Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, on the northwest flank of the Uncompahgre Plateau, is characterized by the high, east-west trending Black Ridge which is dissected by seven major red rock canyon systems that drain into the Colorado River. Canyons vary in length from several miles to twelve miles in length and may contain interesting side canyons. Elevations range form 4,700 to 6,800 feet. Geological features in these canyons include spires, windows, giant alcoves and desert patina. Canyons may reach a depth of almost 1,000 feet, forming spectacular redrock cliffs. The area contains the second largest concentration of natural arches in the world. Spring runoff and summer thunderstorms create glistening waterfalls and plunge pools.
Description from Wilderness Connect (wilderness.net).
| Designation | Wilderness |
| Managed by | Bureau of Land Management |
| States | Colorado, Utah |
| Size | 75,479 acres |
| Designated | 2000, by Congress |
| Center point | 39.11° N, 108.93° W |
| Night sky | Very dark ground, a faint glow at most (Black Marble reading 27) |
Boundary map
Boundary, simplified to about 0.005 degrees Federal campground
The outline is the agency boundary simplified for display, so small parcels and inholdings may not show. The agency page has the authoritative map.
Weather by month
Large units span more than one climate. The station stands in for the center point, and the outer parts of the boundary can be warmer or colder.
Where to camp
None of the 5 federal campgrounds within ten miles sit inside the boundary. Nearest first. Distances are from the campground point to the boundary edge, from the Campsite Atlas index.
Explore
Nearby on the other atlases
- 0.9 miSaddlehorn Utility Area Historic District ↗Grand Junction, CO
- 1 miSaddlehorn Comfort Station ↗Grand Junction, CO
- 1.2 miSaddlehorn Caretaker's House and Garage ↗Grand Junction, CO
- 1.7 miFruita Bridge ↗Fruita, CO
- 2.2 miFruita Museum ↗Fruita, CO
- 2.4 miLoma Community Hall ↗Loma, CO
- 2.9 miPhillips, Harry and Lilly, House ↗Fruita, CO
- 4.7 miPipe Line School ↗Glade Park, CO
Landmarks are listed first, then by distance from the boundary.
Guidebooks for Colorado
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
How big is Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
75,479 acres.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Who manages Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
The Bureau of Land Management.
Source: Wilderness Connect
What state is Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness in?
The boundary crosses Colorado and Utah.
Source: Wilderness Connect
When was Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness designated?
Congress designated it in 2000.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Can I camp at Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
Camping inside a wilderness is usually allowed away from roads, with no facilities, and the managing agency page has the permit rules. The federal campgrounds within ten miles are listed under Where to camp.
Source: Where to camp
How do I get to Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
A point inside the boundary is at 39.105° N, 108.930° W. Colorado National Monument is 3 miles away. The official page carries directions and the office address.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Which national parks are near Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
Colorado National Monument (3 mi). Park Atlas has fees, hours and alerts for each.
Source: Nearby on the other atlases
Are there historic places near Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
The National Register has 18 listings within 15 miles, including Saddlehorn Utility Area Historic District and Saddlehorn Comfort Station.
Source: Register Atlas
Sources
- Boundary, name, acreage, designation year, states and description: Wilderness Connect.
- Campgrounds: the Campsite Atlas index of federal campgrounds, matched to this boundary at build time.
- Trailheads and sites: the Forest Service Recreation Opportunities layer, points inside the boundary.
- Night sky: NASA Black Marble (VIIRS, 2016 composite) sampled at zoom 6 around the center point.
- Weather, alerts, air quality, river flow and earthquakes load live in your browser from NWS, AirNow, USGS and iNaturalist when you open the page.