Programs
- Information
- Resources
|
Print Page | ||||||
| Special Status Areas in Northwest Colorado | |||||||
Special Recreation Management AreasWilderness Study AreasBull Canyon, Willow Creek and Skull Creek WSA'sThese three areas comprising of approximately 39,000 acres are located south of Dinosaur National Monument and north of U. S. Highway 40. The areas are comprised of numerous colorful canyons, sandstone cliffs, and rock outcrops. The areas offer opportunities for scenic viewing, viewing cultural resources, hiking, backpacking, back county camping, wildlife viewing, photography, nature study, and horseback riding. Some of the oldest pinyon trees occur in this area. The Bull Canyon WSA can be viewed from Dinosaur National Monument Plug Hat Picnic area. The areas are generally open or accessible earlier and later in the season (spring and fall) than higher elevations such as in the National Forests.
Cross Mountain WSA
Activities enjoyed in the area include: Hiking, backpacking, photography, hunting, fishing, scenic viewing, wildlife viewing, and enjoying our cultural heritage. Diamond Breaks WSAThis 36,000 acre WSA is located west of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge and provides a scenic mountainous backdrop to the Browns Park area. The area offers opportunities for day hikes or backpacking where you can experience solitude. The WSA is adjacent to the north end of Dinosaur National Monument and provides views into the Canyon of Lodore which are spectacular. Activities that can be enjoyed in the area: photography, nature study, viewing wildlife, hiking, backpacking and enjoying our cultural heritage. Emerald Mountain SRMA
The public gained access to the 4,139 acre Emerald Mountain parcel west of Steamboat Springs in February, 2007 after the BLM formally closed on a land exchange that brings the parcel under its management. For now, public access on Emerald Mountain will be limited to day-use, foot travel only, and all dogs must be leashed. These provisions will remain in place to protect the area's resource values in the intermim until a detailed recreation plan for the area is completed. Little Yampa Canyon SRMA Additional Information on floating the Yampa River West Cold Spring WSAThis 17,000 acre area on the north side of Browns Park includes Beaver Creek Canyon which offers trail hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing such as bighorn sheep. Other activities that are enjoyed in the area include: hunting, back packing, and scenic viewing.
LSFO Home | Information | News & Events | Plans & Projects | Programs | Links
|
|||||||
>
This WSA offers spectacular views into Cross Mountain Canyon where the Yampa River rages 1000 feet below the Canyon rim. The Yampa River in the Canyon provides the expert kayaker with high risk and challenging whitewater not found elsewhere in the region. The south end of the mountain is excellent for day hikes while the north end of the mountain provides a large area for backpacking and backcountry camping. Numerous side canyons allow for exploration and boulder scrambling, This area is easily accessible from county roads and the National Park Service parking area along the Deer Lodge road at the west end of Cross Mountain Canyon. 
This SRMA includes public lands on Duffy Mountain, Iles Mountain, and Juniper Mountain. Portions of the Yampa River and Yampa Valley Trail are included in the SRMA. The Yampa River is a popular flatwater floatboating area for the young and old alike. The Yampa Valley Trail actually extends from Steamboat Springs, CO to Dinosaur, CO and connects with other regional trails on either end. The Duffy Mountain area is also a popular area for hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are allowed on designated routes only.