See The Trails, And Petroglyphs In Colorado's Dominguez Canyon

The Colorado National Monument in Fruita and Grand Junction has long carried the nickname “Little Grand Canyon.” But the more you get out and hike around the Western Slope, the more you’ll find other spots that deserve that title too.

Find such a place about an hour south of Grand Junction, inside the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The Towering sandstone walls, hidden waterfalls, and red cliffs make Dominguez Canyon feel like a pocket-sized Grand Canyon you can hike in a day.

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Western Colorado’s Dominguez Canyon is still a place you can visit for free in 2025. While this could change, currently, guests do not need a reservation or a permit. Hiking Dominguez Canyon should be on your Western Slope bucket list.

In the canyon you can see firsthand how hard the Gunnison River and its tributaries worked to carve out the canyon’s amphitheaters, cliffs, and winding side canyons. Bring your favorite camera because there is a postcard around every corner. Unlike the Grand Canyon, you don’t have to plan a multi-day adventure to get to Dominguez Canyon.

A Canyon Steeped in History and Culture

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Both Dominguez and Escalante Canyons have been called living museums. If you keep a sharp eye out, you’ll discover Ute petroglyphs, a few rock shelters, and even evidence of early Spanish explorers.

The Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area takes its name from the 1776 Domínguez–Escalante expedition, which traveled through part of the Western Slope bound for California. Several cultural sites can be seen as you move through both sites. It’s ok to look at them, just be sure to leave no trace.

Trails, River Trips, and Outdoor Adventure

Both Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are great places for playtime and wandering. Following the Big Dominguez trail is a fun day hike with waterfalls and swimming holes. Rafts can float parts of the Gunnison River, and camping is allowed in designated areas along the banks of the river under the red cliffs.

Keep an eye out for wildlife in the canyons, such as bighorn sheep and golden eagles, which frequent this protected wilderness area. It might be smaller than the Grand Canyon, but Big Dominguez Canyon is an adventure you will love.

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Source: See The Scenic Trails and Petroglyphs of Dominguez Canyon

Filed Under: Hiking in Colorado, Delta Colorado

Categories: Outdoors, Colorado News