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<br />Black Canyon of the Gunnison <br />National Monument <br /> <br />Panoramic Vistas ROA <br /> <br />The panoramic vistas ROA contains <br />areas within the monument that offer the <br />most distant views and sweeping <br />landscapes that extend beyond the park <br />boundary. Examples include areas atop <br />Green Mountain and along portions of <br />the Warner Nature Trail. Views are <br />generally characterized as being <br />unobstructed (in some cases up to 360 <br />degrees) and include distances of a few <br />miles up to about 100 miles. <br /> <br />In addition to its impressive views, this <br />ROA allows the canyon to be viewed in <br />its regional context. In this way it is <br />easier to understand the importance of <br />managing the area as a component of <br />other larger ecosystems. The value of the <br />Class I air quality is magnified on days <br />when visibility allows viewing targets at <br />distances of 60 to 100 miles. Also, the <br />interpretive story is more complete when <br />the San Juan and West Elk ranges, which <br />figure prominently in Black Canyon's <br />geologic story, can be viewed from <br />within this ROA. <br /> <br />Mixed vegetative cover includes areas of <br />pinyon/juniper woodland and mosaics of <br />mountain scrub and sagebrush. <br /> <br />Most of the higher ridges found within <br />the monument occur within this zone. <br />Also, topography that slopes away from <br />the canyon, which is typical due to the <br /> <br />30 <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />nature of the Gunnison Uplift in which <br />the canyon was formed, permits views <br />not possible closer to the canyon's rim. <br />Soils tend to be more fully developed, <br />having eroded from softer, overlying <br />sandstones. <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />As development along ridgelines would <br />be immediately visible and evident, this <br />ROA is extremely sensitive in terms of <br />protecting the natural and primitive views <br />now possible from the canyon. Current <br />development is minimal and includes <br />only closed primitive roads, limited <br />fencing, and activities that occur on some <br />private lands (many of which the NPS <br />has acquired as scenic easement). <br /> <br />Hil!hlil!hts of Excevtional Resources <br /> <br />Resources of special significance that <br />occur within the panoramic vistas ROA <br />include: <br /> <br />. Wildlife viewing opportunities-especially <br />larger mammals including mule deer, elk, <br />and bighorn sheep. <br /> <br />. Recreational opportunities-for those willing <br />to exert some effort (but less than required <br />for inner canyon hiking), some of the most <br />spectacular distant and panoramic views are <br />available. <br /> <br />. Interpretive opportunities-understanding <br />the values and concepts of ecosystem <br />management, including the canyon's high- <br />quality Class I airshed. <br /> <br />. Rural Colorado landscape-the distant views <br />enhance the understanding and appreciation <br />of the vastness of wildlands and rural cultural <br />landscape that compose much of western <br />Colorado. <br />