WILLOW CREEK WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The Willow Creek WSA is characteristic of the arid canyon ecosystems found in the Colorado Plateau. The WSA lies within the Skull Creek Basin. The area is cut by steep, colorful ridges, hogbacks, deep gullies, unique rock formations, and sandstone canyons eroded by rain and snowmelt. A 1,000-foot cliff dominates the north end of the WSA. Vegetation consists mainly of pinyon-juniper, sagebrush, saltbush, native grasses and forbs, boxelder, cottonwoods, and willows. The area contains some of the oldest known pinyon pine trees. Fauna includes elk, mule deer, golden eagles, various other raptors, and smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles. Numerous and significant archaeological resources date back 10,000 years. The steep and rugged terrain and numerous canyons provide outstanding scenery and recreation opportunities including hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting, and photography.

Visitation Information

The Willow Creek WSA is located in Moffat County, approximately five miles northeast of Dinosaur, CO and eight miles south of Dinosaur National Monument. 

Visitor Advisory

Total Area: 14,088 acres

Elevation Range: ~5,860 to ~8,115 feet

BLM Field Office: White River

Designated: 1980 (Wilderness Study Area)