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Located in the high desert canyons of western Colorado, McInnis Canyons NCA encompasses an array of landscapes. Originally known as Colorado Canyons NCA, the area was renamed in 2005 to honor former U.S. Representative Scott McInnis (Public Law 108-400), who was influential in passing the legislation to designate the NCA.
McInnis Canyons provides habitat for mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, elk, deer, eagles and collared lizards. This area is also known for its fascinating paleontological resources. Visitors can view and learn about a variety of prehistoric fossils at the nearby Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita. |
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The NCA is a recreation destination, drawing visitors to world-class mountain biking on Mack Ridge and along the 142-mile Kokopelli Trail, which extends to Moab, Utah. Twenty-five miles of the Colorado River wind through the NCA, attracting boaters who value straightforward floating through spectacular multi-hued sandstone canyons. The Ruby-Horsethief river corridor offers Class I and II flatwater boating.
Among its unique natural resources are more than 75,000 acres of the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, which includes the second largest concentration of natural arches in North America. Hikers will be stunned by the red-rock cliffs, arches, spires, and windows. Internationally important fossils have been uncovered during more than a century of excavation. |
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Pictograph and petroglyph sites abound, and the Old Spanish Trail, once referred to as the “longest, crookedest, most arduous mule route in the history of America,” runs through the NCA.
Activities in the NCA are guided by the 2004 Colorado Canyons NCA/Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Resource Management Plan (RMP). This plan built upon the legislative direction contained in the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-353). |
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