Cahone Canyon Wilderness Study Area

The proposed wilderness includes both Cross Canyon and Cahone Canyon Wilderness Study Areas. The canyons comprise the northwest corner of the Canyons of the Ancients, proclaimed a National Monument by President Bill Clinton in June 2000.   The steep canyon rims drop abruptly from surrounding mesas into 300 to 900-foot deep canyons. Inviting pools and waterfalls fill canyon bottoms lined by graceful cottonwood trees. Cross Canyon contains a lush desert riparian zone.