Between the Western Colorado towns of Whitewater and Gateway, a geological marvel — and mystery

Listen Now
4min 42sec
Dolores River Canyon views
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
The remains of the historic Driggs Mansion below Thimble Rock at the top of Unaweep Canyon’s east and west valleys, July 20, 2024. A controversial proposal has been submitted to set aside 400,000 acres for a Dolores Canyon National Monument, stretching as far to the east as Unaweep Canyon.

The roads sign for Unaweep Divide is shown. The divide sits at 7,048 feet above sea level and denotes the separation of East Creek and West Creek.
Tom Hesse/CPR News

Dolores River Canyon views
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
A deer at sunset in Unaweep Canyon, July 20, 2024. A controversial proposal has been submitted to set aside 400,000 acres for a Dolores Canyon National Monument, stretching as far to the east as Unaweep Canyon.