Quick Tips
- Filter drinking water
- Carry extra water and gas
- Four-wheel drive recommended
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 155"+ |
On The Ground
South of Grand Junction along the lower Gunnison River is the Dominguez Desert bighorn herd estimated at 160 sheep. BLM and state land provide a lot of public land for hunters.
Terrain
The Escalante, Cottonwood, Little Dominguez and Big Dominguez Creeks along with nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River go through sandstone canyon walls that drain the entire eastern Uncompahgre Plateau. Semi-dry lands with deep canyons combined with sheer mesas make this a difficult unit for hunting.
Roughly 1,041 square miles
80.1% public land
Elevations from 4,647-9,868 feet
Vegetation
This area has flats of sagebrush and sparse grasses, hillsides covered with pinyon/juniper, cottonwood and willows along creek bottoms and irrigated croplands can be found along the Gunnison.
Access
Highway 50 travels between Grand Junction and Olathe. Colorado Route 141 heads west at Whitewater and crosses the Gunnison and connects to County Road 35.5 on Nine Mile Hill. West of Nine Mile Hill, County Road K/S 2/10 heads through Cactus Park toward Triangle Mesa. A number of other BLM and county roads head west from U.S. Highway 50 into The Escalante area. Some roads worth considering are Bridgeport Road with a river crossing just south of Deer Creek confluence with Gunnison River, Dominguez Canyon Road, Escalante Canyon Road, 25 Mesa and Roubideaux Canyon Road. Some land along the Lower Gunnison River is under private ownership. Be sure to know the boundaries.
Camping and Lodging
BLM lands do not provide improved campsites. Spread out camping is allowed on BLM lands, but hunters should check with the local office in Grand Junction for any restrictions. Communities of Olathe and Delta provide motels and cabin rentals, restaurants, gas and diesel, as well as medical facilities.
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