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Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area is located near the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, outside Grand Junction, Colorado. The wilderness spans 75,439 acres. Of that area, 5,120 acres are located in Utah. The area covers seven canyons, including Mee, Rattlesnake, and Ruby Canyon, and each offers different opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The nearby Colorado River also provides excellent swimming, fishing, and boating options. Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are also nearby.

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2000. Like all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) locations, this site is a protected stretch of public land that gives visitors a chance to explore unique, diverse ecosystems and amazing landscapes. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Devil’s Kitchen Trail

This trail, located in the nearby Colorado National Monument, is a fantastic way to spot native wildlife or view the area’s fascinating plants and cacti.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pollock Bench Trail

Located in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, this trail provides amazing views of Mee and Rattlesnake Canyons.

L Length: 5.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Knowles Canyon Loop

This trail provides excellent views, and during the winter months, it’s a good option for snowshoeing.

Length: 9.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rattlesnake Arches Trail

One of the most popular trails in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, this trail is excellent for backpacking, but visitors can also hike just a short portion to take in the beautiful views.

Length: 14.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Mee Canyon Trail

This challenging trail is usually quiet, so hikers can almost guarantee they’ll be the only people in the area.

Length: 5.2 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Colorado River is the best local place to fish, and anglers can usually catch catfish, trout, sunfish, carp, and pike. The river is also popular for paddling, drift boating, and rafting, and several locations are excellent for swimming. Many people also enjoy swimming or floating in the calm waters in Ruby Canyon.

Climbing

There are dozens of locations for rock climbing in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness and the Colorado National Monument. Devil’s Canyon offers more than 80 traditional, top-rope, aid, and bouldering options. Rattlesnake Canyon features an excellent traditional climbing route. There are also options for bouldering at the Slab Boulder and Opal Hill in the McInnis Canyon area. Fruita Canyon also provides 11 traditional and aid routes.

Wildlife Viewing

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is the perfect place to spot wildlife. Animal species include deer, bobcats, coyotes, bighorn sheep, eagles, and mountain lions.

Picnicking

The Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area is an excellent location to stop for lunch. The area provides picnic tables, clean restrooms, and beautiful views.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Some of the area’s best BLM RV camping is at the Saddlehorn Campground. This campground in the Colorado National Monument offers a dump station and clean restrooms. The campground is open all year. The Grand Junction KOA Holiday also offers excellent RVing opportunities. There are full hookups available, and the campground also offers a pool, bike rentals, and firewood sales.

Free Camping

Visitors to the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Castle Rocks, Knowles Overlook, and Jouflas Campgrounds in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Each site is numbered, and visitors can set up camp on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping is also allowed in Mee Canyon, but campers must avoid the Mee Canyon Alcove. Camping is also prohibited within one-quarter mile of the Rattlesnake Arches Loop.

RV Rentals Near Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness BLM trip

Some roads that access the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness are only open for part of the year, although mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers can use the roads throughout the year. These roads may also require high-clearance or all-terrain vehicles. You can check the status of roads and trails before you head out to ensure your intended route is still accessible. Always obey all posted signs, and check road and trail signs to make sure you can drive, hike, bike, or ride safely on each.

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness sees relatively mild temperatures throughout the year. Even summer temperatures tend to be cooler than those in the surrounding desert, and daytime highs rarely exceed 95 degrees. Winter temperatures can be chilly but generally hover above freezing. Remember that nights in arid areas are often much colder than daytime temperatures. If you plan to camp, bring warm blankets and dress in layers.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Protecting BLM sites and helping to preserve them is incredibly important, and Leave No Trace practices can help. Whenever you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or wild areas, remember to be courteous to other visitors by sharing trails and public spaces, cutting down on noise, and throwing away all of your trash. Never litter, and if you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it. Keep fires to a minimum in dry areas. If you do build a fire, make sure it remains controlled. Only build fires in fire pits or rings. Make sure the coals are cold before you leave the area. Stay on trails as much as possible. Try to avoid damaging any plants, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals.

Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Location

To reach the Pollock Bench or Fruita Paleo areas, take I-70 west from Grand Junction to Exit 19 for Fruita. Turn left and cross back over I-17 and then continue for 1.5 miles. Turn right at the Kings View Estates Subdivision. Continue about 0.5 miles to the Devils Canyon Trail turnoff. The Pollock Bench Trailhead is about 1.5 miles farther down the road. To reach the Knowles or Jones Canyon Trails, take Grand Avenue from Grand Junction and then turn left on Monument Road. Turn left on D Road, then take a left on Little Park Road. Take another left onto DS Road, a right on 16.5 Road, and another a left on BS Road. The Knowles Canyon Trailhead is 12 miles ahead, and the Jones Canyon Trailhead is another 2.5 miles after that.

Address: Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Ready to visit Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.