Vale of Tears Wilderness Study Area

Values

The Vale of Tears WSA consists of rugged canyons, ridges, peaks, and draws on the slopes of Douglas Mountain trending southward to the Yampa River in the adjacent Dinosaur National Monument. The Vale of Tears canyon in the southern section contains colorful badlands with banded, multicolored geology. Sawmill Canyon cuts through the northeastern part of the WSA. Vegetation consists mainly of pinyon-juniper woodlands with sagebrush and saltbush/greasewood communities at lower elevations. Fauna includes fox, coyote, black bear, mountain lion, mule deer, elk, raptors and various songbirds, gopher snakes, and western diamondbacks. The WSA offers opportunities for deer and elk hunting, camping, sightseeing, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding.

Visitation Information

The Vale of Tears WSA is located in Moffat County, approximately 25 miles west of Maybell and 55 miles west of Craig.

Visitor Advisory

Total Area: 7,045 acres

Elevation Range: ~5,800 to ~7,800 feet

BLM Field Office: Little Snake

Designated: 1980 (Wilderness Study Area)