Adobe Badlands

About

The Adobe Badlands Wilderness Study Area in Delta, Colorado, is a 10,320-acre expanse of Mancos shale characterized by eroded soil formations and a moonlike landscape. Located between Delta and the Grand Mesa, the site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The area offers moderate hiking across varied terrain that becomes more rugged to the south, featuring steep-sided ridges and serpentine canyons. The Devil's Thumb, a scenic rock pinnacle at 5,755 feet, is a prominent landmark within the study area. There are no formal trails; hikers can cross-country through the sparsely vegetated land, which includes saltbush, desert trumpet, and pinyon-juniper trees. The clayey shale soil makes the ground slippery and difficult to traverse when wet, so dry conditions are preferable. The site lacks natural water sources. Visitors access the area via Highway 50 in Delta, turning east onto H38 Road and left onto 1575 Road. Following signs for the Delta County Airport and Devil's Thumb Golf Course, drivers proceed approximately 1.25 miles to turn left on Devil’s Thumb Road. After passing the golf course, a parking area is located 0.75 miles further along a road that is part paved and part gravel. The elevation ranges around 5,305 to 5,755 feet. Typical hikes last about two hours. The area is accessible year-round and permits pets, horseback riding, hunting, backpacking, and photography. Wildlife includes deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, bobcats, and raptors. High points provide views of the Grand Mesa, West Elk Mountains, and San Juan Mountains.