Basics
- Location:
- 29 miles south of Grand Junction
- Length:
- 19 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 1 day
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7500 feet
- Season:
- Mid-May to Mid-October
Description
The Big Dominguez Trail is part of the Dominguez Wilderness Study Area. The trail is most commonly started at Big Dominguez Campground and is done as an out and back loop, most hikers like to make this a several day trip. The trail can also be accessed from the Gunnison River. There is a complete loop from Big Dominguez Creek over to Little Dominguez Creek which circles back to the Big Dominguez Campground. This trip can take several days or up to a week depending on how much exploring you plan to do. CAUTION: Crossing over to Little Dominguez Creek from Big Dominguez Creek trail can be quite challenging with no defined trail to follow. This route is not recommended for novice hikers.
Approximately a mile or so upstream from the confluence of Big and Little Dominguez Creeks you will find a magnificent waterfall and several large boulders with petroglyphs. Desert Bighorn Sheep are occasionally spotted in the area.
No fresh drinking water available. Plan to pack in 1 gallon per person, per day. Big Dominguez Creek runs year round and flows through the campground and follows the trail, but the water will need to be filtered.
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Grand Junction, head south on Hwy 50 to Whitewater. At Whitewater make a right turn on to Hwy 141. Travel 11.5 miles to the Divide Road turn off (Uncompaghre National Forest Access Road) on your left. The road winds and switch backs to the top of the mountain. At the top stay on the main road until you come to a fork in the road. At the fork follow the signs to Dominguez Conservation Area (left). In approximately 5 miles the Big Dominguez Creek trailhead will be on your left. Caution: Road becomes extremely hazardous in wet conditions. Watch for rock slides on last 2 miles of road leading to campground. We DO NOT recommend taking RVs or travel trailers to the campground.
