Near Monticello in San Juan County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Bates E. Wilson

1912 - 1983

Photographed by James Hulse, March 29, 2025

1. Bates E. Wilson Marker

Inscription. A true aristocrat of the outdoors and superintendent of Arches (1949-1972), Bates was the moving force that created Canyonlands National Park and became its first superintendent (1964-1972). Canyonlands will remain forever a monument to his memory, a tribute to his leadership, and his legacy to future generations.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 38° 10.094′ N, 109° 45.579′ W. Marker is near Monticello, Utah, in San Juan County. It is on Canyonlands National Park (Scenic Utah Route 211) 35 miles west of U.S. 191. The marker is located at the entrance to the Needles Visitor Center at Canyonlands National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monticello UT 84535, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stephen Tyng Mather (a few steps from this marker); Stone Storehouse Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Water to Live By (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cave Spring Trail (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wooden Shoe Arch (approx. 1.7 miles away); The George Albert Smith Arch (approx. 3.2 miles away); Protecting Wilderness (approx. 11.4 miles away); Tracks in the Canyon (approx. 13½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monticello.

Also see . . .

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Bates E. Wilson. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

When Bates Wilson accepted the position of custodian of Arches and Natural Bridges national monuments in 1949, very few people had ever heard of either place. Arches had no paved roads, campground, visitor center, nor designated trails. All of that changed during Wilson's tenure. By his retirement in 1972, Arches had doubled in size, become a national park, and was well on its way to being the world-famous tourism destination of today.

(Submitted on April 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Bates E. Wilson Marker (right side) in front of the visitors center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 29, 2025

2. The Bates E. Wilson Marker (right side) in front of the visitors center

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.