Colorado Units 61 and 62, Discover the Best Public Hunting Grounds in Western Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunting Information. Its a pity that Franciscan friars Father Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre de Escalante never got to visit their namesake canyons, but plenty of Native Americans, prospectors, ranchers, railroaders and outlaws certainly have. Elk and White Tail. Dominguez Creek has some of the oldest rocks in the world from the Uncompahgre schist at 1.4 billion to 1.8 billion years old. There are 115 miles of streams and rivers in the NCA, and there is habitat suitable for 52 protected species of animals and plants. Located in western Colorado in Mesa and Delta counties. Geology, botany, natural history all abound in Dominguez Canyon, named in 1874 by the Hayden Expedition as it mapped Colorados Western Slope. Human habitation in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area goes back 10,000 years. Unit 62 within D-E NCA is famous for its huge elk and mule deer herds providing outstanding back country hunting opportunities. Congrats, thats is beautiful area and a fun hunt. 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 Uncompahgre band, Weminuche band and Grand River band of Utes may all have traversed this canyon at different times of year. Hunting Grounds: West of Hwy 50 and east of the Gunnison River this area is rich in cultural heritage resources and a popular location for dispersed recreation. Over the last 10,000 years, ancient Native Americans left a rock art legacy including petroglyphs of bear tracks, deer, bighorn sheep, and strange human-like figures. Created by, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The conservation area allows for a wide variety of activities including hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. The feature service is full-featured and is available at world-room scales. One panel with an exploding star may depict the famed supernova of AD 1054. The second half of the hike descends the Pack Trail for 10 miles and then edges along the Gunnison River back to the trailhead. In high summer with temperatures in the 90s, the bare-breasted, brown-bottomed skinny dipper is frequently seen in these marvelous pools and is definitely not an endangered species. You will encounter picturesque views, fascinating historical artifacts, as well as unique plants and geologic features. Unit 61 has a very limited number of licenses and requires preference points to draw. We look forward to your visit; here's hoping that you are inspired to linger a little while longer with us. L.O. Traces of the early miners and settlers who lived and worked there are also evident. This scenic wonderland was declared a national wilderness site in 2009 and consists of 66,280 acres of land that is ripe for exploration. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. We typically hunt elk and deer, but we also offer opportunities to pursue other animals such as bears and desert bighorn sheep. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness consists of two major canyon systems, Big Dominguez and Little Dominguez. Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River flow through Dominguez-Escalante NCA, supporting fish, wildlife and recreational resources. Details Address: Grand Junction, CO Phone: 970-240-5300 Season: Year round Website: blm.gov/visit/dominguez-canyon-wilderness Join our Colorado travel community Nice bull and very good write up congrats!! Also, its a good idea to use a canister to protect your food from black bears. They do their push-ups and scamper across red rocks. Thanks to Chinese astronomers, we have a date. The Big Dominguez Trail accesses some of the most popular areas of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, including waterfalls and rock art. A lock ( Please call 970-882-5600 for assistance. They put their kids in school so they wouldnt have that life. Collared lizards enact marvelous mating dances. Hikers can see it in the Grand Canyon or you can hike into the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness along the Gunnison River between Delta and Grand Junction. I understand this is an old thread, but want to reply anyway. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area 2) National Conservation Area located in western Colorado southeast of Grand Junction and northwest of Montrose. The Ute Tribes today consider these pinyon-ju. Deluxe horse pack-in/tent camp 18 miles, Bob Marshall Wilderness. We are proud to say that we have enjoyed a very high success rate, and we show no signs of slowing down. This small but dramatic petroglyph may be a depiction of the supernova that exploded in 1054 and was seen around the world. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The feature service includes both wilderness polygons and non-wilderness . Hunting and guiding have been a part of our families lifestyle for generations, and we are excited to share this experience with you! There was a private property in Little Dominguez Canyon that was bought by the BLM in 1988. The Gunnison River itself is not part of the wilderness but does act as a boundary. Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum closed for renovations through mid-May. On a three-day backpacking trek here you might see only a half-dozen other people, and the only sound besides the wind is an occasional plane far overhead. Safety Considerations, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Hunting Information HUNT AREA INFO WILDERNESS AREA HUNT AREA HARVEST REPORT HUNTER SAFETY Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, History, geology tell old tales in these Colorado desert canyons. The bottom of Dominguez Creek has hard, brittle, blue-gray rock, yet all around are red sandstone cliffs. LockA locked padlock Plenty of other recreational opportunities are available for your enjoyment such as, camping, hiking, horseback riding and don't forget your camera! The Old Spanish Trail passes through the eastern part of the NCA. Three major canyonsEscalante, Little Dominguez, and Big Dominguezdrain off the highlands of the Uncompahgre Plateau, the eroded roots of an ancient mountain range, into the glassy Gunnison. The Elk Ridge Recreation Area is located in San Juan County, Utah, west of Monticello and north of Blanding in southeastern Utah. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez- Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompaghre Plateau. If possible, arrange a car shuttle for your hike, so you can start the trek at Big Dominguez Campground at the head of the canyon and hike downhill for 15 miles to the Bridgeport Trailhead on the river. The canyon is unique because it has drainages running east and west out of the canyon. by Eric Jensen. Adventurous travelers can make a large loop using Big and Little Dominguez Canyons. Phone: (970)244-3000 The Old Spanish National Historic Trail is composed of three main routes: the Main Route, the Armijo Route, and the North Branch. Josh works diligently alongside his experienced guides and camp crew to assure every hunt is outfitted with a memorable experience in the backcountry. Equal Opportunity Employer Please call to speak directly with Josh about your elk hunt! This trail is 12.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,112 ft. An outstanding historic Ute Indian petroglyph is this bison-hunting scene with the vanquished bison spurting blood. Introduced desert bighorns routinely travel between Escalante and Dominguez canyons. 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). Find your next adventure Congressionally designated in 2009 for its distinctive canyon country, the Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area includes the remote Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, recreation along the Gunnison River, and a network of off-highway vehicle trails. Almost 30 miles of the river meanders through a cliff-lined gorge accessible only by boat or foot. Recently, I returned from my first elk hunt, which was in Colorado's Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. 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. Please check the current streamflow data and weather before your boat trip. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Recreationin Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, Gunnison River Campsite and Allocation System Planning, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Science Plan, Dominguez Canyon Wilderness 66,280 acres. 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! Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. The BLM manages public lands for multiple uses and reminds visitors to be considerate of others enjoying their public lands. Permits and instructions can be found on-site at the Escalante and Bridgeport boat launch. This wilderness is located in the northern Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon and encompasses 176,557 acres. This loop trek, ranging between 35 and 50 miles (depending on how much side-exploring you do), is for experienced backpackers with route-finding skills. Please click the link to the CPW for current Hunting Seasons, draw deadlines, and pricing of licenses. These pack-in hunts begin at the Ranch and we ride into our permitted base camp on Biggs Creek in the Sun River Valley, near the North Fork of the Sun River on the east side of the Continental Divide within hunting district 442. South end of Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, near Montrose, CO. Photo by: camping near Naturita, Norwood, Nucla and Gateway, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, blm.gov/visit/dominguez-canyon-wilderness. 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 . Little Dominguez is the longer of the two at approximately 12 miles in length. Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area was designated by Congress in 2009 by the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act. 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. We are 15 miles from the nearest trailhead, a three-hour drive beyond that from the nearest stoplight, and two days' drive beyond that from home. The route takes three to five days. Escalante Canyon: Escalante Canyon includes the Potholes Recreation Area, popular with extreme kayakers in the spring and picnickers in the summer. It provides shelter during summer rainstorms. Created Date: 20140413130415Z . Official websites use .gov National Conservation Area, Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, Old Spanish Trail National Historic Trail. Traditional uses such as livestock grazing, hunting and fishing are important uses in the NCA and are specifically protected by the designating legislation and Resource Management Plan. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Unit 61 has a very limited number of licenses and requires preference points to draw. The individual who sold the property was granted a life lease on it - meaning he was allowed to live out the remainder of his life on the property and continue to use it as he had for so many years before. If you do hike in summer, check the forecast beforehand and carry sunscreen, a hat, and light-colored clothing. You might also come across areas that still show traces of early miners and settlers who tried to eke out a living in this wild and woolly countryside back in the early days of Euro-American settlement. You should plan on finding and purifying water from trickling creeks and potholes filled with rainwater. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The captain called the canyon a hidden paradise. But of all the prehistory, history and tales told in the canyons, I am most interested in a specific petroglyph. Established in 2009, the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness contains 66,000 acres and is part of the larger Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area. Due to last minute changes, my normal hunting partner, Rita, was unable to go. LockA locked padlock The large canyon in the 66,000-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness is accessible by canoe from the Gunnison River or by a metal bridge from the Bridgeport Road south of Grand Junction. 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. The NCA consists of 210,000 acres of protected land in Delta, Montrose and Mesa Counties. Ed Hake. I think they carved it, too. 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. 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. It worked out well since Ben's an experienced hunter and many grades . The area was the traditional hunting area for Ute and Fremont Indians that migrated and hunted through the area. Grand Junction Field Office & Uncompahgre Field Office The area provides valuable wildlife habitat for desert bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey and chukar. You may encounter livestock when visiting the NCA. From 1829 to 1848, this trail was the shortest-known route from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, through red-rock mesas, below snow-capped peaks, and fording untamed rivers, following a loose network of Native American footpaths across the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert. Congressionally designated in 2009 for its distinctive canyon country, the Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area includes the remote Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, recreation along the Gunnison River, and a network of off-highway vehicle trails. Petroglyphs include Archaic styles from 1000 B.C. For a cash-poor settler, it was a home. The 210,172-acre Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, which includes the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, was created by the 2009 Omnibus Public Lands Management Act and is part of the Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands. If youre looking to have a great time while hunting big game, get in touch with us today! Besides its rich wilderness and scenic qualities, the area echoes with human history. Ninemile Hill is easily identifiable by its communication towers along the crest. Cap Smith said, Escalante Canyon is a hidden paradise. Note: Mountain bikes or high clearance vehicles are required on the Tabeguache Trail (see the Tabeguache Trail brochure for more information). 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. The remote canyons also formed hideouts for outlaws and rustlers. Then theres the famous canyon shootout of June 9, 1917, when Ben Lowe, who often brought destitute homesteader families sides of beef not his own, faced off with former Sheriff Cash Sampson, who had been a state stock and brand inspector. The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Areas is rough and rugged country, so backpackers need to be experienced in off-trail travel. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 h 40 min to complete. This national resource is known for its . New member. A lock ( Sounds like a great hunt. After 3 years of trying to draw a tag, I finally drew a Unit 52 bull elk tag during the Muzzleloader season, Oct 7 - 11. This is an area of rugged, water-carved mesas covered with dense stands of pinyon and juniper. There is Ute rock art nearby, but this panel looks old, very old, and it seems to be the image of a star exploding. The wilderness was designated by Congress in 2009 and is made up of most of what was previously the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Study Area. | A new metal bridge provides pedestrian access to Dominguez Canyon Wilderness from the Bridgeport Road south of Grand Junction. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Ute-style rock art goes from 1600 to 1880, including shield figures and a bison hunting scene with Native Americans on horseback surrounding a bison dripping blood. The area provides valuable opportunities for many different forms of recreation, particularly OHV and horseback riding. JavaScript is disabled. Singing birds, flowing waters: Arizonas San Pedro riparian NCA, Poseys War in Bears Ears: Telling the Truth a Century Later, Q&A: Durango student helped lead the fight to carry and use Narcan on campus, Mason Lodge awards Bayfield High School student, among others, Longtime Southwest Colorado vineyard to open tasting room in Durango, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. The area possesses outstanding geological features, spectacular scenery, ecological diversity, two cascading mountain streams and opportunities for solitude and primitive unconfined recreation. Red rocks Wilderness site in 2009 and consists of 66,280 acres of land! Mesa counties, but we also offer opportunities to pursue other animals such as bears and desert bighorn sheep supernova! Hunt elk and deer, but we also offer opportunities to pursue other such! Off-Trail travel and mule deer herds providing outstanding back country hunting opportunities.gov website 2009, Dominguez. 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