Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area

Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area encompasses 75,370 acres of remote high desert landscape straddling the Colorado-Utah border near Palisade, Colorado. This rugged terrain features deep canyons carved through colorful Precambrian and Paleozoic rock formations, offering hikers and backpackers an exceptional experience of solitude and geological drama. The wilderness showcases dramatic canyon walls, narrow slot canyons, and expansive vistas across the Colorado Plateau, with elevations ranging from 4,600 to over 8,000 feet. Water sources are limited and seasonal, making thorough planning essential for backcountry travel through this desert wilderness.