New Colorado Canyonland Opens Near Grand Junction

Christmas just came early for the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area in Western Colorado. New canyonlands that connect once-isolated areas of the Dominguez-Escalante system will open to the public for the first time.

Several thousand accessible acres will introduce new routes into some of the Western Slope’s most dramatic red rock terrain along the Gunnison River corridor.

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What Just Opened—and Why It Matters

Read More: See The Trails, And Petroglyphs In Colorado's Dominguez Canyon

More than just additional land inside the Dominguez-Escalante, it’s a new access to previously landlocked or hard-to-enter canyonlands, that will now connect to public terrain, expanded trails, wildlife viewing, and backcountry routes.  View a map of the Escalante Ranch area, recently transferred to public land, now open for access within the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area here.

Inside the Landscape + What You Can Do

According to Coloradopolitics.com, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area will add the 4000+ acre Escalante Ranch, following a successful transfer to the Bureau of Land Management. Colorado Canyons Association says the BLM acquisition, “protects miles of canyon, river, wildlife habitat, and cultural history.” Expect sandstone cliffs, quiet side canyons, petroglyph sites, and habitat for desert bighorn sheep. You can hike, backpack, and photograph wildlife, often without any crowds.

Where It Is + What to Know Before You Go

Read More: 10 Places to Find Ancient Petroglyphs in Colorado

Located between Whitewater and Delta, access to the new areas comes via routes like Unaweep and Escalante Canyon. It’s a rugged place. You won’t find cell service, water is limited, and you’ll need to stay aware of extreme heat and flash flood risks. If you are going in, you should plan carefully and follow Leave No Trace guidelines.