English: Crotaphytus collaris. The Dominguez-Escalante NCA is nestled within the Uncompahgre Plateau, where Cottonwood, Escalante, Big Dominguez and Little Dominguez Creeks tumble through red-rock sandstone canyons to empty into the Gunnison River.

This area includes Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, where water running year-round through Little Dominguez Creek provides habitat for birds, mammals, lizards and other species. Desert bighorn sheep can also be spotted grazing beside cliffs.

In addition to excellent rock climbing in the area, the rugged canyons and bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years. Rock art on the canyon walls and archaeological sites on the mesas are evidence of thousands of years of Native American hunting and travel. In addition, the Old Spanish National Historic Trail passes through this region. CLICK HERE for more information.