Rare Lizard and Snake Wilderness Study Area

Values

The Rare Lizard and Snake WSA is characterized by broad and shallow canyons with steep rimrock walls. Ancestral Puebloans left an abundant archaeological history here. Located on the Colorado Plateau and within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the area is sparely vegetated with shrubs and grasses, and has a diverse population of reptiles.

Visitation Information

From Cortez, CO, drive south on Highway 160 approximately 2.5 miles to County Road G and turn west (right). Drive about 26 miles on County Road G to Roads 395 and 399 (Yellow Jacket Canyon Road) and turn right. Follow this road about ½ mile staying right at the first intersection and left at the second, and parking before the cottonwood lined Yellow Jacket Creek. The WSA is up the wash immediately to the north.

Visitor Advisory

Avoid driving the ½ mile of dirt road when wet as it becomes muddy and easy to get stuck.