Dark Canyon Wilderness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark Canyon Wilderness |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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| Location | San Juan County, Utah, USA |
| Nearest city | Monticello, Utah |
| Area | 47,116 acres (73.619 sq mi; 190.67 km2) |
| Established | September 18, 1984 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
Dark Canyon Wilderness is a very special natural area in southeast Utah. It is part of the Bears Ears National Monument. This wilderness is a protected place where nature is left wild.
It's called 'Dark Canyon' because its tall, steep walls block the sunlight. This happens in the mornings and late afternoons. The wilderness looks a bit like a horseshoe. It includes the upper part of Dark Canyon, which is about 40 miles long. Two other big canyons, Woodenshoe Canyon and Peavine Canyon, also join it. These canyons all start from Elk Ridge, a pine-covered area.
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Exploring Dark Canyon Wilderness
Dark Canyon Wilderness covers about 47,116 acres. That's like 73 square miles! It was officially made a wilderness area on September 18, 1984. The United States Forest Service helps to manage and protect this amazing place.
On December 28, 2016, President Barack Obama created the 1.35 million-acre Bears Ears National Monument. Dark Canyon Wilderness is an important part of this monument.
What Makes it Special?
The wilderness has many different types of plants and animals. You can find tall ponderosa pine trees and aspen trees in the higher areas. Down in the canyon bottoms, you'll see plants that like the desert.
The canyon walls are like giant castles made of sandstone. They can be as tall as 3,000 feet! This is taller than many skyscrapers. You can also find cool natural arches, springs, and hanging gardens here. Hanging gardens are like small green oases on the cliff sides.
Water in the Canyons
Finding water in Dark Canyon can be tricky. Water sources are often far apart. Some have even dried up during recent dry years. Be careful of thunderstorms! They can cause powerful flash floods. These floods can quickly fill the canyon streambeds.
Animals and Plants
Dark Canyon Wilderness is home to many wild animals. You might see mule deer walking around. There are also some mountain lions and black bears. If you are very lucky, you might even spot bighorn sheep. These sheep are amazing climbers.
Different Life Zones
The wilderness has different "life zones." This means different areas have different types of plants and animals. The higher parts have forests with ponderosa pines and aspens. As you go down into the canyon, the climate changes. The bottom of the canyon is like a desert.
A Look Back in Time
When you visit Dark Canyon, you might see signs of ancient people. The Ancestral Puebloans lived here a long time ago. They built amazing homes right into the cliffs. These cliff dwellings are a reminder of their history. It's like stepping back in time!
Trails and Getting Around
The trails that go down into the canyons are moderate. But they can be hard to find and follow. Once you reach the bottom, it gets easier. Peavine Canyon has a special road called a "cherry-stem jeep trail." This road goes into the wilderness but doesn't connect to other roads inside. It was kept open as a compromise when the Utah Wilderness Act of 1984 was passed.
