Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site

Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site is a military training facility spread across semiarid rangeland with significant elevation changes. The landscape features rocky canyons, grassland, and river valleys that create diverse terrain for operations.

The U.S. Army acquired the property during the 1980s through a process that included taking land from numerous property owners. Landowners who resisted selling their properties were subject to forced acquisition.

The region contains rock art and petroglyphs created by Native Americans that you can still find today within the rocky canyons. The historic Santa Fe Trail passes nearby and remains part of the cultural landscape.

Access to the site is restricted since it remains an active military facility used for regular training exercises. Visitors cannot freely enter the grounds without authorization.

The site earned recognition from the National Wildlife Federation in 1988 for its environmental conservation practices. This acknowledgment highlights how military lands can support wildlife protection efforts.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 37.46000,-104.05000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52