The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is characterized by gently-
sloping plateaus, various small canyons, and four major canyon systems: Main
Canyon, Coal Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon and Spring Canyon. These four larger
systems are also accompanied by many smaller side canyons. Part of the
southern edge of this WSA is dominated by the 2,000-foot-high face of the Book
Cliffs. A wild horse herd is also present in this area. Cultural values of the
Fremont Culture are found here, as well as several natural bridges and
hoodoos. The outstanding scenic beauty and topographic diversity offer
excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation. Activities
include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography. Vegetation
consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwinged saltbrush, and pinyon-
juniper. Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black
bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned
owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard,
and chukar.

The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is characterized by gently-sloping plateaus, various small canyons, and four major canyon systems: Main Canyon, Coal Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon and Spring Canyon. These four larger systems are also accompanied by many smaller side canyons.

Part of the southern edge of this WSA is dominated by the 2,000-foot-high face of the Book Cliffs. A wild horse herd is also present in this area. Cultural values of the Fremont Culture are found here, as well as several natural bridges and hoodoos. The outstanding scenic beauty and topographic diversity offer excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation. Activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography.

Vegetation consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwinged saltbrush, and pinyon-juniper. Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard, and chukar.

Bird's eye view of the park

Little Book Cliffs WSA

Opportunities for trail-based hiking, dog walking, trail running, mountain
bicycling, horseback riding and other non-motorized recreation activities
between Orchard Mesa and Whitewater along the Gunnison River bluffs.
Georeferenced PDF map available for download here: https://www.blm.gov/grand-
junction-fo/public-room/map/gunnison-river-bluffs-extensive-recreation-
management-area-map

Opportunities for trail-based hiking, dog walking, trail running, mountain bicycling, horseback riding and other non-motorized recreation activities between Orchard Mesa and Whitewater along the Gunnison River bluffs. Georeferenced PDF map available for download here: https://www.blm.gov/grand-junction-fo/public-room/map/gunnison-river-bluffs-extensive-recreation-management-area-map

Gunnison River Bluffs

The Lunch Loops provides non-motorized mixed use trail opportunities (mountain
biking, hiking, trail running), accommodating a range of skill levels. This
area is easily accessed from Grand Junction and provides outstanding views of
the Grand Valley. For a map please visit: http://www.copmoba.org/trail-map-
pdfs

The Lunch Loops provides non-motorized mixed use trail opportunities (mountain biking, hiking, trail running), accommodating a range of skill levels. This area is easily accessed from Grand Junction and provides outstanding views of the Grand Valley. For a map please visit: http://www.copmoba.org/trail-map-pdfs

Lunch loops Community Rec Area

The North Desert provides opportunities to participate in motorized OHV
recreation (motorcycles, ATV, UTV, full-sized 4x4 vehicles) on a variety of
routes designated for different uses that link the desert terrain on the north
side of the Grand Valley from Grand Junction and Fruita to Rabbit Valley and
the Utah Rims trails. There are multiple long-distance motorized loop
opportunities. Travel is limited to designated trails.

The North Desert provides opportunities to participate in motorized OHV recreation (motorcycles, ATV, UTV, full-sized 4x4 vehicles) on a variety of routes designated for different uses that link the desert terrain on the north side of the Grand Valley from Grand Junction and Fruita to Rabbit Valley and the Utah Rims trails. There are multiple long-distance motorized loop opportunities. Travel is limited to designated trails.

North Desert

Opportunities for motorized trail riding from single track motorcycle trails,
ATV width trails, rock crawling on the Billings Canyon jeep trail, and 4-wheel
drive roads. This area is close to Grand Junction and offers excellent views
and scenery.

Opportunities for motorized trail riding from single track motorcycle trails, ATV width trails, rock crawling on the Billings Canyon jeep trail, and 4-wheel drive roads. This area is close to Grand Junction and offers excellent views and scenery.

Bangs Canyon OHV Trails

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the
American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering
monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience
sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive,
where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

## Overview

Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which
preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a
monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama.
You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns
of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

## Recreation

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic
views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular
motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come
year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique
landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone,
and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared
lizards, and many other special creatures.

## Facilities

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic
views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular
motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come
year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique
landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone,
and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared
lizards, and many other special creatures.

## Natural Features

The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and
juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the
Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths
and canyons to the southeast

## Nearby Attractions

The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and
agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas
surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National
Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake
State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths and canyons to the southeast
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.
<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

Camping fee is $22.00 per night per site. This is in addition to the entrance
fee to Colorado National Monument.

Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount for the camping fee--
must hold a valid pass. These passes can be purchased at either entrance
station.

Reservations must be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

wide angle view looking north from Fruita Canyon overlook near sunrise

Thunderstorm Over Colorado National Monument

Lightning and clouds viewed from the canyon rim

View from Rimrock Dr at Sunset, looking northwest

Rainbow and clouds above Monument Canyon

Female Desert Bighorn Sheep in Snow

Two male Deset Bighorn Sheep

Sunrise From Within a Tent in Saddlehorn Campground

Colorado National Monument

Independence Monument in Snow

Independence Monument, a tall red rock pillar, rises above a blanket of clouds

Stars Over Saddlehorn Rock, Saddlehorn Campground

View of the Milkyway over Colorado National Monument

What type of equipment will best fit in each campsite.

Chart showing equipment suitability for each site.

Map of Saddlehorn Campground that shows reservation types for each site.

Saddlehorn Campground

Opportunities for hiking and outdoor classroom learning. Enjoy viewing of
geology, plants, and wildlife in a natural landscape. Mica Mine is a 2.6 miles
round trip within Ladder Canyon. Motorized and mechanized use is not allowed.
Easy access from Grand Junction.

Opportunities for hiking and outdoor classroom learning. Enjoy viewing of geology, plants, and wildlife in a natural landscape. Mica Mine is a 2.6 miles round trip within Ladder Canyon. Motorized and mechanized use is not allowed. Easy access from Grand Junction.

Mica Mine/Rough Canyon

Grand Valley Open OHV Area provides opportunities for cross-country motorized
recreation and time with family and friends, including camping. The western
boundary of the Open Area is 27 1/4 Road.

Grand Valley Open OHV Area provides opportunities for cross-country motorized recreation and time with family and friends, including camping. The western boundary of the Open Area is 27 1/4 Road.

Grand Valley Open OHV Area

Enjoy a system of world class single-track mountain biking trails accessible
directly from the adjoining campsites. The trail system and associated camping
provide great opportunities to experience the diverse terrain of the desert
environment along the base of the Bookcliffs. Food, lodging and other
amenities are available nearby in the City of Fruita. For more information
related to camping at the North Fruita Desert Campground, visit
https://www.blm.gov/visit/nfd-campground Access a map of the mountain bike
trail system here: https://copmoba.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/north-
fruita-desert-trail-map.pdf

<p>Enjoy a system of world class single-track mountain biking trails accessible directly from the adjoining campsites. The trail system and associated camping provide great opportunities to experience the diverse terrain of the desert environment along the base of the Bookcliffs. Food, lodging and other amenities are available nearby in the City of Fruita. For more information related to camping at the North Fruita Desert Campground, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/nfd-campground Access a map of the mountain bike trail system here: https://copmoba.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/north-fruita-desert-trail-map.pdf</p>

## Overview

The North Fruita Desert campground is a mountain biker’s paradise with
campsites situated at the heart of the famous "18 Road" trail system and
within easy reach of the world-renowned Kokopelli Trail system. Come to the
North Fruita Desert for an active outing of riding and relaxing with family
and friends. Ride to the trails in just a few minutes from any of the
campsites.

The trail system and associated camping amenities provide great opportunities
to experience the diverse desert terrain along the base of the Book Cliffs.
Food, lodging and other amenities are available nearby in the City of Fruita.

Your camping fees pay not only for campground maintenance and improvements,
but also for trail construction and maintenance on the 18 Road trail system.

## Recreation

The North Fruita Desert, also known as the 18 Road trail system, offers 33
miles of singletrack mountain bike trails along the base of the Book Cliffs,
along with another 25 miles of mixed use singletrack in the Book Cliffs north
of the campground. The trails surrounding the campground provide a mix of fast
and flowy to tight and technical riding opportunities Easy access directly
from your campsite makes riding from dawn to dusk a mountain biker's dream.
The Edge Loop trails climb from the campground into the heart of the Book
Cliffs Range, offering challenging long-distance loops and spectacular views
of the Grand Valley and beyond.

While mountain biking is the focus of this area, the North Fruita Desert
Campground is within easy reach of hundreds of miles of routes for
motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and 4x4s in the desert country from the Utah-
Colorado state line to Grand Junction.

## Facilities

The North Fruita Desert, also known as the 18 Road trail system, offers 33
miles of singletrack mountain bike trails along the base of the Book Cliffs,
along with another 25 miles of mixed use singletrack in the Book Cliffs north
of the campground. The trails surrounding the campground provide a mix of fast
and flowy to tight and technical riding opportunities Easy access directly
from your campsite makes riding from dawn to dusk a mountain biker's dream.
The Edge Loop trails climb from the campground into the heart of the Book
Cliffs Range, offering challenging long-distance loops and spectacular views
of the Grand Valley and beyond.

While mountain biking is the focus of this area, the North Fruita Desert
Campground is within easy reach of hundreds of miles of routes for
motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and 4x4s in the desert country from the Utah-
Colorado state line to Grand Junction.

## Natural Features

The North Fruita Desert Campground is nestled among scattered juniper trees at
the edge of the Book Cliffs mountain range which stretches for roughly 240
miles across eastern Utah and western Colorado, ending just north of Grand
Junction. Steep sculpted slopes and sheer cliffs rise to the north of the
campground. The landscape slopes gradually to the south toward the Colorado
River, forming the Grand Valley where the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers join at
Grand Junction.

The campground offers expansive views of the distant San Juan and La Sal
mountains, and the red rock canyon country of McInnis Canyons National
Conservation Area and Colorado National Monument. To the southeast lies Mount
Garfield at the end of the Little Book Cliffs, and the western flanks of the
10,000 ft. Grand Mesa - the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.

Vegetation here is sparse, with only occasional green-ups and wildflower
blooms following wet weather. Average annual precipitation is less than 10
inches. Temperature extremes range from below zero to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures are more moderate during the spring and fall.

## Nearby Attractions

The North Fruita Desert Campground is just north of Fruita CO, which serves as
a hub for outdoor recreation on nearby public lands including the red-rock
canyons of Colorado National Monument, and the adjoining McInnis Canyons
National Conservation Area (MCNCA) - home of the Kokopelli trail system, the
Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
and the Rabbit Valley recreation area.

The Monument and NCAs along with the other public lands surrounding the Grand
Valley - formed by the Colorado River flowing between Palisade to Loma - offer
something for everyone, from scenic drives to hiking, horseback riding,
biking, rafting, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and off-roading. The Grand
Valley is also well-known for it's orchards, vineyards and wineries, and the
distinct and vibrant communities of Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 244-3000.

## Charges & Cancellations

Changes may be made to your reservation until 24 hours before the reserved
date. A full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee, will be given if canceled
48 hours before the first reserved date. Please note, you cannot change your
check-in date. If you would like to change your check-in date, you will need
to cancel your entire reservation and rebook.

**Refunds will not be given for undesirable weather or road conditions.**

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The North Fruita Desert campground is a mountain biker’s paradise with campsites situated at the heart of the famous "18 Road" trail system and within easy reach of the world-renowned Kokopelli Trail system.  Come to the North Fruita Desert for an active outing of riding and relaxing with family and friends.  Ride to the trails in just a few minutes from any of the campsites.  </p>
<p>The trail system and associated camping amenities provide great opportunities to experience the diverse desert terrain along the base of the Book Cliffs. Food, lodging and other amenities are available nearby in the City of Fruita. </p>
<p>Your camping fees pay not only for campground maintenance and improvements, but also for trail construction and maintenance on the 18 Road trail system.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The North Fruita Desert, also known as the 18 Road trail system, offers 33 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails along the base of the Book Cliffs, along with another 25 miles of mixed use singletrack in the Book Cliffs north of the campground.  The trails surrounding the campground provide a mix of fast and flowy to tight and technical riding opportunities  Easy access directly from your campsite makes riding from dawn to dusk a mountain biker's dream. The Edge Loop trails climb from the campground into the heart of the Book Cliffs Range, offering challenging long-distance loops and spectacular views of the Grand Valley and beyond. </p>

<p>While mountain biking is the focus of this area, the North Fruita Desert Campground is within easy reach of hundreds of miles of routes for motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and 4x4s in the desert country from the Utah-Colorado state line to Grand Junction.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The North Fruita Desert, also known as the 18 Road trail system, offers 33 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails along the base of the Book Cliffs, along with another 25 miles of mixed use singletrack in the Book Cliffs north of the campground.  The trails surrounding the campground provide a mix of fast and flowy to tight and technical riding opportunities  Easy access directly from your campsite makes riding from dawn to dusk a mountain biker's dream. The Edge Loop trails climb from the campground into the heart of the Book Cliffs Range, offering challenging long-distance loops and spectacular views of the Grand Valley and beyond. </p>

<p>While mountain biking is the focus of this area, the North Fruita Desert Campground is within easy reach of hundreds of miles of routes for motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and 4x4s in the desert country from the Utah-Colorado state line to Grand Junction.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The North Fruita Desert Campground is nestled among scattered juniper trees at the edge of the Book Cliffs mountain range which stretches for roughly 240 miles across eastern Utah and western Colorado, ending just north of Grand Junction. Steep sculpted slopes and sheer cliffs rise to the north of the campground.  The landscape slopes gradually to the south toward the Colorado River, forming the Grand Valley where the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers join at Grand Junction.</p>

<p>The campground offers expansive views of the distant San Juan and La Sal mountains, and the red rock canyon country of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Colorado National Monument.  To the southeast lies Mount Garfield at the end of the Little Book Cliffs, and the western flanks of the 10,000 ft. Grand Mesa - the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. </p>

<p>Vegetation here is sparse, with only occasional green-ups and wildflower blooms following wet weather.  Average annual precipitation is less than 10 inches. Temperature extremes range from below zero to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.  Temperatures are more moderate during the spring and fall. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The North Fruita Desert Campground is just north of Fruita CO, which serves as a hub for outdoor recreation on nearby public lands including the red-rock canyons of Colorado National Monument, and the adjoining McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA) - home of the Kokopelli trail system, the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness and the Rabbit Valley recreation area. </p>
<p>The Monument and NCAs along with the other public lands surrounding the Grand Valley - formed by the Colorado River flowing between Palisade to Loma - offer something for everyone, from scenic drives to hiking, horseback riding, biking, rafting, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and off-roading.  The Grand Valley is also well-known for it's orchards, vineyards and wineries, and the distinct and vibrant communities of Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita.  </p>

<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (970) 244-3000.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Changes may be made to your reservation until 24 hours before the reserved date.  A full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee, will be given if canceled 48 hours before the first reserved date. Please note, you cannot change your check-in date.  If you would like to change your check-in date, you will need to cancel your entire reservation and rebook.   </p>
<p><strong>Refunds will not be given for undesirable weather or road conditions. </strong></p>

Campsite rates are $20 per night and include up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.
There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation. Please
note, you cannot change your check-in date. If you would like to change your
check-in date, you will need to cancel your entire reservation and rebook.

North Fruita Desert Campground sign at entrance to campground.  Bookcliff mountain range in background.

Little Book Cliffs WSA

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