Cross Canyon

The roads above this large pinyon-juniper filled canyon pass through extensive sage flats and scattered pinyon-juniper woodlands, making this the most accessible spot in the area to look for Sage and Black-throated Sparrows, Gray Vireo, Pinyon Jay, and other specialties of these habitats. Also keep an eye out for a variety of lizards and snakes, including the gaudy collared lizard and the bizarre-looking short-horned lizard.

Restrictions: The southern end of the road becomes very sandy

County: Dolores

Directions: Note: distances are approximate. Cross Canyon is close to Squaw Canyon and the two should be visited together. 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 (.25 m); right on CR S (2 m); left on CR 5 (.5 m); right on CR S (.5 m); left on CR 5 (.5 m); right on CR T (1 m); left on CR 4 (1 m); continue south on Rd 4 to its end in PJ habitat (about 3 m). All roads are paved until towards the end of CR 4. More good habitat can be reached by turning west on Rd V one mile south of Rd U, then turning left onto Rd 3 (1 m), which curves around to the west and becomes Rd W before terminating (1 m). The lower slopes of Cross Canyon are part of the National Monument, but pay careful attention to property boundaries before leaving roads in this area.

Habitat: Sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper Forest

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM/National Park Service
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside

Lodging: Primitive camping

Disabled: No
Disabled Access: Limited

Delorme: 74 C1-D1

ROC: 128 B2-B3

Latitude: 37.5670442
Longitude: -108.9865045