Dominguez-Escalante NCA
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area protects a key segment of the historic route of Ferdinand V. Hayden and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, featuring dramatic canyons, alpine rims, and archaeological sites. Visitors can enjoy pocket-sized trail segments, rustic camping, and remote backcountry; access is best via designated trailheads from Highway 6 and Highway 50.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Colorado Plateau |
| Subregion | Navajo Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | UtahColorado |
| County | San Rafael County (Utah)Mesa County (Colorado) |
| District | Dominguez-Escalante NCA |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 38.7 |
| Longitude | -110.75 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEDominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area spans a roughly 330-square-mile corridor across southwestern Colorado and northwestern Utah, following much of the route first mapped during Ferdinand V. Hayden and Silvestre Vélez de Escalante’s 19th-century expedition. The landscape is a mosaic of deep sandstone canyons, high desert plateaus, and alpine ridges, with key access points along Highways 6 and 50. Highlights include the multi-channel Escalante River and its tributaries, the secluded valleys of Dry Fork and Cataract Canyon, and sites of cultural significance tied to Native American histories and early explorers. The area is designed for float trips on larger waterways, day hikes up to moderate distances, and primitive overnight camping at official sites and backcountry zones—access and facilities vary greatly by trailhead and sector. Because of its scale and remote character, planning ahead regarding permits, water, and trail conditions is strongly recommended.
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