Take a Hike: Little Dominguez Canyon

Photos by Melanie Wiseman

The history-rich Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is home to the Big and Little Dominguez Canyons Trails. Both begin at the same trailhead, yet split after several miles where most hikers head up Big Dominguez, leading those seeking solitude and more varied views to take the Little Dominguez route. Elevation gain is slight and route-finding easy — the perfect outing for all ages and their furry friends.

GETTING THERE

To reach the trailhead, drive 20 miles south of Grand Junction or north of Delta on Highway 50. At mile marker 52, turn right (west) on graveled Bridgeport Road for just over 3 miles to a parking area with facilities on the left. Begin your hike here, or drive a speck further to where the road dead ends for additional parking and the trailhead location. Four-wheel drive is not required.

THE HIKE

From the lower parking area, go through the green gate, following the trail which parallels railroad tracks for about a mile. Cross the second bridge (the first is a private property cable suspension bridge) over the Gunnison River. The trail continues along the west side of the river to the mouth of Big Dominguez Canyon, nearly two miles from the trailhead. 

The trail takes a right turn away from the river, where you will see an old dam on the left, pass by a gate post made from old wagon wheel axle and spy an abandoned corral on the right. You are now entering the two fertile valleys of Big and Little Dominquez Canyons, once inhabited by the Ute people for hunting the abundant wildlife, relying on the creeks for water, followed by white settlers who tamed the valley for orchards and livestock. 

Soon after, you come across a large, mushroom-like boulder balancing on a small pedestal hugging the left side of the trail. At this point, Big Dominquez Canyon Trail veers to the right and Little Dominguez to the left. Neither trail is marked, which adds to the wilderness experience. 

Spring thaws will require crisscross jumping over Little Dominguez Creek numerous times as it meanders through the cottonwood and willow dotted canyon. Wear shoes you expect to get wet and enjoy the many opportunities to play in water cascading over the slick rocks. Even though the creek runs clear, refrain from drinking from it directly without a filter, or take the chance of a close encounter with giardia. 

Little Dominguez Canyon trail varies from red Chinle to black Precambrian granite gneiss, to cool looking hoodoos further up the trail. Primitive camping is permitted in the canyon, which is ideal, as the trail length and turn-around point is up to you, making it either a shorter day hike or a longer multi-day hike experience. 

Day hikers often turn around 3.5-4 miles out, at one of the original homesteads built by the Rambo family in 1911. This once operational ranch, farm and orchard transports the hiker back in time. Bill Rambo retired in 1975 and moved back into his family’s cabin, where he lived until his death in 2015 at 98. He deeded his land to the BLM in 1988, allowing it to be incorporated into the wilderness upon his passing. The little, one-room cabin and skeletal remains of farm equipment dating back to the 20s and 30s are still on site. 

Abundant bright spring cactus and wildflower blooms are a special treat for your senses. And keep your eyes peeled for viewings of the many critters who call Little Dominguez Canyon their home — desert big horn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lions, bears, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, snakes and a variety of birds. 

Most uniquely, you will find this canyon home to complete silence save for the babbling creek and quaking leaves.

Originally published in the Spring 2021 issue