WSPC02286

• 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: 10/1/1997
• Title: General Management Plan 2-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and Curecanti National Recreation Area
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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This ROA also contains the bulk of
development that has already occurred
within the monument. Roads and visitor
and support facilities are all found here.
It is iriiportalll to realize that not only do
these developments provide basic
services and amenities for those visiting
the canyon and the means for maintaining
the area, they are also a component of the
view as seen from the opposite, and in
some cases the same rim. This ROA is,
therefore, one of the most sensitive zones
because it is a primary component of
most canyon views.

Hif!hli!!hts of Excevtional Resources
Resources of special significance that
occur within the canyon backdrop ROA
include:

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Wildlife viewing opportunities-rich in a
variety of species including mule deer,
marmots, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupine,
bobcat, fox, bear, mountain lion, and a
variety of birdlife.

Recreational opportunities-less physically
demanding trails that provide significant
panoramic views, opportunities to explore
away from the rim, and developed campsites.

Cultural resources-areas within this zone
have been identified as being seasonally used
by American Indians both during historic and
prehistoric times; the North Rim Road was
an important CCC project of the early 1930s.

Rural Colorado landscape-the area is a
reminder of the natural and primitive nature
that at one time composed much of the West.

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The Cliff Top ROA

The cliff top ROA is the area most
visitors experience and remember while
sight-seeing at the Black Canyon of the
Gunnison. This is the area of the
monument that hugs the canyon rim and
may vary in width from 5 to 200 feet to
the edge. Some of the overlooks are
protected by railings to permit viewing
right up against the edge--still, some
visitors are reluctant to stand this close
even with the railings in place. Other,
less well-defined overlooks lack railings,
drawing more adventuresome souls to the
very edge in an effort to maximize the
vIew.

Viewing the canyon for the first time
along the drive in, visitors are surprised
that such an abrupt void even exists.
This adds to the excitement for visitors as
they stand weak-kneed and with a
sometimes queasy stomach peering into
the vast chasm below. The fact that the
canyon is in many places deeper
than it is wide adds to this sense of
wonder and awe.

Much of the cliff top ROA is composed
of exposed bedrock, including fins of
pegmatite that serve as overlooks that
loom over the canyon depths. Scattered
clumps of mountain scrub, with
occasional pinyon or juniper trees, add
interest to the bedrock. Visible from the
cliff top ROA are the different
environments found just below the rim,
including groves of Douglas fir, which
suggest a wetter climate.

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