McInnis Canyons

McInnis Canyons NCA https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McInnis_Canyons_National_Conservation_Area The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA) is located in Mesa County, west of Grand Junction, Colorado. The MCNCA has rugged sandstone canyons, natural arches, spires, and alcoves carved into the Colorado Plateau, through which runs a 24-mile (39 km) stretch of the Colorado River. Included in the MCNCA is the 75,500-acre (306 km2) Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness (BRCW) with 5,200 acres (21 km2) extending into eastern Grand County, Utah at the MCNCA's western boundary.

About the NCA Directions Devils Canyon, Fruita Paleo Area, Pollock Bench: From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to Fruita exit #19. Turn south (left) and travel 1.5 miles to the Kingsview Estates subdivision. Turn west (right) into the subdivision. Stay on the main road all the way through the subdivision; Devils Canyon Trailhead is approximately 0.5 miles ahead on your left. The trailhead sits back off the main road via a short access road and is not easily visible from the main road. Watch for the sign. Pollock bench trailhead is another 2.5 miles ahead directly off the main road, on your left. McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) forms a part of the Uncompahgre Plateau, which rises like a giant rolling wave above the Grand Valley of Colorado. Rugged canyons descend to the Colorado River and contain some of the most spectacular landforms found anywhere in the country. Rattlesnake Canyon, Dinosaur Hill, Devils Canyon and Mee Canyon are just a few of the areas that contribute to the mystery, splendor and diversity of this landscape. National Conservation Area Rabbit Valley: From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to Rabbit Valley exit #2. Turn south (left) on Rabbit Valley Road. Continue 1.6 miles into the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area. Photo by Colorado Parks & Wildlife Colorado Canyons Association Call or Visit McInnis Canyons NCA 2815 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81506 phone: (970) 244-3000 email: gjfo_webmail@blm.gov Outstanding Resources Cover: BLM Photo by Bob Wick Colorado Canyons Association is committed to community stewardship of Gunnison Gorge, McInnis Canyons and Dominguez-Escalante NCAs. It is a nonpartisan, non-profit, 501(c)(3), volunteer organization fostering cooperation among all NCA user groups. For more information on how to get involved, visit www. coloradocanyonsassociation.org. Photo by Chris Pipkin You will not find paved roads, visitor centers, or manicured trail heads, but you may discover a sense of wonder, exploration and adventure in a landscape of humbling beauty. McInnis Canyons northwest flank of this uplifted area. The forces of water, wind and gravity continue to sculpt this spectacular landscape today. Wildlife: In this high-desert country, bighorn sheep still leap among the rocks, mountain lions roam the pinyon covered slopes of Black Ridge, and elk and eagles share a seldom-visited wilderness. Photo by Marley Steele-Inama As early as 13,000 years ago, Native Americans used the area for hunting animals and gathering plants. By 500 A.D., Fremont farmers entered west-central Colorado. The Fremont Culture was responsible for much of the rock art found in the area. Water: A gentle permitted stretch of the Colorado River winds 25 miles through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons, offering opportunities to float through the heart of the NCA. Trails: Primitive roads and trails offer motoring challenges and equestrian routes. Mountain bike trails abound on Mack Ridge, including the internationally famous Kokopelli’s Trail, testing rider’s skills for 140 miles before ending in Moab, Utah. Rabbit Valley offers numerous trails for ATVs and Motorcycles. around McInnis Canyons. In locations such as the Trail Through Time, Dinosaur Hill, and the Fruita Paleontological Area, visitors can view dinosaur bones or watch a paleontological dig in progress. History: Traditional historical land-uses are maintained in areas where cattle still graze and hunters wander the slopes in search of game. Natural Arches: Ongoing uplift of the Uncompahgre Plateau and erosion has resulted in colorful cliffs, deep canyons, and sculpted alcoves and arches. Rattlesnake Canyon contains one of the largest concentrations of natural arches in the western United States. Geology: The geologic story of McInnis Canyons NCA is one of deposition and erosion. Through time, layer upon layer of sediments were deposited in shallow seas and meandering river systems that occupied what is now western Colorado. History of the NCA Paleontology: A high concentration of dinosaur fossils is found embedded in the rocks in and Photo © Jerry Sintz During the Upper-Jurassic Period between 146 and 156 million years ago, McInnis Canyons NCA was part of a basin of shallow lakes, meandering streams, and subtropical vegetation. Some dinosaurs got stuck in the soft mud near ponds, where they became easy prey for meat eating dinosaurs. If an animal or plant is quickly buried, it may be preserved as a fossil, which happened a lot in this area. As a result, McInnis Canyons offers an amazing diversity of fossilized plants and animals. About 4 Million years ago during the late Cenozoic Era, movements within the earth began to uplift an area from Fruita to Montrose creating the Uncompahgre Plateau. Canyons eroded into the The Utes were the most recent Native American occupants of western Colorado, and were one of the first tribes to acquire horses. Small family groups camped, hunted, and gathered foods in local canyons and o

Front Country Trail System â a il â ââ â â ââ â â â â lum e C onne c tor ââ Z ! ââ O3 Opal Hill Equestrian Trailhead ââ i! ! _ O al p 0.1 0.2 Miles O2 O1 Parking Area Opal Hill Hi ll L o Ki i ! ng Devils Canyon Trailhead s w 's Tra il Ro a di e Vie i _ ! ! S D1 ad D5 Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness D4 D1 i ! â ââ â D4 D6 D1 D6 D1 D2 K1 K6 K6 K8 K9 K5 K7 K2 K4 D6 connector K8 K2 K7 K3 Loop K1 â â â ââ â K8 â ââ â ââ â â â ââ D6 Loop â D5 D3 â i ! â D1 â ââ â â ââ â D1 â â ââ ââ â ââ K2 Loop â K8 D4 â K10 p â D4 D7 o Lo ââ 0 i ! a l Hill Lo op p -F Op o Restroom Skinner Cabin Historical Site ââ De vi ls D4 Trail Number i ! ââ _ ! â â â â â â Open To: â !! È F F ! D3 â Travel Opportunities: Open To: â â ââ Fruita Paleontological Area ââ N i ! â ââ â â â ââ â McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Boundary Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness â â â â ââ ââ ââ â ââ â âââ â ââ â â â â â â ââ Skinner Tr ââ ââ â Special Area Designations · Æ 340 K12 D3 K5 K4 D1 K1 PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE • Know the skills and gear that go along with traveling through the desert. • Minimize risk by planning a trip that matches your skills and expectations. • Tell someone where you’re going. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES • The Devils, Flume & Pollock Bench Trail System, including trailheads, is designated for day-use only, with camping and nighttime use prohibited from the NCA boundary to the wilderness boundary. • Outside of the wilderness, this part of the NCA is designated for day-use only with no camping or nighttime use allowed (including at trailheads). • Camping and nighttime use is allowed inside the wilderness. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY • Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND • Prehistoric and historic sites help us understand our past (collection of artifacts and fossils is against the law). • Enjoy rock art by viewing it not touching it. • Help children understand the natural roles plants and animals have in their environment. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS • Campfires are prohibited from the NCA boundary to the wilderness boundary. RESPECT WILDLIFE • Never feed wild animals. • Control your dogs. • Observe wildlife from a distance. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS • Choose to maintain a cooperative spirit on trails. • Yield to other trail users. • Take breaks a short distance from trails on durable surfaces. BLM/CO/GI-17/009 In October 2000, Congress designated the 123,430–acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA). This legislation provides for the protection of the NCA’s nationally significant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations as a part of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands. Directions From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to Fruita exit #19. Turn south (left), travel 1.5 miles to the Kingsview Estates subdivision. Turn west (right) in to the subdivision. Stay on the main road all the way through the subdivision; Devils Canyon Trailhead is approximately 0.5 miles ahead on your left. The trailhead sits back off the main road via a short access road and is not easily visible from the main road. Watch for the sign. Pollock Bench Trailhead is another 2.5 miles ahead directly off the main road, on your left. USGS 7.5 - minute maps that cover this area: Mack, Ruby Canyon and Battleship Rock. Maps are available at the BLM Grand Junction Field Office. A georeferenced PDF map is available to download at www.blm.gov/maps/georeferenced-PDFs. Colorado Canyons Association CCA is a partnering 501(c) (3), non-profit committed to community stewardship of Gunnison Gorge, McInnis Canyons and Dominguez-Escalante NCAs. It is a nonpartisan volunteer organization fostering cooperation among all NCA user groups.To get involved, visit www.coloradocanyonsassociation.org. Bureau of Land Management McInnis Canyons NCA 2815 H Rd Grand Junction, CO 81506 970-244-3000 www.blm.gov/colorado/mcnca BLM Photos by Matt McGrath Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics Fruita Front Country Devils Canyon & Pollock Bench Trail System McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area â ââ â â ââ C o l o ra do _ ! i ! 70 § ¦ ¨ â â ââ r Rive i ! â i ! g Kin s a Ro 19 340 · Æ â Fruita ââ Sign to MCNCA â ââ â â i! ! Ö ! 5 i ! d â â ââ â 1 Miles w Vie Devils Canyon Trailhead i! ! _ Fruita Paleontological Area i â Ö ! ââ! ! _ Opal Hill â Equestrain Trailhead ââ â â â â â Pollock Bench Trailhead i! ! _ F1 ils e to r â P1 P2 De v -F lu m C o n ne c ââ â D1 D1 See Detailed Map On Opposite Side No Camping 0.5 â â Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness P1 F1 No Camping D5 D4 D3 D3 0 â â ââ â â â Devils, Flume, and Pollock Bench Trail System È ! ! F R1 P1 P1 F1 D5 D3 ââ â â ââ ââ ââ â â â â â â â REGULATIONS/RULES OF CONDUCT These regulations and rules of conduct

Front Country Trail System PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the skills and gear that go along with traveling through the desert Minimize risk by planning a trip that matches your skills and expectations BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS Choose to maintain a cooperative spirit on trails Yield to other trail users Take breaks a short distance from trails on durable surfaces From Grand Junction take I-70 west to Fruita exit #19. Turn south (left), travel 1.5 miles to the Kingsview Estates subdivision. Turn west (right) in to the subdivision. Stay on the main road all the way through the subdivision, Devils Canyon Trailhead is approximately 0.5 miles ahead on your left. The trailhead sits back off the main road via a short access road and is not easily visible from the main road. Watch for the sign. Pollock Bench Trailhead is another 2.5 miles ahead directly off the main road, on your left. In October 2000, Congress designated the 123,430 - acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA). This legislation provides for the protection of the NCA’s nationally significant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The National Landscape Conservation System, of which MCNCA is a part, adds to these special designations by focusing on the opportunities and management needs of BLM’s national treasures. Enjoy rock art by viewing it not touching it Help children understand the natural roles plants and animals have in their environment RESPECT WILDLIFE Never feed wild animals Control your dogs Observe wildlife from a distance Avoid being in wildlife habitat at sensitive times (i.e. lambing season) USGS 7.5 Minute maps that cover this area: Mack, Ruby Canyon, Battleship Rock Maps are available at local sporting goods stores. Bureau of Land Management McInnis Canyons NCA 2815 H Road Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 970.244.3000 www.co.blm.gov/mcnca/devils.htm This brochure is made possible through a grant from the Fruita Tourism Board and the support of the Friends of McInnis Canyons NCA. Devils, Flume and Pollock Bench Trail System McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area • COLORADO LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Prehistoric and historic sites help us understand our past (collection of artifacts and fossils is against the law) Directions BLM Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Directions From Grand Junction take I-70 west to Fruita exit #19. Turn south (left), travel 1.5 miles to the Kingsview Estates subdivision. Turn west (right) in to the subdivision. Stay on the main road all the way through the subdivision, Devils Canyon Trailhead is approximately 0.5 miles ahead on your left. The trailhead sits back off the main road via a short access road and is not easily visible from the main road. Watch for the sign. Pollock Bench Trailhead is another 2.5 miles ahead directly off the main road, on your left. Devils, Flume and Pollock Bench Trail System McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area • COLORADO In October 2000, Congress designated the 123,430 - acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA). This legislation provides for the protection of the NCA’s nationally significant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The National Landscape Conservation System, of which MCNCA is a part, adds to these special designations by focusing on the opportunities and management needs of BLM’s national treasures. Enjoy rock art by viewing it not touching it Help children understand the natural roles plants and animals have in their environment RESPECT WILDLIFE Never feed wild animals Control your dogs Observe wildlife from a distance Avoid being in wildlife habitat at sensitive times (i.e. lambing season) BLM Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the skills and gear that go along with traveling through the desert Minimize risk by planning a trip that matches your skills and expectations BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS Choose to maintain a cooperative spirit on trails Yield to other trail users Take breaks a short distance from trails on durable surfaces LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Prehistoric and historic sites help us understand our past (collection of artifacts and fossils is against the law) Front Country Trail System USGS 7.5 Minute maps that cover this area: Mack, Ruby Canyon, Battleship Rock Maps are available at local sporting goods stores. Bureau of Land Management McInnis Canyons NCA 2815 H Road Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 970.244.3000 www.co.blm.gov/mcnca/devils.htm This brochure is made possible through a grant from the Fruita Tourism Board and the support of the Friends of McInnis Canyons NCA. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Colorado Recreation Backyard to Backcountry Map Guide & Guide BLM Colorado Recreation Backyard to Backcountry M ore than a quarter of public lands in Colorado are managed specifically for recreation and tourism. Recreation on BLM lands is all about the visitor’s freedom to choose where to go and what to do. Unlike many other recreation destinations, the BLM’s public lands are still quite rustic. There are no entrance stations and comparatively few developed recreation areas. Diversity is the name of the game in Colorado, from our lands, to our recreation opportunities, to our adjoining communities. Dozens of nearby communities provide permitted guiding and outfitting services, gear and equipment sales, and lodging. BLM Colorado is always seeking recreation partnerships to enhance visitors’ experiences and provide quality recreation opportunities. Public lands are not set aside solely for recreation; they offer energy potential and—in an increasingly urban world—vast open spaces. In many places, the flavor of the Old West is still plainly visible—in historic mining structures as well as contemporary ranching activities. syMBOLs Legend A J K V C A N T E G S Camping Hiking Horse Trail Historic Site Rock Climbing Mt. Biking 4WD Wildlife Viewing Fishing Back Country Byway Kayaking Cover Photo: Kevin Krill - Crested Butte Photography, Penitente Canyon Top: Photo ©Jerry Sintz, Animas Forks Bottom: BLM Photo by Matt McGrath, McInnis Canyons NCA 1 | O T D Q E P Q I H B W Dirt Bike Trail Rafting Hunting ATV Trail Scenic Geology Fossil Site Scenic Area Winter Rec Area Snowshoeing Canoeing Off-Highway Vehicle Know Before you go BLM Colorado Offices 9 1 Craig 8 3 Kremmling Meeker 10 2 DENVER Silt 6 4 5 7 6 Grand Junction 7 8 Gunnison Montrose 3 5 Cañon City 1 2 4 9 10 Monte Vista Durango ROyAL gORge FIeLd OFFICe sAn LUIs VALLey FIeLd OFFICe gUnnIsOn FIeLd OFFICe TRes RIOs FIeLd OFFICe UnCOMPAHgRe FIeLd OFFICe gRAnd JUnCTIOn FIeLd OFFICe COLORAdO RIVeR VALLey FIeLd OFFICe KReMMLIng FIeLd OFFICe LITTLe snAKe FIeLd OFFICe WHITe RIVeR FIeLd OFFICe For additional information, contact the local BLM field office for the area you are planning to visit, or go to www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/ recreation-activities/colorado. B LM Colorado wants you to have the best experience possible on your public lands. When planning your trip, take all necessary safety precautions and be aware of regulations. Take into consideration the weather conditions, necessary equipment and wildlife inhabiting the area. CAMPIng BLM-managed public lands provide a variety of options for overnight trips: • developed campgrounds may include a variety of facilities, such as restrooms, potable water, fire rings, picnic areas, garbage cans, tent pads, etc. • dispersed (undeveloped) campsites are normally recognized by a hardened surface with no vegetation, where others have already camped. Use pre-existing fire rings or firepans, and be sure you know the local fire restrictions. TARgeT sHOOTIng Target shooting is permitted in most locations on BLM lands in Colorado. However, some areas are closed to target shooting for safety and resource protection. To ensure the well-being and enjoyment of all visitors on public lands, please follow laws, regulations and guidelines. OFF-HIgHWAy VeHICLes To ensure that all visitors have a chance to enjoy their public lands, visitors must abide by vehicle travel designations. In most BLM areas, OHVs are limited to operating on roads and trails that are identified on travel maps and/or posted as available for motorized use. Please check in with your local field office for more information on the best locations for motorized recreation. CULTURAL sITes Archaeologists study cultural sites to help understand the past. These important sites act as an outdoor classroom for all ages and provide insight into the lives of previous cultures. Collecting artifacts–including arrowheads–from federal public lands or Indian Tribal lands is illegal under federal laws and regulations. Violators may face prosecution and prison sentences of up to one year or more and possible fines. Never touch painted or plastered walls, petroglyphs or pictographs. The oil and dirt from hands can eventually destroy these remnants of past lives. Leave all artifacts exactly where you find them for others to enjoy. | 2 BLM Colorado offers a diversity of recreation activities and destinations. Here are a just few of the highlights: FIsHIng With four gold medal trout waters and three blue ribbon waters, some of Colorado’s best fishing is found on BLM public lands. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Upper Colorado River are just a few areas that offer excellent fishing opportunities. ByWAys Several scenic and historic byways such as the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Histor

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Leave What You Find • Prehistoric and historic sites help us understand our past (collection of artifacts is against the law). Camping TM Plan Ahead and Prepare • Know the special concerns that go along with traveling in the back country. Minimize risk by planning a trip that matches your skills and expectations, and prepare for hazards and emergencies. • Please leave rocks, plants, fossils and other natural objects as you find them. N W E S TM • Visit in small groups when possible. • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. TM • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. TM • Use a lightweight stove for cooking, and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Respect Wildlife • Never feed wild animals. • Good campsites are found, not made. Dispose of Waste Properly • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter (including toilet paper and hygiene products). Minimize Campfire Impacts • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. on Public Lands • Enjoy rock art by viewing it, not touching it. • Control pets at all times. • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. TM • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. TM • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. TM BLM/CO/GI-18/0015 BLM Colorado State Office 2850 Youngfield Street Lakewood, CO 80215 (303) 239-3600 www.blm.gov/co BLM Photo For more information, please contact: CAMPING ON BLM PUBLIC LANDS IN COLORADO DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED CAMPSITES There are more than 8 million acres of public land in Colorado, most of which is available for camping. This brochure is published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to help you enjoy camping on public lands, while preserving the quality of those lands for future generations. Building your camping adventure around your vehicle is one popular way to enjoy your public lands. Developed campgrounds have a variety of facilities available: a toilet, picnic tables, a fire ring, potable water, tent pads, and garbage cans. These sites may require a daily fee, which helps fund the care and maintenance of the site. You can also find developed campgrounds in nearby communities or on lands managed by other agencies. Developed site camping carries responsibilities for being a good neighbor to your fellow campers, and leaving a clean campsite for the next visitors. Although the BLM builds and manages campgrounds on the public lands in some areas, not all recreation attractions have developed recreation sites nearby. Undeveloped sites are normally recognized by a hardened © Jerry Sintz There are several options for staying overnight on public lands managed by the BLM in Colorado. You can camp within a vehicle, trailer, tent, or under the stars. You can enjoy a developed campground or any number of dispersed (undeveloped) sites, backpack or camp on a remote trail. Depending on where you go, available facilities and services vary widely. Please think about the following considerations as you decide what best fits your particular recreation outing. surface with no vegetation where others have already camped. Please use pre-existing campfire rings, and make sure you know fire restrictions that may be in place in your area. Camping at an undeveloped site brings the additional responsibility of packing out what you pack in, and properly disposing of human waste. Please observe the Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics guidelines outlined on the back of this brochure. BLM Photo by Bob Wick BLM Photo CAMPING Whether you take a short hike, an extended backpack trip, or mountain bike into the backcountry, more remote camping requires a greater level of preparation, additional gear and equipment, and more knowledge about how to care for yourself and the environment. Backcountry camping also carries an obligation to leave areas looking as you found them or even better for the next visitor to enjoy.