the Colorado River. A 10-mile hiking trail traverses three bridges into an intractable landscape of ancient petroglyphs and rocky canyon country. Owachomo Bridge is the oldest, rising over 100 feet and spanning 182 feet across the sandstone escarpment. Rafting trips are available at Bluff, 25 miles south of Blanding along the San Juan River.

Also near Blanding are the Ute Mountain and Navajo Indian Reservations. The Navajo Indian Reservation travels the course of Monument Valley into Arizona.

There are various types of lodgings available in Blanding, including guest houses and B&Bs, but make sure you book early if you plan to travel during high season.

Salt Lake City International Airport is the nearest major airport.