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Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area wilderness guide
Special Recreation Management Area · UT

Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

The Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area, located in Utah, is a stunning destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities along the Colorado River. It is known for its scenic vistas, diverse landscapes, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Special Recreation Management Area29,0004+ Trails

Designation

Special Recreation Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

29,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

The Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area, located in Utah, is a stunning destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities along the Colorado River. It is known for its scenic vistas, diverse landscapes, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area spans significant portions of the Colorado River in southeastern Utah, offering visitors a spectacular natural setting characterized by deep canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, and lush riparian zones. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing hikers, campers, and boaters alike. The landscape is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, providing ample wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, and numerous desert flora. The region's history speaks of ancient Native American cultures and the more recent exploits of explorers and miners. Key recreational activities include hiking, rafting, fishing, and mountain biking, with several notable trails and campsites strategically located along the river. Visitors are drawn not only by the adrenaline-inducing activities but also by the profound tranquility and breathtaking scenery that define this unique region.

Field Guide · Special Recreation Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Red Rock Oasis: Moab Cliffs & Canyons★ 8.7⌖ 0 miRock Climbing
Moab Cliffs & Canyons

Red Rock Oasis: Moab Cliffs & Canyons

Explore the stunning Moab Cliffs & Canyons, offering rock climbing and hiking. Located near Moab, Utah, drive-in access. Best in Spring and Fall, and permits needed for some hikes. Suitable for adventure seekers.

Rock ClimbingView Details→
Exploring Moab, Utah: 3-Day Itinerary for December★ 8.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Moab, Utah

Exploring Moab, Utah: 3-Day Itinerary for December

Explore Moab, Utah with this 3-day itinerary featuring hikes to Delicate Arch and Kane Creek Falls. Enjoy stunning views in Canyonlands and relax in hot springs. Moderate hikes with a photography rating of 9, perfect for adventure seekers looking for fewer crowds in winter.

Running the Pipe Dream Trail in Moab★ 7.8⌖ 1 miTrail Running
540-516 Doc Allen Dr

Running the Pipe Dream Trail in Moab

Explore the 5.5-mile Pipe Dream Trail in Moab, UT. This moderately challenging desert trail offers stunning views of the La Sal Mountains and is popular for trail running. Best experienced in spring and fall, the trail is accessible via the Monticello Junction Trailhead.

Trail RunningView Details→
Biking on Slickrock Wonders: Moab's Unique Trail★ 8.5⌖ 2 miMountain Biking
Slickrock Bike Trail

Biking on Slickrock Wonders: Moab's Unique Trail

Explore the 10.5-mile Slickrock Bike Trail near Moab, Utah. Known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the La Sal Mountains, this iconic trail attracts mountain biking enthusiasts. Best navigated in spring or fall, the drive-in access makes it ideal for adventure seekers.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Ultimate 3-Day Mountain Biking Itinerary in Moab, Utah★ 9.2⌖ 2 miMountain Biking
Sand Flats Road

Ultimate 3-Day Mountain Biking Itinerary in Moab, Utah

Experience Moab's desert landscapes with this 3-day, expert mountain biking itinerary. Rides include Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and The Whole Enchilada, offering technical challenges and iconic views. Suitable for advanced riders seeking solitude in cooler December temperatures.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab★ 8.7⌖ 2 miMountain Biking
Sand Flats Road

Biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab

Explore the renowned 10.5-mile Slickrock Trail near Moab, UT. Known for its challenging and unique sandstone terrain, this mountain biking trail offers stunning views of the La Sal Mountains. Best experienced in spring or fall.

Mountain BikingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Fisher Towers: Iconic red rock formations popular among climbers and photographers.✦ Moab Canyon Pathway: A scenic route for biking and walking with excellent views of the surrounding canyonlands.✦ Dewey Bridge: Historic site showcasing remnants of a once-important river crossing.✦ Black Ridge Trail: Offers sweeping views of the Colorado River and a chance to see unique geology.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees, but some areas may require permits for specific activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Hittle Bottom Campground

Located alongside the Colorado River, offering easy access for rafting and fishing.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Moab
⌖ 0.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moab, Utah

A vibrant desert town renowned for its stunning red rock landscapes, perfect for adrenaline-fueled adventures and serene exploration.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Castle Valley
⌖ 16.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Castle Valley, Utah

A scenic desert town offering world-class rock formations and quiet access to hiking, climbing, and paddling in southeastern Utah’s red rock country.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Cisco
⌖ 29.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cisco, Utah

A rugged, abandoned ghost town gateway surrounded by vast desert canyons and rocky terrain, perfect for history buffs and outdoor adventurers seeking isolation and raw landscape.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Green River
⌖ 43.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Green River, Utah

A desert adventure hub with access to stunning canyons, river activities, and dramatic landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Naturita
⌖ 58.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Naturita, Colorado

A quiet gateway town offering rugged desert landscapes, access to canyons, and river adventures in the scenic San Miguel and Uncompahgre region.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Fruita
⌖ 59.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fruita, Colorado

A vibrant mountain town famous for world-class mountain biking, expansive hiking trails, and proximity to rugged desert canyons and rivers.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Colorado Riverway Special Recreation Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Hell's Revenge / Private Jeep TourMoab, Utah · 0.35 mi away
All Adventures· Grand Company

Hell's Revenge / Private Jeep Tour

Embark on an exhilarating private Jeep tour through Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah, and explore rugged trails with personalized guidance. This adventure offers stunning vistas, challenging terrain, and memorable moments perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers alike.

2–3 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.