The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is a rugged and remote area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula known for its pristine forests, scenic waterfalls, and challenging terrain.
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is a remote and rugged area located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The wilderness covers over 4,700 acres and is known for its stunning rock formations, deep gorges, and pristine forests.
One of the most prominent features of the Rock River Canyon Wilderness is the Rock River itself, which flows through the heart of the wilderness area. The river cuts through the rocky terrain, creating a series of cascading waterfalls and deep pools that are popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The wilderness is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including black bear, deer, and bald eagles. The diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of plant life, from towering pine trees to delicate wildflowers.
Visitors to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is an important ecological area, providing habitat for rare and endangered species and helping to maintain the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this pristine wilderness for future generations to enjoy.
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is a stunning natural area located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This wilderness area is known for its rugged terrain, pristine forests, and breathtaking views of the Rock River. Visitors to this wilderness area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness:
The Rock River is the centerpiece of the wilderness area, flowing through a beautiful canyon surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy fishing for trout in the river, as well as paddling and swimming in its crystal-clear waters.
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is home to several stunning waterfalls, including Canyon Falls and Great Conglomerate Falls. These cascading waterfalls are a must-see for visitors to the area, offering a peaceful and scenic backdrop for picnicking and photography.
The wilderness area offers a network of hiking trails that wind through the forest, along the river, and up to scenic overlooks. Popular trails include the North Country Trail, which runs through the wilderness area, and the Canyon Falls Trail, which leads to the picturesque Canyon Falls.
The Rock River Canyon Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the wilderness area, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
The wilderness area offers several designated camping areas, including rustic campsites along the river and backcountry campsites in the forest. These camping areas provide a peaceful and secluded setting for overnight stays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Rock River Canyon Wilderness.
Overall, the Rock River Canyon Wilderness is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to experience the beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities, this wilderness area offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Description: This weekend, #mypubliclandsroadtrip enjoys the rugged beauty and solitude of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona, a part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands (photo by Bob Wick, BLM). The wilderness includes the 11 mile long Aravaipa Canyon, surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000 foot canyon walls, desert bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A great roadtrip just two hours from Phoenix - explore #yourlands! Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This weekend, #mypubliclandsroadtrip enjoys the rugged beauty and solitude of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona, a part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands (photo by Bob Wick, BLM). The wilderness includes the 11 mile long Aravaipa Canyon, surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000 foot canyon walls, desert bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A great roadtrip just two hours from Phoenix - explore #yourlands! Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This weekend, #mypubliclandsroadtrip enjoys the rugged beauty and solitude of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona, a part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands (photo by Bob Wick, BLM). The wilderness includes the 11 mile long Aravaipa Canyon, surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000 foot canyon walls, desert bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A great roadtrip just two hours from Phoenix - explore #yourlands! Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This weekend, #mypubliclandsroadtrip enjoys the rugged beauty and solitude of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona, a part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands (photo by Bob Wick, BLM). The wilderness includes the 11 mile long Aravaipa Canyon, surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000 foot canyon walls, desert bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A great roadtrip just two hours from Phoenix - explore #yourlands! Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This weekend, #mypubliclandsroadtrip enjoys the rugged beauty and solitude of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness in Arizona, a part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands (photo by Bob Wick, BLM). The wilderness includes the 11 mile long Aravaipa Canyon, surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons. Within the colorful 1,000 foot canyon walls, desert bighorn sheep and over 200 species of birds live among shady cottonwoods along the perennial waters of Aravaipa Creek. A great roadtrip just two hours from Phoenix - explore #yourlands! Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
Image by mypubliclands – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: The Desolation Canyon Wilderness Area is a true crown jewel in Utah and all public lands managed by the BLM. It was one of the areas that was expanded due to the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, signed into law on March 12, 2019 by President Trump. The 84-mile segment of the Green River winds through pristine views of the towering Desolation and Gray Canyons. It is perfect for white water enthusiasts looking to glide through the very same vistas that none other than John Wesley Powell and his crew traversed 150 years ago. The Wilderness area has an extensive system of deep canyons and soaring walls including Rock Creek that is more than 1 mile deep. Desolation Canyon contains arches, pinnacles, and other erosional remnants not known to occur elsewhere in the Wasatch Formation in similar concentrations or settings. Learn more about the Area: www.blm.gov/visit/desolation-canyon Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
Image by mypubliclands – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: An ancient river cut the canyon in which now "flows" the Dry River. Once draining ancient Lake Millican, the Dry River's course can now be traced through the Oregon Badlands Wilderness north to the Crooked River. The drainage area of Dry River extends eastward to Hampton Butte and southward to the east flank of Newberry Volcano and all of Pine Mountain. During ice ages, Newberry Volcano hosted large glaciers. Runoff from these glaciers contributed to the flow of Dry River. Dry River Canyon, up to 300 feet deep, exposes layers of lava and cinders from ancient volcanoes of nearby Horse Ridge and Bear Creek Buttes. A hike up the Dry River Canyon trail reveals hints of the energetic river which once flowed here. Rounded boulders, or grounded holes in bedrock caused by churning rock and water, and gravel at the bottom of the canyon show evidence of its watery past. Today, these tinajas hold water long after a rainfall and provide water for wildlife. Geological evidence is not the only clue to the canyon's past environment: several large Ponderosa pine trees linger on the canyon bottom, relics of a past ecosystem which prevailed during cooler times. The Trail Starting at an dispersed campsite at the canyon's mouth, the primitive and un-maintained Dry River Canyon trail follows the canyon bottom. At approximately 2.3 miles, the trail disappears into a large rockfall. For most people, this is a good turn-around point. Only experienced hikers who are comfortable rock-hopping should continue beyond this point. The trail resumes after about 50 yards and continues for another 0.75 miles to the head of the canyon where it emerges at State highway 20 opposite Evans Well Road. Please respect adjacent private property by staying on the trail. The total length of the trail is 3.2 miles. Annual Seasonal Closure Each year, Dry River Canyon is closed in its entirety to all uses from February 1 until August 31 to protect sensitive wildlife while they breed. Most years, however, the canyon re-opens much earlier, depending on when the young wildlife are ready to fend for themselves. Don't enter the canyon during the closure period violations of this closure are subject to heavy fines and/or imprisonment. For more information: 3050 N.E. 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754 541-416-6700
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: View of upper Kern River Canyon, looking south from a point on the east wall above Volcano Creek. Tower Rock is seen on the left, the main terminal moraine in the middle-ground, and Kernbuts lower down. With the upper Kern River, within the Golden Trout Wilderness Area, in the Sierra Nevada, Tulare County, California. Subject: Glacial landforms--California, Kern River Canyon (California), Geology--California--Kern River Area Geographic Subject: United States--California--Kern River area Tag: Coasts
Image by Barton Warren Evermann – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Rock cliffs extending above trail in Red Canyon Wilderness Photo by BLM employee Bob Wick
Image by BLMUtah – Public domain – Wikimedia