McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) 

forms a part of the Uncompahgre Plateau, which rises 

- like a giant rolling wave above the Grand Valley of Colo

rado. Rugged canyons descend to the Colorado River 

and contain some of the most spectacular landforms 

found anywhere in the country. Rattlesnake Canyon, 

Dinosaur Hill, Devils Canyon, and Mee Canyon are just a 

few of the areas that contribute to the mystery, splendor 

and diversity of this landscape. 

You will not find paved roads, visitor centers, or 

manicured trail heads, but you may discover a sense of 

wonder, exploration and adventure in a landscape of 

humbling beauty.

In this high-desert country, bighorn sheep still Wildlife:

leap among the rocks, mountain lions roam the piñoncovered slopes of Black Ridge, and elk and eagle share 

a seldom-visited wilderness.

A gentle stretch of the Colorado River winds 25 Water: 

miles through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons, offering 

spectacular opportunities for floating through the heart 

of the NCA. 

Primitive roads and trails offer motoring challenges Trails: 

and equestrian routes. Mountain bike trails abound on 

- Mack Ridge, including the internationally famous Koko

- pelli’s Trail, testing riders’ skills for 140 miles before end

ing in Moab, Utah. 

Traditional historical land-uses are maintained History: 

in areas where cattle still graze and hunters wander the 

slopes in search of game. 

The geologic story of McInnis Canyons NCA Geology: 

is one of deposition and erosion. Through time, layer 

upon layer of sediments were deposited in shallow seas 

and meandering river systems that occupied what is now 

western Colorado.

A high concentration of dinosaur fossils Paleontology:

is found embedded in the rocks in and around McInnis 

Canyons. In locations such as the Trail Through Time, 

- Dinosaur Hill, and the Fruita Paleontological Area, visi

tors can view dinosaur bones or watch a paleontological 

dig in progress. 

Ongoing uplift of the Uncompahgre Natural Arches: 

Plateau and erosion have resulted in colorful cliffs, deep 

canyons, and sculpted alcoves and arches. Rattlesnake 

Canyon contains one of the largest concentrations of 

natural arches in the Western United States.

WELCOME TO McINNIS CANYONS NCA

HELP PROTECT YOUR NCA

Pack out all trash •

Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace •

Keep on designated roads and trails •

Drive and ride carefully and courteously •

- Measures to protect resources or reduce user con •

flicts vary by area. Check kiosks to see where special 

equipment or actions are required.

Use designated and existing campsites and park in •

designated parking areas; do not disturb new areas

Wilderness campsites should be at least 200 feet (75 •

paces) from water

Use camp stoves for cooking •

If you need a warming fire, use a firepan and pack •

out ashes

Where required, use a portable, washable toilet, and •

pack out waste 

In other areas, dispose of human waste by digging a •

at hole” at least 200 feet from water and shallow “c

trails. Do not burn your toilet paper (this may cause 

a wildfire). Pack out toilet paper. 

McINNIS

CANYONS

NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

BLM

GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

During the Upper-Jurassic Period between 146 and 156 

million years ago, McInnis Canyons NCA was part of a 

basin of shallow lakes, meandering streams, and subtropical vegetation. Some dinosaurs got stuck in the soft 

mud near ponds, where they became easy prey for meat 

eating dinosaurs. If an animal or plant is quickly buried, 

it may be preserved as a fossil, which happened a lot in 

this area. As a result, McInnis Canyons offers an amazing 

diversity of fossilized plants and animals. 

About 4 million years ago during the late Cenozoic 

Era, movements within the earth began to uplift an area 

from Fruita to Montrose creating the Uncompahgre Plateau. Canyons eroded into the northwest flank of this 

uplifted area. The forces of water, wind, and gravity 

continue to sculpt this spectacular landscape today. 

As early as 13,000 years ago, Native Americans used 

the area for hunting animals and gathering plants. By 

500 AD, Fremont farmers entered west-central Colorado. 

The Fremont Culture was responsible for much of the 

rock art found in the area.

The Utes were the most recent Native American occupants of western Colorado, and were one of the first tribes 

to acquire horses. Small family groups camped, hunted, 

and gathered foods in local canyons and on nearby mesas. 

Utes may have walked or lived near the same trails you visit 

today. Be sure to respect this area’s rich heritage.

HISTORY OF THE NCA

The NCA benefits from the stewardship of a local Friends 

group. The Friends are committed to community stewardship of McInnis Canyons National Conservation 

Area. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)(3), volunteer organization fostering cooperation among all NCA 

user groups including hikers, mountain bikers, boaters, 

equestrians, OHV enthusiasts, hunters & anglers, dinosaur lovers, ranchers, scientists, and more.

Friends’ priorities include educational programs like 

guided tours, guest speakers, local school programs, 

and an oral history documentary video. They also host 

volunteer projects such as trail work, tree planting, and 

Adopt-A-Highway as well as winter mixers and National 

Public Lands Day celebrations.

Visit http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/mcnca for 

more information about the Friends group.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE NCA

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

McINNIS CANYONS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

2815 H Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506

970-244-3000

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/mcnca.html

FOR NON EMERGENCIES:

Call the Mesa County Sheriff at 970-244-3500

FOR EMERGENCIES: Call 911

This brochure printed in-part through funding from the City of Fruita and 

the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Always be prepared for your visit to the NCA.

It can be very unforgiving of any carelessness.

McInnis Canyons NCA is a rugged and remote landscape. 

Always:

•

and warm clothing

Carry a map, compass, extra water, food, first-aid kit 

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return

• Carry a gallon of water per person, per day • Use sunscreen and a hat• Wear sturdy footwear and watch where you step•

of flame

Be aware of fire danger and be careful with any type 

•

storms

Avoid ridge tops and open ground during lightning 

• Be alert for flash floods in the canyon bottoms•

Seasonally:

Untreated water may not be safe to drink

•

can be a problem from May- August. 

Carry insect repellent to fend off the biting gnats that 

•

canyon bottoms from April-July. Sunscreens and lo

Do not enter the seasonal pools that may exist in the 

-

tions can pollute these ephemeral waters. 

not remove any materials from these sites! 

sites and materials to help interpret our past. Please do 

rock art. Paleontologists and archeologists study these 

(chipping sites associated with making stone tools) to 

our past. These sites vary from fossils to lithic scatters 

Paleontological and cultural sites help us understand 

LEAVE WHAT YOU FINDFOR YOUR PROTECTION

The National Conservation Area is closed to all fossil 

and people who came before us. Enjoy rock art but 

collecting and serves as an outdoor museum of the life 

do 

not touch it. Do not remove any materials from these 

sites. Help protect your heritage. 

Violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection 

vandalism of cultural resources.

imprisonment for up to 2 years for illegal excavation or 

Act of 1979 (ARPA) can result in a $20,000 fine and 

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No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

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these data. Original data were compiled from various

sources.This information may not meet National Map

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digital means and may be updated without notice.

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Knowles Canyon

Trailhead

Jones Canyon

Trailhead

Mee Canyon

Trailhead

Rattlesnake Arches

Trailhead

Dinosaur Hill

Trailhead

Devils Canyon

Trailhead

Fruita Paleo

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Horsethief State

Wildlife Area

Pollock Bench

Trailhead

Loma Boat

Launch

Kokopelli's

Trailhead

Mack Ridge

Trailhead

Rabbit's Ear

Trailhead

Trail Through

Time Trailhead

Rabbit Valley

Staging Area

Rabbit Valley

Campground

Castle Rocks

Campground

McDonald Creek

Trailhead

Knowles Canyon

Overlook Campground

The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is part of the

BLM's National Landscape Conservation System. This

Conservation System conserves, protects, and restores some of

A

merica's most spectacular landscapes as a part of the agency's

multiple use mandate. Consisting of about 27 million acres of

public lands congressionally and presidentially set aside for their

recreational, cultural, scientific, and other values, the Conservation

System has over 850 National Monuments, National Conservation

Areas, Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic

Rivers, and National Scenic and Historic Trails. BLM

Colorado

manages 63 Conservation System areas encompassing over 1

million acres – about 1/8 of the 8.3 million acres of BLM land in the

state.

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McInnis Canyons

National Conservation Area

Black Ridge CanyonsWilderness

This Map was Produced by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office January 2009

National Park

Service

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No Camping Area

4wd

Non Motorized Trail

0 1 2 3 4

Miles

Kokopelli's Trail

County Roads

Highways

Access Roads Motorized Trail

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Non Motorized -

Non Mechanized Trail

spectacular landscapes as a part of the agency’s multiple use man

System conserves, protects, and restores some of America’s most 

BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. This Conservation 

The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is part of the 

-

date. Consisting of about 27 million acres of public lands congresareas encompassing over 1 million acres—about 1/8 of the 8.3 mil and Historic Trails. BLM Colorado manages 65 Conservation System Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness, scientific, and other values, the Conservation System has over 885 sionally and presidentially set aside for their recreational, cultural, 

-

lion acres of BLM land in the state.