One of Colorado's Most Unique Canyons Is Near Grand Junction

Some Western Slope residents often have no idea what Unaweep Canyon is, let alone how to say it. The Ute Indians called it the “canyon with two mouths.”

It’s a beautiful landscape carved into the Uncompahgre Plateau along Highway 141. Grand Junction residents will tell you Unaweep Canyon is one of the most unique places on Earth, and it’s true. A geological mystery deep inside the canyon continues to puzzle scientists to this day.

Get our free mobile app

Why Geologists Can't Get Enough of Unaweep Canyon

Few places on earth feature two creeks flowing in opposite directions, but that’s what’s happening in Unaweep Canyon. Both the Unaweep Seep and the Unaweep Divide influence East and West Creeks, which begin near the canyon’s center. West Creek flows to the Dolores River, and East Creek empties into the Gunnison River. Scientists have been trying to figure out Unaweep for decades.

Was it carved out by the Gunnison or something else? Just like the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Colorado National Monument, and the Grand Mesa, Unaweep is another geographic mystery that makes Western Colorado an incredible place.

One of Colorado's Most Scenic Drives Without the Crowds

Driving the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway (Highway 141) rewards you with red sandstone cliffs, ancient granite walls, and cottonwood creek bottoms, and a unique view of the Uncompahgre Plateau. If you use GPS, you might want to download maps ahead of time, as you might lose signal driving to Gateway. Keep an eye out for mule deer, golden eagles, hawks, and bighorn sheep. The canyon offers scenic pull-offs along the way for several photo opportunities.

Why Unaweep Canyon Deserves a Place on Your Bucket List

Colorado's Unaweep Canyon: What It Is and Why More People Should Visit — Google Street

The rock walls in Unaweep Canyon date back around 1.5 billion years. They are some of the oldest exposed formations in Colorado, comparable in age to rocks deep inside the Grand Canyon. Its unusual drainage divide, ancient rock formations, and uncrowded scenic byway make it one of the state's most distinctive destinations.

UP NEXT: 13 Cool Facts About Western Colorado's Dolores River

Only a small number of rivers around the world flow Northward, and Colorado's Dolores River is one of them. Stretching for nearly 241 miles, the Dolores River is almost as long as the Grand Canyon. Its waters help the Colorado River continue through Utah and reach millions of Americans West of the Centennial State.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 12 Facts You May Not Know: Grand Junction, Colorado's Horsethief Canyon

Colorado's Horsethief Canyon was an old route along the Colorado River that has become a great place to fall in love with river camping on the western slope. Scroll on to learn ten things you may not have known about Loma, Colorado's mysterious Horsethief Canyon.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Source: Colorado’s Unaweep Canyon: What It Is and Why More People Should Visit