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Rimrock Adventures |
888-712-9555 |
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Escalante and Dominquez canyons |
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Location |
Delta and Mesa Counties, western Colorado |
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Driving Time |
Grand Junction-1 hour |
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Difficulty |
Class I-II |
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Trip Length |
13-41 miles (21-66 km) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle raft, oar raft; one, two or three days |
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Season |
May-August |
Shortly after emerging from the Black Canyon Gorge, the Gunnison River is joined by the North Fork of the Uncompahgre River east of the town of Delta. From Delta, the lower Gunnison flows northwest through two remote canyons-Escalante and Dominquez-before its confluence with the Colorado River at Grand Junction.
Lower Gunnison canyons, named after the first European explorers, with the exception of a few easy Class I-II rapids in Escalante Canyon, have very gentle waters that are popular with senior, families, or anyone wanting a relaxing float trip. Short hikes, fishing, and swimming in beautiful pools below waterfalls are enjoyed along with riverside camping.
Escalante/Dominguez canyons in the Grand Valley roughly parallel, but are seldom seen from U.S. Route 50. The canyon walls are comprised of sloping beds of colorful Morrison strata which give way to Wingate and Entrada sandstone down stream. River guests are treated to large petroglyph panels created by earlier civilizations.
Desert Bighorn sheep are often seen and the area is a breeding ground for Canada geese, while tall stands of cottonwoods hold great blue heron rookeries.
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