Recreation OPPORTUNITIES for
Hiking
With hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, there are plenty of great options to choose from if you want to go hiking in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area! The Fruita Front Country provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy easy urban access to back country settings on foot or by horse; this area of the NCA transitions from the urban, backyard setting of Devil’s Canyon into a progressively more remote backcountry experience deeper inside the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness.
On the southern side of McInnis Canyons, visitors will find remote wilderness trails with some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Colorado! With arches, hidden alcoves, and more, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Our Favorite Hiking Trails:
Devils Canyon
Fruita Paleo Loop
Rattlesnake Arches
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Boating
The Colorado River winds through McInnis Canyons, carving the landscape with the beautiful red-rock Ruby and Horsethief Canyons. This 25-mile stretch of river offers a peaceful boating experience perfect for paddleboards, kayaks, and rafts. Along the way, boaters can sleep under the stars at designated camp sites; these sites require a permit and must be reserved in advance.
More Resources:
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Mountain Biking
McInnis Canyons NCA contains world-class singletrack trails, drawing visitors and locals alike to experience its beautiful scenery and technical lines. Please follow the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) - know which trails are open to bikes, avoid riding on muddy trails, and share the trail with other recreators.
Here are a few of our favorite trails:
Kokopelli Loops
Mack Ridge
Rustler’s Loop
Rabbit Valley Trail System
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Off Highway Vehicles
Rabbit Valley is one of the Grand Valley’s most prized playgrounds for motorcycle and ATV riding. With miles of single-track and double-track trail, motorists can enjoy the wild and rugged terrain of McInnis Canyons. Please follow the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) as they relate to motorized vehicle activity - stay on designated trails, yield to other recreators, and educate yourself on local laws and regulations.
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Hunting
Hunting within McInnis Canyons NCA is specifically protected in the legislation. MCNCA offers outstanding opportunities to hunt for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, waterfowl, turkey, and chukar. Every year, 4 or 5 desert bighorn ram tags are issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for unit S56; nearly all of these once-in-a-lifetime tags are filled in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area. Sections along the Colorado River provide excellent hunting and fishing opportunities for waterfowl, catfish, and more.
To learn more about hunting seasons, how to procure you hunting licences, and more, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife.