- Region
- CO/UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current hiking, overnight camping,…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office; 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506; 970-244-3000; gjfo_webmail@blm.gov
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Photos of Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
How to get there
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is approximately 15 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado, adjoining Colorado National Monument on the east and extending across the Utah boundary. For Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench, take I-70 west to Fruita exit 19, turn left across the interstate and continue 1.5 miles to Kings View Estates. Turn right and remain on the main road. For the southern Rattlesnake Arches and Mee Canyon approach, use Fruita exit 19 and follow signs into Colorado National Monument. Travel 11 miles from the entrance station, turn right at the Glade Park Store sign, and continue 0.2 miles to the Black Ridge Access Roads. Tell the entrance attendant that the destination is Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness; passage through the monument for this access is free.
- Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench
From the turn into Kings View Estates, the Devils Canyon trail turnoff is approximately 0.5 miles along the main road on the left. Pollock Bench Trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles farther.
- Knowles Canyon and Jones Canyon trailheads
From Grand Junction, follow Grand Avenue west across two bridges, then turn left onto Monument Road and left onto D Road. Bear left onto Little Park Road, then turn left onto DS Road to Glade Park Store. Turn right onto 16.5 Road, travel 0.5 miles and turn left onto BS Road. Knowles Canyon trailhead is another 12 miles along; Jones Canyon access is 2.5 miles farther at the locked gate marking the end of the public road.
- Black Ridge Access Roads
The Upper and Lower roads serve Rattlesnake Canyon/Arches and Mee Canyon trailheads along the southern boundary. The Upper Road is open to motorized travel April 15–August 15; the Lower Road is open August 15–February 15. Both are closed to motorized travel February 15–April 15. Hiking, horseback riding and biking are allowed on these access roads year-round. Do not drive either road when wet. The final 1.5 miles require a high-clearance 4X4. Rattlesnake Arches trailhead is approximately 13 miles beyond the start of the access roads.
- Loma boat launch
Take I-70 west from Grand Junction to the Loma exit, go south across the overpass and follow signs to the launch. This is the river approach through Horsethief and Ruby canyons, with access to canyon mouths along the Colorado River.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CO/UT, USA · United States
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Hunting
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
Seven canyon systems above the Colorado River
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness covers 75,439 acres in western Colorado and eastern Utah, about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. It lies within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area on the northwest flank of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The east-west Black Ridge is cut by seven major red rock canyon systems that drain toward the Colorado River. Elevations range from 4,700 to 6,800 feet, and canyon walls can approach 1,000 feet in height. Spires, windows, giant alcoves and dark desert patina give the rock its detail. Rattlesnake Canyon is known for its natural arches; more remote Mee Canyon contains Arch Tower. This is a place to choose a specific canyon or river approach rather than assume neighboring drainages connect into a straightforward walking route.
Choose between canyon hiking and a river approach
Hiking to the arches in Rattlesnake and Mee canyons is a main reason to visit, but the wilderness also supports backpacking, primitive camping, horseback riding and hunting. Rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Colorado River offer another way to reach canyon mouths. From the Loma boat launch, float trips travel through Horsethief and Ruby canyons along the wilderness's northern edge. Mee and Knowles are the two longest canyon systems, and their river entrances are used for camping and hiking. Private land blocks river access to Jones Canyon in Utah. Land access varies considerably: Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench are approached from Fruita, while the southern trailheads involve longer road approaches. Choose the access point before setting the day's hiking plan, and confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management.
Plan for dry country and protect fragile ground
Sparse vegetation, exposed red rock and seasonal water make preparation important here. Carry enough drinking water rather than relying on waterfalls or plunge pools: these form during spring runoff and after summer thunderstorms. Check the weather before entering the canyons, and pack sun protection and layers appropriate to the forecast. The southern access roads must not be driven when wet, and their final 1.5 miles require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Canyon bottoms support cottonwoods, willow, box elder and grasses, while uplands hold pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush parks. Well-developed cryptobiotic soils make careful foot placement especially important; travel and camp on durable surfaces. Pack out waste, leave natural features undisturbed and minimize campfire impacts. Give deer, desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife space, and avoid approaching or feeding animals.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 39.1119, -108.9451
- Latitude (DMS)
- 39° 6′ 42.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 108° 56′ 42.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
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...
Key takeaways
- Region: CO/UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 39.112, -108.945
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
Animals around Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Seven canyon systems above the Colorado River
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness covers 75,439 acres in western Colorado and eastern Utah, about 15 miles west of Grand Junction. It lies within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area on the northwest flank of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The east-west Black Ridge is cut by seven major red rock canyon systems that drain toward the Colorado River. Elevations range from 4,700 to 6,800 feet, and canyon walls can approach 1,000 feet in height. Spires, windows, giant alcoves and dark desert patina give the rock its detail. Rattlesnake Canyon is known for its natural arches; more remote Mee Canyon contains Arch Tower. This is a place to choose a specific canyon or river approach rather than assume neighboring drainages connect into a straightforward walking route.
Choose between canyon hiking and a river approach
Hiking to the arches in Rattlesnake and Mee canyons is a main reason to visit, but the wilderness also supports backpacking, primitive camping, horseback riding and hunting. Rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the Colorado River offer another way to reach canyon mouths. From the Loma boat launch, float trips travel through Horsethief and Ruby canyons along the wilderness's northern edge. Mee and Knowles are the two longest canyon systems, and their river entrances are used for camping and hiking. Private land blocks river access to Jones Canyon in Utah. Land access varies considerably: Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench are approached from Fruita, while the southern trailheads involve longer road approaches. Choose the access point before setting the day's hiking plan, and confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Bureau of Land Management.
Plan for dry country and protect fragile ground
Sparse vegetation, exposed red rock and seasonal water make preparation important here. Carry enough drinking water rather than relying on waterfalls or plunge pools: these form during spring runoff and after summer thunderstorms. Check the weather before entering the canyons, and pack sun protection and layers appropriate to the forecast. The southern access roads must not be driven when wet, and their final 1.5 miles require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Canyon bottoms support cottonwoods, willow, box elder and grasses, while uplands hold pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush parks. Well-developed cryptobiotic soils make careful foot placement especially important; travel and camp on durable surfaces. Pack out waste, leave natural features undisturbed and minimize campfire impacts. Give deer, desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife space, and avoid approaching or feeding animals.
Route options
- Rattlesnake Canyon arches hike
Explore Rattlesnake Canyon's natural arches on foot. The southern Rattlesnake Arches trailhead is reached by the seasonally available Black Ridge Access Roads; account for road conditions and vehicle requirements when choosing this approach.
- Mee Canyon hike
Choose Mee Canyon for a more remote canyon outing with arches, alcoves and Arch Tower. The southern trailhead is served by the Black Ridge Access Roads. Its river entrance also provides a hiking approach for float trips.
- Knowles Canyon hike
Enter one of the wilderness's two longest canyon systems from the Knowles Canyon trailhead on BS Road. The canyon can also be approached from its Colorado River entrance during a float trip.
- Horsethief and Ruby canyons float
Start at Loma boat launch for a Colorado River float combining river travel with visits to wilderness canyon mouths. Rattlesnake Canyon's hidden mouth is 3.3 miles below the put-in; Mee and Knowles entrances are also used for hiking and camping. Private land blocks river access to Jones Canyon. Confirm boating requirements and camping arrangements with the managing agency.
Sample itineraries
- Rattlesnake Arches day hike · 1 day
Plan a hiking day to view the arches in Rattlesnake Canyon. Approach the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead using the seasonally open Black Ridge access road. The last 1.5 miles require a high-clearance 4X4; do not drive either access road when wet. Choose your turnaround according to conditions and ability.
- Mee Canyon hiking day · 1 day
Explore Mee Canyon's remote red-rock terrain from the Mee Canyon trailhead. Plan conservatively around canyon navigation and the return hike rather than assuming a through-route. Seasonal road access and the high-clearance 4X4 requirement affect this approach.
- Ruby Canyon float and canyon exploration · 2 days
Plan an overnight Colorado River float from Loma boat launch through Horsethief and Ruby canyons, with canyon exploration near Mee or Knowles canyon mouths. Confirm river camping requirements, a suitable takeout, and shuttle logistics with BLM before committing. Private land blocks river access to Jones Canyon.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring runoff; motorized access changes April 15
Runoff can create waterfalls and plunge pools. Both Black Ridge access roads are closed to motorized travel February 15–April 15; the Upper Road's listed opening begins April 15. Do not drive either road when wet.
Summer
Upper Road through August 15; Lower Road from August 15
Summer thunderstorms can produce waterfalls and plunge pools. Watch weather before entering canyons, and carry sufficient drinking water for arid terrain. Sparse vegetation limits shade in parts of the wilderness. Wet access roads should not be driven.
Fall
Within the Lower Road's August 15–February 15 opening
The Lower Road provides seasonal motorized access toward Rattlesnake Arches and Mee Canyon. Check weather and road conditions before departure; its listed opening does not make wet-road travel suitable. Carry water and layers for exposed mesa and canyon travel.
Winter
Lower Road through February 15; both roads closed February 15–April 15
Motorized access on the two Black Ridge roads ends February 15. Hiking, horseback riding, and biking remain allowed on those access roads year-round. Check the forecast and prepare for cold conditions across elevations ranging from 4,700 to 6,800 feet.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring runoff; motorized access changes April 15 | Runoff can create waterfalls and plunge pools. Both Black Ridge access roads are closed to motorized travel February 15–April 15; the Upper Road's listed opening begins April 15. Do not drive either road when wet. |
| Summer | Upper Road through August 15; Lower Road from August 15 | Summer thunderstorms can produce waterfalls and plunge pools. Watch weather before entering canyons, and carry sufficient drinking water for arid terrain. Sparse vegetation limits shade in parts of the wilderness. Wet access roads should not be driven. |
| Fall | Within the Lower Road's August 15–February 15 opening | The Lower Road provides seasonal motorized access toward Rattlesnake Arches and Mee Canyon. Check weather and road conditions before departure; its listed opening does not make wet-road travel suitable. Carry water and layers for exposed mesa and canyon travel. |
| Winter | Lower Road through February 15; both roads closed February 15–April 15 | Motorized access on the two Black Ridge roads ends February 15. Hiking, horseback riding, and biking remain allowed on those access roads year-round. Check the forecast and prepare for cold conditions across elevations ranging from 4,700 to 6,800 feet. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current hiking, overnight camping, and river-use permit requirements with the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at 970-244-3000.
Fees: Travel through Colorado National Monument to access Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is free. Tell the entrance attendant that the wilderness is your destination; this is not a statement about other trip fees.
Official source: Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness - Colorado · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Wet Black Ridge access roads should not be driven. The last 1.5 miles of the Rattlesnake Arches and Mee Canyon approach require a high-clearance 4X4.
- Spring runoff and summer thunderstorms create waterfalls and plunge pools. Reassess canyon travel when runoff or storms are present.
- Canyons can approach 1,000 feet deep. Keep back from cliff edges and avoid committing to terrain without a clear return.
- Arid terrain and sparse vegetation make water planning and sun protection important. Do not assume seasonal waterfalls provide dependable drinking water.
- Long canyon systems and side canyons can complicate navigation. Carry a map and maintain a clear turnaround plan.
What to pack for Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
- Drinking water sufficient for the planned outing
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Wilderness map and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Weather-appropriate layers and rain protection
- Waste pack-out bags
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- Compact camping equipment for overnight trips
- Properly fitted personal flotation device
- Suitable raft, canoe, or kayak
- Dry bags for essential gear
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness?
- It lies approximately 15 miles west of Grand Junction, within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Most of its 75,439 acres are in Colorado, with 5,120 acres extending into Utah. BLM manages the wilderness.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Seven major red-rock canyon systems dissect Black Ridge and drain toward the Colorado River. Expect natural arches, spires, windows, giant alcoves, and desert patina. Rattlesnake Canyon is known for arches; Mee Canyon includes Arch Tower.
- Can a regular passenger car reach Rattlesnake Arches?
- Do not plan on driving the full approach in a regular passenger car. A high-clearance 4X4 is required for the last 1.5 miles. The Upper and Lower roads have different seasonal openings, and neither should be driven when wet.
- What other land access points are available?
- Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench are reached from Fruita through Kings View Estates. Knowles Canyon and Jones Canyon are approached via Glade Park and BS Road. Jones Canyon's trailhead is at a locked gate marking the end of the public road.
- Are bicycles allowed?
- Bicycles are generally prohibited inside wilderness. The Upper and Lower access roads allow biking, hiking, and horseback riding year-round, including during their motorized closures. Keep the distinction between boundary access roads and wilderness routes clear.
- How can visitors protect the desert terrain?
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces, avoid damaging cryptobiotic soils, pack out waste, and leave natural features undisturbed. Minimize campfire impacts and give wildlife space. Upland areas contain well-developed living soil crusts that need particular care.