IRISH CANYON

Located approximately 45 miles northwest of Maybell, Colorado, Irish Canyon is a remote and highly scenic canyon. Twelve of the 22 geologic formations found in the eastern end of the Uinta Mountains occur here. The beginning of the canyon is not more than 50 yards wide with steep walls with layers of red, green, and gray. About 14,000 acres is designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for its outstanding scenery, rare plant communities and geology.

At the entrance is an interpretative exhibit of ancient petroglyphs. There are other unmarked cultural sites in and around the canyon. A small campground with tables, fire pits and one pit toilet is located at the north end of the canyon. There are no developed trails, but hiking is available to the west to Limestone Ridge and Cold Spring Mountain and to the east to Vermillion Canyon and the colorful badlands along Vermillion Creek. Primitive roads to the east and west provide excellent mountain biking opportunities to view the region particularly on Cold Spring Mountain.

This semi-arid country supports sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Summers are warm and dry with cool nights. There is no water available in the area. Elevations range from 6100 to 8636 feet. The area also provides good opportunities to view many species of native wildlife.

For more information, contact the BLM Little Snake Field Office at (970) 826-5000 or request a brochure.