About Little Book Cliffs WSA
The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is characterized by gently-sloping plateaus, various small canyons, and four major canyon systems: Main Canyon, Coal Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon and Spring Canyon. These four larger systems are also accompanied by many smaller side canyons. Part of the southern edge of this WSA is dominated by the 2,000-foot-high face of the Book Cliffs. A wild horse herd is also present in this area. Cultural values of the Fremont Culture are found here, as well as several natural bridges and hoodoos. The outstanding scenic beauty and topographic diversity offer excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation. Activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography. Vegetation consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwinged saltbrush, and pinyon-juniper. Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard, and chukar.
How to Get There
There are two routes to access the Little Bookcliffs WSA. Coal Canyon: From Grand Junction take I-70 east to the Cameo exit. Cross the Colorado River and drive past the public service power plant. Stay on the main road approximately 1.5 miles to the parking area. NOTE: the Coal Canyon trailhead is closed to motorized traffic from December 1 - May 30. Debeque/Winter Flats Road: Take I-70 east to the Debeque exit (62). Cross over the Colorado River and stay on the main road, take a left into the town of Debeque (4th Street) to the gas station - take a left and follow the road to the end. Turn right onto Winter Flats Road. Travel approximately 20 miles to a fork in the road. The right branch will take you to the North Soda area (the norther most point of the Wild Horse Area) and the left fork will take you into the Indian Park area. CAUTION: Winter Flats Road is a 4x4 road year round and usually impassable during winter months and in rainy conditions.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Little Book Cliffs WSA
Heading to Little Book Cliffs WSA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Little Book Cliffs WSA?
No central reservation system listed for Little Book Cliffs WSA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16568) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Little Book Cliffs WSA?
There are two routes to access the Little Bookcliffs WSA. Coal Canyon: From Grand Junction take I-70 east to the Cameo exit. Cross the Colorado River and drive past the public service power plant. Stay on the main road approximately 1.5 miles to the parking area. NOTE: the Coal Canyon trailhead is closed to motorized traffic from December 1 - May 30. Debeque/Winter Flats Road: Take I-70 east to th…
How do I contact Little Book Cliffs WSA?
You can reach the park at phone: (970) 244-3000.
References & Official Resources
