• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Knowles Canyon
Knowles Canyon in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Photo: Matt McGrath, BLM

Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness – by Grand Junction

FacebookTwitter

Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness encompasses a large area of semi-arid landscape in the Colorado Plateau Region. It’s located on the Western Slope by Fruita, with a small section extending into Utah.

Located on the northwest flank of the Uncompahgre Plateau, the sprawling Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness contains over 75,000 acres of land, approximately 5,000 of which is in Utah. It’s comprised of seven major canyon systems that form red rock cliffs. These canyon systems dissect the high Black Ridge and converge into the Colorado River.

It was designated as a Wilderness Area in 2000 and is now being governed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Activities at Black Ridge Canyons

While the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness offers visitors a wide variety of activities to choose from, its claim to fame is the opportunity for challenging but peaceful and rewarding camping or hiking experience. It’s a great spot for hikers or campers who are looking for quiet and solitude.

 

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is also home to the second-highest concentration of natural arches in the United States located in the Rattlesnake Canyon. Another location of note in the wilderness is the Arch Tower, which can be found in Mee Canyon.

For visitors who prefer water activities, kayaking, rafting, and canoeing are all permitted on the Colorado River. Although the river itself is not part of the wilderness, visitors can use it as an access point to various parts of the wilderness including both the Rattlesnake and Mee Canyons.

Read about the camping near Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita.

Getting There

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness has two other main access points in addition to floating up the Colorado River. From Grand Junction, visitors may head to Fruita where the urban-wilderness interface is located nearby. This access point leads to trailheads heading to Devil’s Canyon and other locations perfect for undisturbed camping.

The other access point is through Glade Park, which leads to Knowles Canyon and provides wonderful views of the wilderness scenery.

Details

Nearby Towns: Fruita, CO

Phone: 970-244-3000

Season: Year-round

Established: 2000

Management: BLM

Website: blm.gov/…

Latest in Black Ridge Canyons

Island Acres Campground Colorado River State Park Palisade CO

Camping near Palisade, Grand Junction and Fruita, around Mesa County

Located on Colorado’s far western slope, Mesa County is home to the largest city west of…

Camping near Palisade, Grand Junction and Fruita, around Mesa CountyRead More

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • 8 Best Breweries in Littleton
  • Top things to do in Sterling, Colorado
  • Find Gold in Colorado & Relive the West
  • Best Long Weekend Trips in Colorado
  • Cool Off at 8 Colorado Swimming Holes

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Spring Activities

  • Camping
  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Scenic Drives
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • State Parks
  • Waterfalls

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2022 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise