Inside Cross Mountain

THE LAND
Cross Mountain is the dominant landform rising 2,200 feet above the confluence of the Little Snake and Yampa Rivers. The oblong-shaped mountain trends north-south and is roughly four miles wide and nine miles long. The Yampa has cut a 1,200-foot-deep gorge through southern end of the mountain forming a classic example of a superimposed river gorge with spectacular geologic features representing about 1 billion years of geologic history. Erosion of the mountain's east and west flanks has exposed colorful, rocky rims, rugged side canyons, and scenic rock outcrops.

PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Pinon/juniper woodland dominates the WSA with sagebrush scattered throughout. Pockets of aspen and mountain scrub dot the eastern flank and a small relic stand of ponderosa pine set in red sandstone slickrock adds to the botanic diversity. Several rare plant species grow in the WSA: Ownbey's thistle, Yampa beardtongue and Watson's pricklygilia. Four species of endangered fish live in the Yampa within the gorge: Colorado River squawfish, boneytail chub, humpback chub, and the razorback sucker. Peregrine falcon nest in the WSA as does the northern bald eagle. Other wildlife include elk, mule deer, mountain lion, pronghorn, fox and one of only two herds of mountain bighorn sheep in northwestern Colorado. Rattlesnakes are common.

HUMAN HISTORY
People have lived, explored and sought solitude on and around Cross Mountain for 12,000 years. Enjoy the thrill of discovering the traces they have left—lithic scatters, campsites, rock shelters and rock art—and leave them intact for the enjoyment of those who follow in your footsteps. The scientific value of an artifact is lost forever once it is moved from its setting.

MODERN USES
Livestock grazing occurs within the WSA. Most grazing occurs in the peripheral areas and during spring and early summer. There are several short segments of fencing. Lack of water in the majority of the WSA limits the amount of grazing use.

RECREATION
Cross Mountain Canyon is an outstanding special feature within the WSA, with spectacular views from either the north or south canyon rims. The entire WSA offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities: moderate to difficult hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, high-risk rafting, and kayaking.

There are no developed trails. Day hikes to the south rim of Cross Mountain Canyon are popular but multi-day backpack trips on the north end of the mountain offer solitude as well as beauty. The many steep, side canyons on the east and west provide rugged routes to the top where the broad summit of Cross Mountain allows easy hikes north, or south to the canyon rim. Hiking along the Yampa River in the canyon is difficult, requiring rock scrambling, and is best during low water periods in late summer or fall. Commercial raft trips are available. All motorized vehicles are prohibited in the WSA.

GETTING THERE
Cross Mountain WSA can be accessed from the north on Colorado Highway 318 and Moffat County Roads 10, and 21S (east WSA), or 125 (west WSA). It can be accessed from the south from US Highway 40 on the Deerlodge Park road (this Dinosaur National Monument road leaves US Highway 40 about 8 miles west of Elk Springs). There is a Park Service parking area located at the western end of Cross Mountain Canyon, where a suggested hiking route to the south rim begins. The west flank of the mountain is reached via the Deerlodge Road then north on CR 125 across the Yampa River bridge.

Another route to the south rim via an easement through state land begins about 2.1 miles before the Park Service parking area on the Deerlodge Road. 4WD can negotiate the first section or the entire route can be hiked (the last half mile is within the WSA and must be hiked). The eastern entrance of the canyon can be accessed from US Highway 40, Moffat County Road 85, BLM Road 1551, and a jeep trail from the south. It can also be reached from Colorado Highway 318, Moffat County Road 10, BLM Road 1686, and a jeep trail from the north.

There are several tracts of state and private land surrounding the WSA. State lands are leased, and should be treated as if they were private property. Where state land easements are used, stay on the easement. Please respect private property and cross it only with permission from the landowners.

MAPS: BLM- Canyon of Lodore and Rangely Color Quads (scale = 1:100,00) These maps are available from BLM, Little Snake Resource Area, 1280 Industrial Avenue, Craig, CO 81625, phone (970) 824-4441. USGS Topographic Maps (scale = 1:24,000) - Cross Mountain Canyon, Peck Mesa, Lone Mountain, and Twelvemile Mesa are available from USGS Branch of Distribution (map sale), P.O. Box 25286, Building 41, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, phone (303) 236-7477.