MORE ABOUT THE LAND

OF McInnis Canyons NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

WHAT MAKES McInnis Canyons NCA SO SPECIAL? WE’RE HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE NCA’S MOST SIGNIFICANT Features.

Natural Resources

Geology

McInnis Canyons NCA is layered with geologic history. It starts over 1.5 billion years ago with the Precambrian rock layer; this is part of the Black Canyon group, known to be some of the oldest rock on earth! On top of the Precambrian rock sits different layers of sandstone, including the Chinle, Wingate, Kayenta, and Entrada formations. These different types of sandstone were deposited on top of one another throughout millions of years of history. Arches, towers, and alcoves are just some of the geologic features that make MCNCA so special. It is also known for its rich paleontological history, including the discovery of rare, never-before found dinosaurs.

Rare Plants

McInnis Canyons NCA is home to several species of rare plants, but the most prominent is the Dolores River skeletonplant (Lygodesmia doloresensis). This annual flowering plant is prominent in the dry desert landscape in McInnis Canyons during years with higher amounts of spring precipitation. If the conditions are not right, its seeds will wait to germinate another year. It is a wiry, bushy plant with few leaves. Flowering in mid-summer, its lovely blooms can be pink or white. It is often found growing on small embankments next to dry washes and roads.

Native American Culture

Native Americans were the first inhabitants in Colorado, including the landscape of McInnis Canyons NCA. Evidence for Paleoindian habitation has been found in the area. Archaic, Fremont, and Ute cultures also inhabited the land.  Sheltered by canyon walls, but also having access to upper plateaus, Native American ancestors used the land for all matters of life including hunting, farming, social gatherings, and more. The Utes were forcibly removed from this area in the 1880s and relocated to reservations. This land remains sacred to the Ute tribe and is an important connection to their past and present.

Western Settlers of the land

The Old Spanish Trail, a network of routes first utilized by Native Americans, became a major trade route between the Spanish cities of Santa Fe and Los Angeles. Archaeologists have found traces of the trail on the landscape, as well as historic inscriptions related to use of the trail. The Old Spanish Trail was likely the first presence that western settlers had in MCNCA. Similar to much of the surrounding area, the lands of MCNCA were settled by pioneers and cattle ranchers in the late 1800s. Old cabins and thousands of historical artifacts have been found within MCNCA, providing a deeper insight to the modern history of the land. To this day, cattle ranching remains to be an important use of the land. 

Learn More!