WSPC01202

• File Number: 8210.761.09
• Description: Colorado River-Federal Agencies-US NPS-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/3000
• Title: General Management Plan 1-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and Curecanti National Recreation Area
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

I

I

I

Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Monument

Panoranilc Vistas ROA

I

The panoramic vistas ROA contains areas
within the monument that offer the most
distant views and sweeping landscapes that
extend beyond the park boundary. Examples
include areas atop Green Mountain and
along portions of the Warner Nature Trail.
Views are generally characterized as being
unobstructed (in some cases up to 360
degrees) and include distances of a few miles
up to about 100 miles.

I

I

I

I

In addition to its impressive views, this ROA
allows the canyon to be viewed in its
regional context. In this way it is easier to
understand the importance of managing the
area as a component of other larger
ecosystems. The value ofthe Class I air
quality is magnified on days when visibility
allows viewing targets at distances of 60 to
100 miles. Also, the interpretive story is
more complete when the San Juan and West
Elk ranges, which figure prominently in
Black Canyon's geologic story, can be
viewed from within this ROA.

I

I

I

I

I

Mixed vegetative cover includes areas of
pinyon/juniper woodland and mosaics of
mountain scrub and sagebrush.

I

Most of the higher ridges found within the
monument occur within this zone. Also,
topography that slopes away from the
canyon, which is typical due to the nature of

I

I

I

I

I

the Gunnison Uplift in which the canyon was
formed, permits views not possible closer to
the canyon's rim. Soils tend to be more fully
developed, haVing eroded [.Oll) softer,
overlying sandstones.

As development along ridgelines would be
immediately visible and evident, this ROA is
extremely sensitive in terms of protecting the
natural and primitive views now possible
from the canyon. Current development is
minimal and includes only closed primitive
roads, limited fencing, and activities that
occur on some private lands (many of which
the NPS has acquired as scenic easement).

Highlights of Exceptional Resources
Resources of special significance that occur
within the panoramic vistas ROA include:

. Wildlife viewing opportunities-especially
larger mammals including mule deer, elk, and
bighorn sheep.

. Recreational opportunities-for those willing to
exert some effort (but less than required for
inner canyon hiking), .some of the most
spectacular distant and panoramic views are
available.

. Interpretive opportunities-understanding the
values and concepts of ecosystem management,
including the canyon's high-quality Class I
airshed.

. Rural Colorado landscape-the distant views
enhance the understanding and appreciation of
the vastness of wildlands and rural cultural
landscape that compose much of western
Colorado.

(lO 21,~"~