Celebrate Wilderness in the National Conservation Areas!
September is National Wilderness Month! Since the Wilderness Act passed in 1964, some of America’s most special landscapes have been designated as wilderness. We are lucky to have wilderness areas in all three of our National Conservation Areas - McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante, and Gunnison Gorge. Learn more about each one below!
Dominguez-Escalante NCA
The Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area can be found within Dominguez-Escalante NCA. Dominguez Canyon offers amazing opportunities to backpackers and rafters alike. Backpack the entire length of Big Dominguez Canyon on a 3-day trek or raft the 39 miles of river on an overnight rafting trip, staying in campsites along the wilderness boundary.
McInnis Canyons NCA
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness lies at the heart of McInnis Canyons NCA. With towering sandstone walls, arches, and remote alcoves, true solitude can be found in this wilderness area. What are some of our favorite spots? For the adventurous, check out Mee Alcove. If you want the trail to yourself, check out Jones Canyons Overlook, deep within the NCA.
Gunnison Gorge NCA
The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area carves through Gunnison Gorge NCA with a dramatic canyon. Accessed by boat or foot, this wilderness area has stunning views, plentiful wildlife, and ancient geology. Our favorite trail to access the wilderness by foot is the 7-mile round-trip Ute Trail. If going by boat, enjoy an adventurous put-in along the Chukar Trail.
A special thanks to Bob Wick for the above photos!
