Dominguez Canyon W.A.

[gnwatts]

[FONT=Helvetica]I did a quick search and found few references to Dominguez Canyon, located between Grand Junction and Delta, Colorado. The head of the canyon is high up on the Uncompahgre Plateau, and the perennial stream snakes it way down to it

[gnwatts]

From my canoe. The bridge is 1/2 mile down from the mouth of the canyon, Bridgeport car park is another mile from the bridge:

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Lots of sheep here, I see them almost every trip.

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A nice camp spot 20 minutes past the big waterfall.

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Same spot, another trip, no tent, It wasn't supposed to rain! A very long night.

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Local.
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[gnwatts]

My preferred access point is Cactus Park. You are in the mid-point of the canyon with only 2 miles of hiking from the car. You head up canyon a short distance from the car and then drop down any number of routes, all well cairned, past some amazing rock formations. There is great camping here once you reach the inner canyon. Setting up camp here will allow you to explore up and down canyon. It takes time and commitment to explore this place, as there are few established trails off the main trail, and lot’s of obstacles along the creek. There is a large waterfall about 30 minutes down canyon from Cactus Park trail, with some great alcove and ledge camp spots. Another hour or 2 down stream the canyon opens up a little, with a small side canyon on your right, with easier stream walking.
Heading up stream from Cactus Park, the canyon soon turns into a pine forest, with the stream crashing it’s way down. I saw few if any established camp spots in the upper part of the canyon, but there are ample opportunities to camp.
If you like to fish trout, parking at the camp ground might be the ticket. The wilderness area starts immediately down stream from here, and the canyon is filled with beaver ponds and parks. Completely different scene from down canyon.

From the Cactus Park car park


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Looking down canyon:

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On the descent:

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Camp spot @ Cactus park trail

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Waterfall 1/2 hour down stream from Cactus Park trail

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Another local- did not even see him/her until I got home

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A very nice ledge/alcove above the waterfall

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A typical camp spot in the upper canyon:

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View up canyon near the campground

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If I want solitude, ironically I go here, to a canyon 30 minutes from Grand Junction, and 1.5 hours from my house! In 8 trips here I have seen only 5 or six backpackers.

[denaliguide]

that is nice. wish i would have known about it 30 years ago when i lived in gunnison.

[accadacca]

:2thumbs:

[ibenick]

Awesome pics and awesome place. Thanks for sharing, Greg.

[gnwatts]

Thanks for the comments. If anyone ever wants to meet up here let me know, it's in my neighborhood so to speak.

[bowjunkie]

nice tr thanks for reminding me I need to get back there !!!!