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Canyon Pintado National Historic District

Rangely, Colorado · Rio Blanco County

Canyon Pintado National Historic District encompasses over 16,000 acres of public land along 15 miles of State Highway 139. Canyon Pintado (Spanish for "Painted Canyon") received its name in 1776 when Fathers Dominguez and Escalante noted numerous examples of ancient Native American rock art as they traveled through th…

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About Canyon Pintado National Historic District

Canyon Pintado National Historic District encompasses over 16,000 acres of public land along 15 miles of State Highway 139. Canyon Pintado (Spanish for "Painted Canyon") received its name in 1776 when Fathers Dominguez and Escalante noted numerous examples of ancient Native American rock art as they traveled through the Douglas Creek Valley. For more information, please contact the White River Field Office.

How to Get There

From Rangely, Colorado (junction of State Highways 64 and 139), travel south on Highway 139. The District begins about 3 miles south and continues for 15 miles.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Canyon Pintado National Historic District

Heading to Canyon Pintado National Historic District? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Canyon Pintado National Historic District?

No central reservation system listed for Canyon Pintado National Historic District. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/708) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Canyon Pintado National Historic District?

From Rangely, Colorado (junction of State Highways 64 and 139), travel south on Highway 139. The District begins about 3 miles south and continues for 15 miles.

How do I contact Canyon Pintado National Historic District?

You can reach the park at phone: 970-878-3800 or email: BLM_CO_White_River@blm.gov.