Archuleta County
Author(s): Jim Beatty
County Seat: Pagosa Springs
County Size: 1,353 square miles
Low Elevation: 6,085 ft. - Navajo Reservoir
High Elevation : 13,300 ft. - Summit Peak
Best Birds : Whip-poor-will (1999), Least Bittern (1915)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: Archuleta is a southwestern county, which borders New Mexico, is sparsely populated and not traversed by very many major highways. It is not heavily birded and the eastern portions are not easily accessible unless you are camping. The Continental Divide crosses the southeast corner and mountain peaks exceed 12,000 feet in the southeastern part of the county. Habitats range from sub-alpine to dry sagebrush with considerable pinyon-juniper regions in the south and southwestern regions. Navajo Reservoir is the only large body of water and there are several lakes just west of Pagosa Springs, the only town of any size in the county. Most of the central parts are ponderosa with spruce/fir at higher elevations.
Birding Locations
Fosset Gulch Road (FR 613)
Description - (submitted by Nathan Pieplow) This dirt road off US 160 in the western part of the county has good Ponderosa habitat. Typical ponderosa birds including Grace's Warbler can be found here during the day, and Flammulated Owls call during the night. A "Mexican" Whip-poor-will was heard calling here in 1999.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow
Directions - From Pagosa Springs, head west on US 160 approximately 24 miles (four miles past the Piedra River crossing) to the turnoff on the left (south).
Delorme - 87 C6
Roads of Colorado - 147 F2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 E7
Navajo State Park
Description - The Navajo Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water in southwestern Colorado, though it extends well into New Mexico. It is fed by the Piedra and San Juan Rivers. It is best in winter and during migration. The water levels vary widely depending on annual precipitation including the high mountain snowpack. Western Grebes are common in summer and more recently Clark's Grebes have become regular and breeding has been confirmed. Most of the waterfowl congregate toward the north end where the Piedra River enters. Gulls are present in winter, and shorebirds and terns are possible during migration. The surrounding habitat is mostly pinyon-juniper. There is a nature walk on the west side that starts across from the headquarters building. Do not enter the shoreline roads in wet weather as they can be very slippery.
URL - Navajo State Park
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Pinyon/Juniper Forest
Directions - From US 160 west of Pagosa Springs, go south on CO 151 to the small town of Arboles and follow the signs to the park headquarters. The lake should be scoped from several points on both the east and west sides. The southernmost point in Colorado can be reached by driving past the headquarters, campgrounds, and then past the fenced winter boat storage area. Also, explore the windsurf beach area north of the headquarters building by driving down to the beach. The east side is reached by driving north on CO 151 across the bridge over the Piedra River and then turning south (right) at the first road. While there are several access points along this road, the best one is where the road turns east. Cross the cattle guard and explore the several roads that go down to the water. These roads can be very slippery in wet weather.
Delorme - 87 D6
Roads of Colorado - 147 F3
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 G7-H8
Navajo Watchable Wildlife Area
Description - There is an extensive area of riparian cottonwoods and sage at the watchable wildlife area on CR 151 just west of the bridge over the Piedra River on CO 151. There is a paved path from the parking area to the river overlook. This old railroad bridge has been converted for pedestrian traffic. The best area is beyond the bridge and in the fields and woods on both sides of the old railroad grade. Golden-crowned Sparrow and Northern Shrike have been seen here. Also, be sure to visit the small riparian area east of the Piedra River and on the north side of CO 151 where there is a parking area with a few picnic tables near the river. American Redstart has been seen here.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Sagebrush
Directions - From CO 151 west cross the Piedra River and turn south (left) into the area in less than one mile. This area is at the north end of Navajo Reservoir.
Delorme - 87 D6
Roads of Colorado - 147 F3
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 G7
Sambrito Marsh
Description - West of Navajo Reservoir is an extensive marsh, most of which is in New Mexico, surrounded by sage. It is part of the Navajo SP. The area is best during migration and a surprising number of species have occurred here. It is good for Sage Sparrow and Sage Thrasher, Marsh Wrens, and other sparrows. Hawks are common in the winter both here and over the surrounding pastures and ranchland. In 2004 Eastern Bluebird nested in the box on the west side of the road just north of the park fee station. From the parking area there is a gravel path that loops toward the marsh and back through the sage area.
Habitat - Marsh, Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie
Directions - From CO 151 less than one mile east of the LaPlata County line turn south on CR 988. This road goes directly to the marsh where there is a parking area, restrooms and a picnic kiosk.
Delorme - 87 D6
Roads of Colorado - 147 E4
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 122 H6
Stollsteimer Marsh
Description - North of the Piedra River on CO 151 is the Stollsteimer marsh on the west side of the road. Birding here is from the highway shoulder and extreme caution is advised. A colony of Great Blue Heron nests in the cottonwoods here and Soras and Virginia Rails are in the cattails. Ducks and shorebirds are present during migration and a few ducks breed here including Common Merganser and Cinnamon Teal.
Habitat - Marsh, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From US 160 travel south on CO 151 past the entrance into Chimney Rock for about 4 miles. There is a pull-off area on the east side of the road just south of the main part of the marsh.
Delorme - 87 C7-D7
Roads of Colorado - 147 F2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 F8
Beaver Creek Road (FR 135)
Description - From US 160 this road starts in LaPlata County just west of the county line and goes north to higher elevations after it cuts back into Archuleta County. This is a good location for Great Horned and Flammulated Owls. Northern Pygmy-Owls and Saw-whet Owls are also possible. The Great Horned are at lower elevation and the Flammulated are higher up where mature aspen are mixed with spruce/fir.
Habitat - Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - On US 160 go west across the county line into La Plata County and immediately (in less than 1 mile) turn north (right) onto a gravel road (FR 135). The Flammulated habitat is about 5 to 7 miles up this road, after it crosses back into Archuleta County.
Delorme - 87 B6
Roads of Colorado - 147 E1
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 122 C6
Lower Piedra Campground
Description - This is excellent lowland riparian habitat for a variety of passerines. Hooded and Black-and-white Warblers have been found, as well as Grace's. Gray Catbirds nest here. It is worth walking both sides of the road from the campground south. The catbirds prefer the thick shrubbery and undergrowth just south of the small pond on the west side of the road. Grace's are in the ponderosas at the campground.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Lowland Riparian, Stream, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From US 160 just west of mile marker 121 and just after crossing the Piedra River is signed gravel road (FR 621) which goes north into the Lower Piedra Campground. The campground is only one mile off the highway.
Delorme - 87 C6-C7
Roads of Colorado - 147 F2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 E7
First Fork Road (FR 622)
Description - The lower section is similar to the Lower Piedra Campground which is just across the river. However, the main attraction is the higher elevation portions of the road. Three-toed Woodpeckers, Olive-sided and Hammond's Flycatchers, and other higher elevation birds are all possible along this road. It is best to park along the road at various points and bird the different habitats, especially the spruce/fir.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions - From US 160 around mile-marker 122 turn north on signed First Fork Road which is FR 622. This road parallels the Piedra River on the east side and climbs to higher elevations.
Delorme - 87 B7-C7
Roads of Colorado - 147 F1-F2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 E7-C8
Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
Description - Besides being an interesting archaeological area, this spot has several birds of note. Peregrine Falcons nest in the cliff faces, as do White-throated Swifts. Both are difficult to see from the highways (both US 160 and CO 151) and an admission fee is required to enter. The area is only open during the summer. There was a report in 2004 of a Hepatic Tanager at the entrance to Chimney Rocks on CO 151.
URL - Chimney Rock Archaeological Area
Habitat - Cliff Face
Directions - The entrance to the archaeological area is on CO 151 about 3 miles south of US 160 and west of Pagosa Springs. The chimney rock formation can also be viewed from a distance at the Chimney Rock Restaurant on US 160 about 3 miles west of the CO 151 intersection.
Delorme - 87 C7
Roads of Colorado - 147 F2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 E8
Pagosa Springs
Description - Pagosa Springs is an excellent town for Lewis's Woodpecker; they can be sometimes be found right downtown. There are several lakes west of downtown Pagosa Springs that can be good for ducks and a few gulls in migration, although these lakes mostly freeze in winter. There can be a wide variety of waterfowl here and in 2004 a Eurasian Wigeon was present. (The Trumpeter Swans at the lake by the Fairfield Inn just west of CR 600 are released birds.)
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Urban/Suburban, Ponderosa Forest
Directions - From Pagosa Springs travel west on US 160 to the traffic light at the top of the hill which is CR 600. Turn right here and turn right at the restaurant before the airport to visit a small pond on the south side of the airport. Continue north on CR 600 to Sullenberger Reservoir on the west side of the road. Turn left before the lake and there is a fishing area with parking on the right side. Most of the lake can be scoped from this spot. Continue north on CR 600 about a half mile and turn right (east) on Stevens Lake Road which is about mile back on this road. Return to US 160 and proceed west. Stop at the lake at the Fairfield Inn and scope it. Continue west on US 160 and turn right (north) at the traffic light onto North Pagosa Boulevard. In less than a mile there are lakes on the left and the right that are worth checking, although access viewing spots are limited.
Delorme - 88 B1-C1
Roads of Colorado - 148 B2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 D11
Echo Canyon Lake State Park
Description - South of Pagosa Springs is Echo Canyon Lake State Park. The east end is cattail marsh and good for Marsh Wren and Yellow-headed Blackbird. The west end is deeper and ducks and some shorebirds are possible during migration.
Habitat - Marsh, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From the east side of Pagosa Springs travel south on US 84 toward Chama, NM. The area is on the right (west), marked as "recreation area," and about 3 miles south of US 160.
Delorme - 88 C2
Roads of Colorado - 148 C2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 E11
Piedra Road (Archuleta section)
Description - This is a continuation of a portion of the Pagosa Springs lakes section above. Ducks, gulls, occasional shorebirds, and open country birds are possible northwest of Pagosa Springs on Piedra Road (FR 631). There are several small lakes and ponds and the vegetation changes from ponderosa to grassland further north. This road becomes gravel after it leaves the more developed areas and ends in Hinsdale County.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Ponderosa Forest, Grassland/Prairie
Directions - From Pagosa Springs travel west on US 160 to Piedra Road (a.k.a. CR 600, which eventually becomes FR 631). Turn right (north) and after 4 to 5 miles there is Hatcher Reservoir on the left (west) side. This lake can be viewed from several places along the east side and north sides. About three miles further north there are small lakes on either side of the road that are worth checking.
Delorme - 88 B1
Roads of Colorado - 148 B2-A1
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 B9-D11
San Juan River
Description - This route follows the San Juan River east from Navajo Reservoir and can take several hours to bird thoroughly. Black Phoebes are possible at a bridge on a side road between Carracas and Pagosa Junction (neither of which is well marked). Yellow-breasted Chats are possible in the reedy areas along the river. The drier grasslands away from the river provide habitat for birds of open country including shrikes.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Stream, Lowland Riparian
Directions - From CO 151 just east of the Piedra River go south on CR 500. After about 3 miles this road turns east and after another 4 miles the Navajo Reservoir becomes the San Juan River. After three miles there is a road to the south which crosses the San Juan, which is where Black Phoebes are possible. CR 500 continues east toward Juanita and turns northeast through Trujillo and then north and eventually ends in Pagosa Springs.
Delorme - 87 D7; 88 C1-D2
Roads of Colorado - 147 F3, 148 A3-B3
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 H8-F11
Mill Creek Road
Description - Just east of Pagosa Springs is some of the best Ponderosa forest in the state. Towards the end of FR 029, Williamson's Sapsucker is the most common woodpecker, and you can also find good numbers of Virginia's and Grace's Warblers, Red Crossbills, and even Band-tailed Pigeons. Flammulated and Saw-whet Owls are probably common in this area also.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest
Directions - From US 160 just east of Pagosa Spring, head south on US 84. A quarter mile south of US 160, turn left (east) on Mill Creek Road (CR 302). Roughly six miles up the road, turn right onto FR 665, then take another right in a little under two miles on FR 029. This road goes through excellent habitat, particularly near its end.
Delorme - 88 B2
Roads of Colorado - 148 C2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 124 D1-E1
Blanco River Road
Description - This road heads east from US 84 south of Pagosa Springs a short distance through nice mixed-conifer forest and a little mid-elevation riparian habitat. There is some aspen and Gambel oak mixed in. This road should be scouted for owls.
Habitat - Mixed-Conifer Forest
Directions - From US 160 just east of Pagosa Spring, head south on US 84 about eleven miles, across the second bridge across the Rio Blanco, and turn left (east) on Blanco River Road (FR 656).
Delorme - 88 C2
Roads of Colorado - 148 C2
Colorado Roads & Recreation - 123 F12