Site Overview: Located at the southern most end of Unaweep Canyon, The Palisade WSA is characterized by steep cliffs and deep rugged canyons rolling out to flat desert valley bottoms. In places, the walls tower 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. The area’s most prominent feature is the Palisade, a towering red-rock buttress rising above the confluence of West Creek and the Dolores River. On all sides there are numerous uniquely shaped hoodoos and tall jagged cliffs. Rainfall in the area varies from less than 10 inches to more than 30 inches per year creating an ecological diversity in plant and animal life.  At the far eastern edge of the WSA, Fish Creek offers a series of waterfalls tumbling 1,700 feet in 1.5 miles.

NOTE:  There are no developed trail systems in the Palisade Wilderness Study Area. This is a remote area and backcountry skills and knowledge are encouraged.

Brochures: None

Location: From Hwy 50 at Whitewater south of Grand Junction head south on Hwy 141. Travel approximately 40 miles toward the town of Gateway. There are several places to access the eastern side of the WSA along Hwy 141 northeast of Gateway. The western side of the WSA can be accessed from County Road 4.2 which runs along the north side of the Dolores River down river from Gateway.