About the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area

Designated March 30, 2009

The D-E NCA encompasses 209,610 acres of BLM-managed land in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties in western Colorado. Within the NCA, 66,280 acres make up the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area, which was part of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Study Area. Known for their scenic value, these lands are popular for those wanting to see the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. Ute Tribes today consider these pinyon-juniper covered lands an important connection to their ancestral past. The Escalante, Cottonwood, Little and Big Dominguez Creeks cascade through sandstone canyon walls that drain the eastern Uncompahgre Plateau.  Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River flow through the NCA.  The Old Spanish National Historic Trail, a 19th Century land trade route, lies within the NCA. A variety of wildlife call the area home, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagle, turkey, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and the collared lizard.

What's New in the D-E NCA?

Bridgeport Trail Closed to Equestrian, Motorized and Mechanized Travel

There is significant damage to the trail between the Bridgeport Bridge and the mouth of Dominguez Canyon.  Travel along this section of the trail is closed to equestrian, motorized and mechanized travel due to public safety concerns.  Pedestrians may still use the trail. Repairs will likely take several months to complete.  Please click here to see a map and photo of the closed trail. Click here to read the BLM's press release regarding the temporary closure.

Canyon Clarion:

The Canyon Clarion is the BLM's new newsletter for the Dominguez-Escalante NCA and Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Check the Canyon Clarion website for a new edition every month.

Designation: 

The D-E NCA was designated under the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009.  Click here to see the legislation.

Maps:

Legislative Map
Brochure with Map *Note* This brochure is being updated to reflect the new designation of the National Conservation Area and Wilderness.

Videos: 

Secretary Salazar Dedicates Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area [.wmv 53MB]
Visit with Respect: A Native American Stewardship Message [.wmv 31MB]

Fact Sheet:

Information about the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area

National Landscape Conservation System:

The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is part of the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), which includes some of the West's most spectacular landscapes. Click here to learn about the NLCS in the state of Colorado.