Browns Canyon National Monument

00:00     Title
00:15     Highway 50 Recreation Sites
09:35     Ruby Mountain Recreation Site
13:20     Browns Canyon National Monument
14:50     Fin
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A previously published article about the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site in the Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area will provide plenty of information about the Browns Canyon National Monument setting. This newly created national monument covers over 20,000 acres of pristine Colorado Rocky Mountain wilderness between Buena Vista and Salida and the Four Mile Recreation Area is right next door. Highway 285 is the main travel corridor through this area and the signage for Ruby Mountain is easy to spot. The Browns Canyon National Monument sign is actually placed at the southern end of the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site, which is also where a unique developed campground can be found on the river banks.   

For those who seek thrilling whitewater rafting adventures, there are several excursion companies to choose from along the Arkansas River. The river actually flows along the western edge of Browns Canyon National Monument, so a portion of this majestic destination can be experienced during a float trip. There are 4x4 and ATV trails in the Four Mile Recreation Area next to the Browns Canyon access point that offer great views. Biking on those same trails is an option too. Those who set off on foot will have many more options, because Browns Canyon is well known as a hiker's paradise!

Browns Canyon National Monument is a fragmented bedrock foothill area in the Rocky Mountain Range. This protected area is located practically across the street from Mt Antero, which is over 14,000 feet tall. Because the Browns Canyon region bedrock was buckled and splintered, the eroded hills look like piles of gigantic boulders with many deep crags. Geological oddities like hoodoos, towering rock spires and huge granite boulders are commonplace. Canyons branch off in all directions and the granite outcrop ridge lines are as picturesque as can be. As can be imagined, Browns Canyon is a prime time rock climbing destination. 

Browns Canyon National Monument is basically managed as a vast protected area that shelters a critical wilderness. For this reason, the facilities are minimal and all the emphasis is placed upon nature viewing hikes. There are several trails to choose from and some are quite lengthy. Because of the eroded terrain, a hike in this mountain wilderness is guaranteed to be challenging and there will be many obstacles to overcome.

Hiking equipment for taking on the Browns Canyon trails will need to be sturdy and the shoes should be skid proof for safety's sake. Packing extra water and snacks will be necessary too, because the high elevations can leave even the fittest person weak in the knees. Browns Canyon definitely is well worth exploring and setting up a basecamp by the Arkansas River will present an opportunity to catch a free fish dinner. This is more than enough inspiration for making the adventure happen!