Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area

Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is a nature reserve covering a large area of public land with red-rock canyons, sandstone bluffs, and multiple creek systems winding through the landscape. The terrain varies significantly, with elevation changing across the reserve and creating distinct zones of vegetation and geology.

An old trading route used by merchants crossing between New Mexico and California passed through the eastern section during the 1800s. This historic pathway marks one of the region's important connections to early commerce and travel.

The land holds deep meaning for Ute Tribes as a connection to their ancestral home and heritage. You can see evidence of this significance throughout the area in the form of archaeological remains.

The east side is accessible via Bridgeport Bridge from US-50, while the north side requires travel on Highway 141 from Whitewater toward Tabeguache Trail. Different entry points serve different areas, so plan your route based on which section you want to explore.

The reserve is crisscrossed by streams that create lifelines through the arid landscape, supporting a diverse array of species that depend on flowing water year-round. These waterways are crucial for the survival of creatures that would otherwise struggle to thrive in such a dry environment.

Location: Montrose County

Operator: Bureau of Land Management

GPS coordinates: 38.74829,-108.38896

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25