MAKER

Colorado’s Canyon Country

A Desert Destination Without Leaving the State

By Jennifer Weintraub

Massive, red rock walls rise from the desert floor as rivers and creeks snake through the landscape, creating dramatic canyons, beckoning one to explore refreshing swimming holes for a cool mid-day dip. Looking around, the scenery looks like Utah’s red rock country, but is actually the western edge of Colorado.

Breaking out from my normal rotation of desert destinations after a long, cold winter, I stumbled upon Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA) when I was looking for a warm spring getaway. I’ve driven past this unassuming stretch of Hwy 50 dozens of times before, but it wasn’t until I dug a little deeper that I found the beauty hidden from within.

Located 22 miles south of Grand Junction, the landscape from the highway consists of grass plains and a few juniper-pinyon trees. Venture off the road into the 200,000-plus acres of protected land to find a family-friendly outdoor playground to experience by foot, raft or motorized vehicle. Mellow hiking trails, flat roads and an easy float make this a perfect destination for families of all ages.

Outdoor adventure isn’t the only draw to the area. Canyon walls are marked with petroglyphs from Native Americans that date back thousands of years. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that settlers moved into the area and used it to graze cattle. Many of the historic cabins are still standing today.

HIKE THROUGH CANYON COUNTRY

Big Dominguez Canyon is a 13-mile through-hike popular with backpackers or as an out-and-back trail for day hikers. The best way to experience this hike is to pack for the day with lunch and a bathing suit for a swim in one of the pools.

It’s an easy trail that is mostly flat, wide and smooth, with a few rocks along the way. We’ve taken kids in backpacks and an off-road Burley stroller, which was able to navigate a majority of the trail. While the trail is relatively easy, the heat can become crippling with no shade along the way.

Starting along the Gunnison River, the path follows train tracks before it crosses a bridge and continues along a canyon wall upstream. Once the trail enters the wilderness area, huge, red rock formations and massive sandstone walls rise up from the desert landscape. Eventually, the trail turns into Big Dominguez Canyon, characterized by narrower canyon walls and a stream below with some swimming holes. Around three miles, a waterfall has created a lush oasis in the desert. Find a place to stop and swim or continue deeper into the canyon for more swimming pools, interesting geological features and rock art.