Squaw Canyon

· Canyon of the Ancients

Squaw Canyon

Aliases: Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (Dolores section)

A small canyon at the northern reaches of the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, this is THE place in Dolores County for pinyon-juniper specialties. Look along the road in for Gray Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Pinyon Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Black-throated Sparrow, and maybe even Scott’s Oriole. This area has one of the highest densities of breeding Gray Vireos in the state. The small riparian area in the floor of the canyon is good for Virginia’s Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Western Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. The small pools of water are excellent for a variety of dragonflies and butterflies; this is one of the best places in Colorado to find Canyonland Satyr. Note that the road in is very rough and requires high clearance, but can be walked if you desire.

County: Dolores

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Lowland Riparian, Sagebrush

Directions: Note: distances are approximate. From Dove Creek, drive west on CR J. Turn left on CR 6 (1.5 m); right on CR P (5.5 m); left on CR 6 again (0.25 m); right on CR S.00 (2 m); left on CR 5 (0.5 m); right on CR S (0.5 m); left on CR 5 (0.5 m); right on CR T (1 m); left on CR 4 (1 m); right on CR U (1 m), and right on CR T.5, which snakes around past some farmsteads. At 0.7 miles, bear left onto an inconspicuous side road that drops down into the canyon; it may be necessary to open a barbed-wire gate at the entrance to public lands. The entire canyon floor is part of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Delorme: 74 C1-D1
Roads of Colorado: 128 A2-B2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Access road requires high-clearance vehicle

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 37.62551
Longitude: -109.0043

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Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveYes
CampingYes
PicnicNo
HuntingYes
FishingYes
2022-02-17T20:53:00-07:00

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