Browns Canyon
National Monument

Things to Know

Leave No Trace

Please follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace outdoor recreation.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly.
  4. Leave What You Find.
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts.
  6. Respect Wildlife.
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Know Before You Go

Much of Browns Canyon National Monument consists of rugged wilderness lands where temperatures and weather conditions can change rapidly. Never enter wilderness lands without proper preparation.

Dark Sky Park

Friends of Browns Canyon is working to achieve a Dark Sky Park designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Wilderness Lands

Browns Canyon National Monument encompasses the BLM Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area and most of the U.S. Forest Service Aspen Ridge Roadless Area. Mechanized travel is not permitted in the Wilderness Study Area nor in much of the Roadless Area.

Critical Habitat

Multiple big game species and herds rely on the low-elevation habitat of Browns Canyon to survive winter months in the High Rockies.

Wildlife

Browns Canyon is home to some of Colorado’s most emblematic animal species, including mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, bobcat, red and gray fox, black bear and coyote, among others. The area’s cliffs provide excellent habitat for peregrine falcons, prairie falcons and golden eagles.

The rugged river corridor of Browns Canyon National Monument represents one of the only riparian ecosystems along the Arkansas River that remains relatively undisturbed. Riparian corridors provide important migration routes for birds and insects. A number of reptile and amphibian species are found in the area, including Woodhouse’s toads, chorus frogs, bull snakes, plains garter snakes, rattlesnakes, short-horned lizards and other, less common, species.

Plants

The plant community in this area has repeatedly evolved during periods of climate change since the Eocene Epoch (56-33.9 million years ago). Geologic and climate changes since the Precambrian (4,600-541 million years ago) make the area an important site for research of paleoclimatology and the effects of climate change, wildland fire and other disturbances.

Unique plant species within Browns Canyon include the endemic Brandegee’s buckwheat as well as imperiled species such as Fendler’s Townsend-daisy, Fendler’s false cloak-fern, Livermore fiddleleaf and the endemic Front Range alumroot.

History and Culture

The story of people living in the upper Arkansas River valley is told through sites and artifacts dating back 13,000 years. Within the monument, evidence of seasonal camps remains, including open campsites and prehistoric rock shelter sites, among other features. These sites range from the PaleoIndian (13,000 years before present) to the Late Prehistoric Period (from around 2,000 years ago to the 1700s). The cultural resources within Browns Canyon provide future generations with the opportunity to learn from those who preceded us in exploring this unique landscape.

Discovery of gold near the Arkansas River in 1859 brought an influx of people of European ancestry to the area, along with the need for transportation. While the old Stagecoach Road paved a route to Leadville for many years, it was rugged and the trip was a long one. The arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1880 allowed for much easier access to the booming mining area around Leadville and encouraged prospecting in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Many interesting historic prospecting sites can still be found– throughout the monument.

Livestock Grazing

The monument contains several active livestock grazing allotments that have been permitted since implementation of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934. Grazing use in this area supports the local economy and maintains the historic ranching heritage of Chaffee County. Livestock grazing management practices are conducted in a manner that promotes a balance in use with wildlife needs, protection of riparian area and healthy plant ecosystems.

Fees

Browns Canyon National Monument does not require fees for entrance. However, any use of the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site and/or the Hecla Junction Recreation Site requires either a CPW annual park pass or a daily park pass. Annual park passes can be obtained at the AHRA Visitor Center in Salida. Daily passes can be obtained at self-serve kiosks at the recreation sites.

For more information about fees, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Personal Safety

Education is the key to protecting yourself, others, and the environment.

Before each visit, check for current campfire restrictions, regulations, and campfire and camp-stove permit requirements. Include all agencies – BLM, AHRA, U.S. Forest Service, and Chaffee County.