Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is a wilderness area located in western Colorado, with a small portion extending into eastern Utah. This landscape is characterized by dramatic red rock canyons, some nearly 1,000 feet deep, carved by seven major canyon systems that drain into the Colorado River. The terrain features unique geological formations such as spires, windows, and natural arches, making it a distinctive setting for outdoor pursuits. Visitors engage in several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, road cycling, andโฆ
64
Routes
4.7
(40)
Average rating
1868
People visited

1
hikers
16.9km
04:40
310m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

1
hikers
2.52km
00:42
50m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
5.60km
01:35
120m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.79km
01:50
30m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(5)
308
riders
52.7km
02:54
1,150m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

36.4km
01:24
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(2)
186
riders
66.0km
03:30
1,070m
1,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

37
riders
71.5km
04:05
1,600m
1,600m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.5
(2)
207
riders
12.9km
01:16
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(2)
70
riders
18.4km
01:43
270m
270m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

8
riders
19.3km
01:49
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
12.3km
01:12
230m
230m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
runners
5.77km
00:44
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
2.90km
00:27
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
1.63km
00:13
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.57km
01:07
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
37.7km
03:15
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
14.3km
01:22
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19.4km
01:58
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

40.0km
03:21
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

28.1km
02:30
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is a wilderness area located in western Colorado, with a small portion extending into eastern Utah. It encompasses over 75,000 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The area is characterized by dramatic red rock canyons and unique geological formations.
The wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and backpacking within its canyon systems. Mountain biking and road cycling are popular in the surrounding McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and on access roads. The Colorado River, bordering the area, provides access for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
Yes, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness features numerous hiking trails leading through its canyon systems. Routes range from moderate to difficult, offering options for day hikes and multi-day explorations. For more information, consult the Hiking in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness guide.
While motorized vehicles, including bicycles, are generally prohibited within the designated wilderness, mountain biking is popular in the surrounding McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. This includes areas like Rabbit Valley, which features dedicated mountain biking trails. Explore options with the MTB Trails in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness guide.
Road cycling is possible on access roads to the wilderness and within the broader McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. These routes offer varied terrain for cyclists. For detailed information, refer to the Road Cycling Routes in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness guide.
The wilderness is known for its deep red rock canyons, spires, windows, and giant alcoves. Rattlesnake Canyon contains the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the United States. During spring runoff or after summer storms, waterfalls and plunge pools can also be observed.
The wilderness offers a range of trail difficulties, including options suitable for easier day hikes. Specific routes may be more accessible for families depending on their experience level. For beginner-friendly options, consult the Easy hikes in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness guide.
Information regarding specific dog regulations within Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is best obtained directly from the Bureau of Land Management. Visitors should always check current rules before bringing pets into wilderness areas to ensure compliance and safety.
Komoot features 5 routes for Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, covering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and jogging. These routes have received an average rating of 4.76 stars from more than 5,000 visitors.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, MTB Trails in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, and Road Cycling Routes in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Additional guides cover easy hikes, running trails, and general cycling.
The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. For inquiries, the BLM Grand Junction Field Office can be reached by phone at +19702443000. Their official website provides additional information.
The official website for information regarding Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness and the surrounding McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/mcnca/wilderness.html. This site provides details on regulations, access, and management.

