Rabbit Valley - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent place for birdwatching and wildlife photography. In addition, Rabbit Valley is home to the Western Slope Wildlife Heritage Foundation, which offers tours and educational programs about the area's wildlife. Many scenic overlooks and picnic areas are available for hiking, camping, skiing or snowboarding or just to relax.

Rabbit Valley has a long and rich history. The first people to settle in the area were the Ute tribe, who found the valley a hospitable place to hunt and gather. In the late 1800s, homesteaders began to move into Rabbit Valley, attracted by the promise of free land. These settlers built farms and ranches, and the valley soon became an important agricultural region. Today, Rabbit Valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rabbits, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. It is also a popular destination for hikers, campers, and cyclists who come to enjoy the valley's stunning scenery.

Spring is a great time to see the desert wildflowers bloom, while summer is perfect for hiking and picnicking. Fall brings beautiful autumn colours to the valley, and winter is a quiet time to enjoy the solitude of the desert.

1. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. The desert sun can be brutal, so staying hydrated and protected from the sun is essential.
2. Pack light. Since hiking is in rugged terrain, it is best to travel light. 
3. Hiking should not be overexerted. Travellers unfamiliar with desert conditions should take it easy at first and build up their stamina as they become accustomed to the heat and dry climate.
4. During peak season (June-August), it is highly recommended that people book accommodation in advance.
5. Make some time to visit some of the local wineries - the wines produced in this region are truly unique.
6. Many accommodations are available in the area, from camping and RV sites to hotels and resorts.

1. The valley gets its name from the abundance of rabbits that live there.
2. The area is also popular with birdwatchers, home to various songbirds and raptors.
3. It is one of the few places in Colorado where people can find wildflowers blooming year-round. 
4. Rabbit Valley is home to the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Colorado.
5. The valley contains several ancient ruins, including the Wheeler Site, which is believed to be one of the oldest archaeological sites in North America.
6. The area receives very little rainfall, and temperatures can range from hot and dry in the summer to cold and snowy in the winter.

The maximum recomended time to be spent in the valley is three days. Everyone will have enough time to explore all the different areas and enjoy the scenery within three days.

To reach Rabbit Valley, take Highway 50 west from Grand Junction for approximately 30 miles. Turn left (south) onto County Road 10 and travel for another 12 miles. Rabbit Valley is located on the left side of the road.

The entrance fee to the Rabbit Valley is $5 per person per day and $10 per vehicle.

The gates open at 7:00 am, and closing time varies depending on the season. The park closes at 5:00 pm in the winter, while in the summer, it stays open until 8:00 pm.