Palisade, CO

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.