Western Colorado’s Unique Canyon Where Water Flows In Both Directions

Western Colorado may be known for its dry climate, but there is a canyon here that is known for the water that runs through it.

Unaweep Canyon, located south of Grand Junction is a very unique canyon because of two creeks that flow out of opposite ends of the canyon. Seems impossible, doesn't it?

A Colorado Canyon of Divided Waters

The term Unaweep is a Ute Indian word that means "canyon of divided waters," or "a canyon with two mouths." You've got the East Creek flowing one way, and the West Creek flowing the other way from a gentle divide within the canyon, according to geoscienceworld.com. Unaweep Canyon is believed to be the only canyon in the world where the water flows in both directions.

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How Was the Unaweep Canyon Formed?

There is some debate about how Unaweep Canyon was formed. Could it have been a glacier that cut through the canyon millions of years ago, or was it cut out by a flowing river?

It is widely believed the Colorado River merged with the Gunnison River and cut through the canyon before the lift of the Uncompahgre Plateau, eventually drifting down into the Grand Valley after hitting the high point known as the Unaweep Divide.