McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area

At a glance

Visual character

“Colorado National Monument's sister landscape — red canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau above Grand Junction. Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness contains six natural arches. Classic Colorado River canyon aesthetics.”

About

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in western Colorado protects a dramatic stretch of Colorado River canyon country on the Uncompahgre Plateau above Grand Junction. The centerpiece is Rattlesnake Canyon, which contains the second-largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world outside of Arches National Park — but with a fraction of the visitors. Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness within the NCA offers deep canyon hiking and arch cinematography in genuine solitude. The Colorado River frontage road provides paved access along the river bottom between dramatic canyon walls. Grand Junction (10 miles) is a mid-size city with solid production logistics including lodging, equipment, and crew support. Adjacent Colorado National Monument (NPS) can be combined in a single shooting day. Commercial filming requires a BLM Special Recreation Permit from the Grand Junction Field Office at 970-244-3000. An ideal western Colorado location for natural arch and canyon river cinematography without Arches National Park's crowds and permit complexity.

Where you'll be