Recreation OPPORTUNITIES in
Hiking
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (D-E NCA) offers beautiful hiking year-round; regardless of where you hike, expect to see rare plants, a diverse array of wildlife, and cultural/historical sites along the way.
Hiking in Dominguez Canyon
The Big Dominguez Trail accesses some of the most popular areas of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, including waterfalls and rock art. The most common access point is from the Bridgeport Trailhead or from the Gunnison River at the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon. The upper end of Big Dominguez Canyon can be accessed on a primitive trail from a small trailhead near the Big Dominguez Campground. Adventurous travelers can make a large loop using Big and Little Dominguez Canyons. This trip can take several days to a week, depending on how much exploring you plan to do. No permit is required for backpacking. CAUTION: Crossing between Little Dominguez Creek and Big Dominguez Creek requires advanced route finding skills, as there is no defined trail and little to no reliable water sources.
Hiking in Escalante Canyon
A 15-mile graded county road offers visitors a trip back to pioneer days through Escalante Canyon. 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.
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Learn more about Hiking in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness
Boating
The Gunnison River has carved an 800-foot-deep canyon within D-ENCA, providing boaters with a stunning experience. The 39-mile trip takes 11 to 16 hours and offers ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploring, but can also be done in smaller sections. 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. Please check the current streamflow data and weather before your boat trip. Expect Class I and II water. Campsites are first come, first serve.
You must obtain a free, self-issued permit if you are taking an overnight trip. Permits and instructions can be found on-site at the Escalante and Bridgeport boat launch.
River Access Points:
• Escalante Put-In
• Whitewater Put-In/Take-Out
• Redlands Dam Take-Out (outside the NCA Boundary)
View the BLM’s River Guide
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Mountain Biking and Off Highway Vehicles
D-E NCA provides a host of mountain biking and OHV riding on existing roads and trails. Cactus Park includes miles of existing routes, trails, and roads for motorized recreation. Note: Mountain bikes or high clearance vehicles are required on the Tabeguache Trail (see the Tabeguache Trail brochure for more information).
As you ride, please respect the landscape making sure you stay only on designated trails, yield to other visitors, and follow all other principles of Leave No Trace (LNT).
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Hunting
The management plan for Dominguez-Escalante NCA specifically allows for hunting under state game laws. D-E NCA offers outstanding opportunities to hunt for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, waterfowl, turkey, and chukar. Unit 62 within D-E NCA is famous for its huge elk and mule deer herds providing outstanding back country hunting opportunities. If you are lucky enough to draw one of the 4-5 desert bighorn sheep tags issued each year, you’re in for an amazing experience!
For more information on hunting seasons, how to get your hunting license, and more, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.