About Colorado Canyons
The NCA contains many nationally significant resources including outstanding scenery, cultural and paleontological values, naturalness, recreation values, wildlife, and geologic and scientific values. The NCA encompasses a diverse landscape ranging from salt bush desert to the spectacular canyons of the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Canyons vary in length from several miles to twelve miles in length and may contain interesting side canyons. Geological features in these canyons include spires, windows, giant alcoves and desert patina. Canyons may reach a depth of almost 1,000 feet, forming spectacular redrock cliffs. Spring runoff and summer thunderstorms create glistening waterfalls and plunge pools. The area contains the second largest concentration of natural arches in the country. Vegetation in the meandering canyon bottoms include pinyon-juniper, grasses, and cottonwoods, willow and box elder. The upland mesas contain a dense stands of pinyon-juniper with some sagebrush parks. Cryptobiotic soils are well developed in the upland area. Wildlife viewing may include deer, mountain lion, desert bighorn sheep, along with golden and bald eagles.
Colorado Canyons Facts
- Location: Colorado - 10 miles west of Grand Junction, in west central Colorado
- Size: The NCA encompasses 122,240 acres of which, 75,497 is designated wilderness and 5,180 acres in Utah
- Date: The Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Act of 2000 was signed into law on October 24, 2000
- Managing Agency: The Bureau of Land Management
