THE PALISADE WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The Palisade Wilderness Study Area is characterized by steep cliffs and deep rugged canyons, rolling out to flat, desert valley bottoms. In places, cliffs tower 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. The area's main feature, The Palisade, is a towering, red-rock buttress, rising 1,700 feet above the confluence of West Creek and the Dolores River. Numerous hoodoos, jagged cliffs, and a series of waterfalls that tumble 1,700 feet in 1.5 miles add to the areas scenic values. Vegetation consists mainly of pinyon-juniper, oakbrush, aspen, ponderosa pine, and pockets of riparian vegetation. Fauna includes the rare Nokomis Fritillary butterfly, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned owl, golden eagles, rattlesnake, bull snake, the collared lizard, and trout in the North Fork of West Creek. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, and photography.

Visitation Information

The Palisade WSA is located in Mesa County, approximately 60 miles south of Grand Junction; immediately north of Gateway.

Visitor Advisory

This area is remote and has no developed trail systems; recreation requires the aid of detailed maps and backcountry skills.

Total Area: 26,766 acres

Elevation Range: ~4,600 to ~9,450 feet

BLM Field Office: Grand Junction

Designated: 1980 (Wilderness Study Area)