Restrooms and picnic tables are available for day-use recreation as well. We are proud to say that we have enjoyed a very high success rate, and we show no signs of slowing down. In early summer, collared lizards can be found doing their push-ups and mating dances. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness lies in the heart of Dominguez-Escalante NCA, providing habitat for desert bighorn sheep, threatened species of fish and cactus, and opportunities to view its natural wonders by foot or horseback. The area provides valuable opportunities for many different forms of recreation, particularly OHV and horseback riding. Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (D-E NCA) offers beautiful hiking year-round; regardless of where you hike, expect to see rare plants, a diverse array of wildlife, and cultural/historical sites along the way. On the back of the boulder is the carved inscription: M.A. Dominguez Outfitters is based in Whitewater, CO. We hunt in Colorado Game Management Units (GMU) 61 and 62. This wilderness, which is characterized by diverse ecosystems, features two major canyon systems which drain the northeastern corner of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Some of that rock art is up to 2,000 years old and is fading in places due to the ravages if time and weather. Elevations in the NCA are approximately 4,800 to 8,200 feet. The wilderness was designated by Congress in 2009 and is made up of most of what was previously the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Study Area. There are the remains of many wikiups on the mesas and many panels of prehistoric rock art on the canyon walls. After a few days of tramping through the ruddy canyons, youll be ready to ease back into civilization with a filling meal. The area has mountain lion, black bear, mule deer, elk, coyote, golden eagle, wild turkey and collared lizard. Park elevations range from 4,800 to 8,200 feet. The Old Spanish National Historic Trail recognizes the land route traveled by traders from 19th-century Mexico - today's New Mexico - and California. Cactus Park includes miles of existing routes,trails, and roads for motorized recreation. Walk 2.5 miles to the junction of the two canyons, turn right, and then walk about another 1.5 miles to reach a gorgeous waterfall. This area is rich in history, providing the only access route for settlers in Escalante Creek to Delta in the 1800s and early 1900s. Pocket - Sliker Hill - Dutton Hill: This area is located in the northwest quarter of the unit and can be accessed by FR 231 (Woody Mountain Road) from Flagstaff. The Escalante, Cottonwood, Little Dominguez and Big Dominguez Creeks cascade through sandstone canyon walls that drain the eastern Uncompahgre Plateau. The trail takes a right turn away from the river, where you will see an old dam on the left, pass by a gate post made from old wagon wheel axle and spy an abandoned corral on the right. The conservation areas three canyons, despite their wildness, are easily accessed by backpackers and hikers from U.S. 50 northwest of Delta. National Conservation Area, Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, Old Spanish Trail National Historic Trail. Geology, botany, natural history all abound in Dominguez Canyon, named in 1874 by the Hayden Expedition as it mapped Colorados Western Slope. Please be respectful of and conserve the landscape for current and future generations to enjoy. The Dominguez Canyon Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located southeast of Grand Junction in western Colorado.The 66,280-acre (268.2 km 2) wilderness area established in 2009, the largest BLM roadless area in the state of Colorado, includes two major canyon systems that drain the northeastern corner of the Uncompahgre Plateau.The Wilderness Area is a portion of the larger Dominguez . Hes gone now, and the peace and quiet that he cherished endures for all of us. We look forward to your visit; here's hoping that you are inspired to linger a little while longer with us. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Mount Zirkel Wilderness Rawah Wilderness Cache La Poudre Wilderness Sarvis Creek Wilderness Flat Tops Wilderness Byers Peak Wilderness Vasquez Peak Wilderness Eagles Nest Wilderness Ptarmigan . Elk Hunting Maps page on StartMyHunt.com. Wilderness Zone 1 (Lower Big and Little Dominguez canyons) will be managed with an emphasis on supplemental values (cultural resources and threatened and endangered species). A ruby gem at the bottom of the world. Ranchers tried to make a living but the country was hard on horses and even harder on wives. Escalante Canyon to the south and Dominguez Canyon to the north, both parts of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, made perfect hideouts for cattle rustlers and bank robbers. I am aware that this is a heavily hunted unit (s), however I am also aware that the wilderness area is extremely rugged and difficult . Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The Dominguez Canyon Wilderness displays an array of ecosystems, ranging from upper Sonoran pion-juniper desert along the Gunnison River, to Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine to aspen at higher elevations. Thank you for visiting deltacountycolorado.com! Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez- Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompaghre Plateau. Messages. Almost 30 miles of the river meanders through a cliff-lined gorge accessible only by boat or foot. You will encounter picturesque views, fascinating historical artifacts, as well as unique plants and geologic features. The majority of the wilderness is characterized by rugged basaltic ridges and outcroppings separated by deep . East Creek: Unaweep Canyon is on the northern boundary of the NCA. This small but dramatic petroglyph may be a depiction of the supernova that exploded in 1054 and was seen around the world. The Dominguez Canyon Wilderness displays an array of ecosystems, ranging from upper Sonoran pion-juniper desert along the Gunnison River, to Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine to aspen at higher elevations. Plan your trek in spring and fall when the weather is generally pleasant, since summers are too hot. D-E NCA offers outstanding opportunities to hunt for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, waterfowl, turkey, and chukar. Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River flow through Dominguez-Escalante NCA, supporting fish, wildlife and recreational resources. The 66,280 acres of Dominguez Canyon Wilderness are wholly contained within the boundaries of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. This scenic wonderland was declared a national wilderness site in 2009 and consists of 66,280 acres of land that is ripe for exploration. The route takes three to five days. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. They left the wilderness and all that hard work. A 15-mile county road offers visitors a trip back to pioneer days through Escalante Canyons Red Hole in Time (popularized by local author Muriel Marshall. HUNTING PRICES & DATES - 2024 GUIDED HUNTS . The Old Spanish National Historic Trail, a 19th Century land trade route, also passes through it. Hunting Information HUNT AREA INFO WILDERNESS AREA HUNT AREA HARVEST REPORT HUNTER SAFETY Unaweep Canyon on the northern boundary of the NCA contains globally significant geological resources. . Scenic auto touring, bouldering and multi pitch climbing occur along East Creek. The McCarty Trail is a landscape feature named after the McCarty family whose brothers rode with Butch Cassidy to rob the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride in 1889. The best overnight backpacking trip heads up Big Dominguez Canyon from the Bridgewater Trail and the Gunnison River for an out-and-back, 10-mile hike. A 15-mile graded county road offers visitors a trip back to pioneer days through Escalante Canyon. 2023 Delta County Tourism. Written by Stewart Green for RootsRated Media in partnership with Delta County Colorado. There is Ute rock art nearby, but this panel looks old, very old, and it seems to be the image of a star exploding. For more information on hunting seasons, how to get your hunting license, and more, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. For a classic backpacking trip, head up Big Dominguez Canyon from the Gunnison River, and then traverse sagebrush flats to the return hike down Little Dominguez Canyon. I will be hunting the Weminuche Wilderness Area in the fall of 2018 and I am seeking advice in regards to hunting pressure/outfitter presence in the wilderness area. HUNTING IN WYOMING Hunt Planner / Elk Hunting / Elk Area 13 Elk Area 13 Licensing Information AVAILABLE LICENSES SPECIAL ARCHERY SEASON APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES LICENSE PRICES RESIDENT DRAWING ODDS NONRESIDENT DRAWING ODDS Apply For License! This trail is 12.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,112 ft. Adventurous travelers can make a large loop using Big and Little Dominguez Canyons. Situated on the Western Slope, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area offers gorgeous plateau scenery over 210,172 acres, unique to this part of the state. Changes in the Elk Woods Elk are a part of who I am. Wooley Built This House March the 18, 1901.. We could see why this was a chosen hunting grounds, nearby was the creek . Sounds like a great hunt. Due to last minute changes, my normal hunting partner, Rita, was unable to go. The best overnight backpacking trip heads up Big Dominguez Canyon from the Bridgewater Trailand the Gunnison River for an out-and-back, 10-mile hike. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, History, geology tell old tales in these Colorado desert canyons. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and Red Rock - Secret Mountain . A lock ( Dominguez Canyon is a popular stop along the way, with primitive camping, a hike up Big Dominguez Canyon, hidden rock art, and a breathtaking waterfall. Big Dominguez Creek offers year-round fishing opportunities. Wilderness Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Platte River Wilderness Huston Park Wilderness Encampment River Wilderness Mount Zirkel Wilderness Rawah Wilderness Cache La Poudre Wilderness Sarvis Creek Wilderness Flat Tops . This 30-mile loop begins at a trailhead near the mouth of Escalante Canyon and then follows McCarty Trail for a dozen miles to old jeep roads across Camp Ridge. Welcome to Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Native Americans in the canyons would have seen it. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. View the alert: Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum closed for renovations through mid-May. Access the north side via Dominguez Campground: from Grand Junction, travel south US-50. You must obtain a free, self-issued permit if you are taking an overnight trip. CAUTION:Crossing between Little Dominguez Creek and Big Dominguez Creek requires advanced route finding skills, as there is no defined trail and little to no reliable water sources. Grand Junction, CO 81505 Our family has been outfitting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1976. Desert bighorn sheep were re-introduced in the 1990's and the growing herd can often be seen grazing at the foot of the cliffs in the wilderness. We bring several years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the area to each fair chase hunt. The BLM recommends you let someone know your plans before visiting and to bring along plenty of water due to limited water availability. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Unaweep Canyon on the northern boundary of the NCA contains globally significant geological resources. Etched on the back are the printed words: M.A. This is an area of rugged, water-carved mesas covered with dense stands of pinyon and juniper. The Old Spanish National Historic Trail is composed of three main routes: the Main Route, the Armijo Route, and the North Branch. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness consists of two major canyon systems, Big Dominguez and Little Dominguez. The road provides easy vehicle and viewing access to historic cabins and trails, rock walls with early settler and Native American inscriptions, and spectacular geologic formations. Unit 61 has a very limited number of licenses and requires preference points to draw. Eons of time and gushing water have taken the hard rock of Uncompahgre schist and sculpted it into small wading pools perfect for summer relaxation. Grand Valley Ranger District The canyons test every hiker since there arent rangers, a visitor center, paved parking lots, or detailed trail maps. If you do hike in summer, check the forecast beforehand and carry sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing. Visitors interested in the geology of the area can stop at the Gunnison Gravels Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which contains geologic evidence of the ancestral route of the Gunnison River through Unaweep Canyon. A few tried and tasty establishments that dont disappoint are Fiesta Vallarta, the areas best Mexican restaurant; Davetos for Italian cuisine, pizza, and a superb smothered green chili burrito; and Needle Rock Brewing Company for burgers and cold beers. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It now provides private ranch access. The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness was created by the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978. . The Ute Tribes today consider these pinyon-junipercovered lands an important connection to their ancestral past. by Eric Jensen. Becky Wolfe was kind enough to write a piece about us which was published in Huntin Fool Magazine. It joins the larger Big Dominguez Canyon a little over a mile before their confluence with the Gunnison River. Campsites are marked and available along the river. Later, bands of Utes traversed the canyons and engraved shield figures and a bison hunt on sandstone cliffs. Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River flow through Dominguez-Escalante NCA, supporting fish, wildlife and recreational resources. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and was created as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS An official website of the United States government. Besides its rich wilderness and scenic qualities, the area echoes with human history. Look for petroglyphs on trailside boulders and desert bighorn sheep grazing below cliffs. Farther along the trail, hikers can spot a large boulder with dry-laid stone walls underneath. Equal Opportunity Employer This would be my first time in NMwhat a gorgeous unit, filled with tremendous elk habitat. Created Date: 20140413123814Z . Rare plants and animals with prickly pear cactus and Indian rice grass grow within feet of narrow-leaf Fremont cottonwood trees. Vegetation varies from pinon-juniper woodlands near the Gunnison River to Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspens in the higher reaches. The Uncompahgre band, Weminuche band and Grand River band of Utes may all have traversed this canyon at different times of year. There are 115 miles of streams and rivers in the NCA, and there is habitat suitable for 52 protected species of animals and plants. The area possesses outstanding geological features, spectacular scenery, ecological diversity, two cascading mountain streams and opportunities for solitude and primitive unconfined recreation. The canyon is unique because it has drainages running east and west out of the canyon. Leave artifacts as you find them. As you ride, please respect the landscape making sure you stay only on designated trails, yield to other visitors, and follow all other principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). The remote canyons also formed hideouts for outlaws and rustlers. But of all the prehistory, history and tales told in the canyons, I am most interested in a specific petroglyph.