Unaweep Canyon

Unaweep Canyon near Grand Junction, CO.

Unaweep Canyon starts just a few miles from Grand Junction and travels up 44 miles of breathe taking views on the way to Gateway, Colorado filled with plenty of Outdoor Activities along the way. The term "Unaweep" means two  outlets. One canyon that water flows in both the East and West directions. This is a natural phenomenon that can not be explained even today. Some evidence suggests that Unaweep Canyon is where the Gunnison River once flowed.


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Directions to Unaweep Canyon:

From junction 32 road and Hwy. 50 on the South East side of Grand Junction head South towards Delta, Colorado. Go 1.5 miles to Clear water,Co. and turn right on Hwy.141. To make sure you find exactly the location your looking for you might want to set you odometer at this point as we'll as pay attention of the mile markers on the left hand side of the road. The first mile marker you will see right away is #154.

The first outdoor point of interest is the Whitewater Boat Ramp for the Gunnison River. Take your first left approx. 100 yards from the Hwy.50 and Hwy 141 intersection. Go approx. 1 mile to the entrance. There is a HUGE parking lot with plenty of space.


The first day use area is about 1/2 mile past mile marker #152 which is also the beginning of Unaweep Canyon and a small glimpse of the scenic views which only gets better the farther you go. This is a great spot for a barbecue with plenty of shade tree's and the creek going right thou it. There is some good traditional rock climbing here only. There is NO bolted routes in this area that we have found.



A little past mile marker #151 (or 3.2 miles on your odometer) is one of our favorite hot spots mainly because of the swimming hole on hot sunny days. There is plenty of day use area parking with a few really nice shaded places along the creek. To get to the swimming hole keep following the road all the way down to the creek and drive through it. It's usually not too deep at this point but probably not recommended for smaller vehicles. Drive up the other side approx. 70 yards. At this point on your right hand side is a hiking trail entrance which follows all the way down to the day use area posted above. It's a very easy and enjoyable hike. This area is also designated for horseback riding. There is also some very good bouldering approx. 1/4 mile down the trail. Look for the biggest boulder (cant miss it) which has at least 3 permanent bolts for climbing.
From this point the road goes to the left which you may need a 4x4 or at least high clearance to go any farther. Keep following the road approx.1/4 mile in which you will see another road going straight up the hill. If you choose to drive up there you might want to get out and walk it just to make sure you want to go any farther. There is some serious four wheeling past this point and not recommended for most viecles past this point. You can however hike several miles up unaweep canyon as this is part of the old 9 mile road which used to be the only way up there several years ago.


If your looking for the swimming hole and the cave just keep going a little farther past that steep road. Go a few hundred more yards til the road dead ends. At this point head straight down to the creek (on your left hand side) and there you will find a nice swimming hole that you can enjoy that's somewhat private. There is however another much bigger swimming hole approx. 1/2 mile up the trail from this point. It's much bigger and a lot deeper. In fact you can dive off a 10' high boulder into the creek. It's a nice hike to get there which basically follows up Unaweep Canyon. You will definitely know when you get there.

Unaweep Canyon: Discovering the Natural Beauty of Western Colorado

Nestled in western Colorado lies Unaweep Canyon, a geological wonder that has captivated visitors for generations. With its towering red sandstone cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views, Unaweep Canyon is a true testament to the beauty of the American West.

Unaweep Canyon is approximately 16 miles long and can be accessed by car via State Highway 141. Visitors can explore the canyon by foot or by car, with numerous hiking trails and scenic drives available.

Geology of Unaweep Canyon

Unaweep Canyon is unique in that it is a "double-canyon," with two distinct streams flowing in opposite directions. The canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosive forces of water and wind, resulting in the stunning red sandstone formations that are visible today.

The rock formations in Unaweep Canyon are composed of sandstone and shale, with layers that date back over 290 million years. Visitors to the canyon can witness the effects of these ancient geological processes firsthand, with towering cliffs and deep gorges that showcase the power of water and wind.

Flora and Fauna

Unaweep Canyon is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. Visitors to the canyon can spot wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, as well as a variety of smaller animals such as coyotes, rabbits, and songbirds.

The canyon is also home to a wide variety of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees such as aspen and ponderosa pine. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the canyon while taking in the natural flora and fauna that call it home.

Outdoor Activities

Unaweep Canyon is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and scenic drives available. Visitors can explore the canyon by foot, with numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Rock climbing is also a popular activity in Unaweep Canyon, with numerous routes available for climbers of all skill levels. The canyon's towering sandstone cliffs provide a challenging and rewarding experience for climbers, with breathtaking views from the top.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, scenic drives are available throughout the canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Unaweep Canyon while taking in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder.

Conclusion

Unaweep Canyon is a true natural wonder, a testament to the power of natural forces and the beauty of the American West. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic drive, Unaweep Canyon offers something for everyone. It's a must-see destination that will leave you awestruck and inspired by the stunning geological formations, diverse plant and animal life, and outdoor adventures that await.