Moffat County

Author(s): Forrest Luke
County Seat: Craig
County Size: 4,732 square miles
Low Elevation: 5,024 ft. - Green River on the UT border
High Elevation : 10,840 ft. - Black Mountain
Best Birds : Common Moorhen (1987), Whip-poor-will (1992)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: The second largest county in the state is also one of the least birded. This is truly unfortunate, as Moffat County has something to offer just about every birder, from grouse leks to great water and marsh birding, excellent mountains, great hikes, and even some decent migrant traps. Moffat County is also the only place in the state to find Ruffed Grouse, probably the most geographically limited and rarest breeding species in the state.

Birding Locations

Dry Mountain Road
Aliases - Moffat CR 46
Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer) Remote and dusty, this road passes through some excellent pinyon-juniper forest and is among the few places in the county to look for Gray Vireo and Black-throated Sparrow. The sage flats adjacent to the road have a few Sage Sparrows as well as tons of Brewer's Sparrows, and all the regular PJ birds are present in the extensive forest on the hillsides.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Sagebrush
Directions - CR 46 is off of SR-318, about 28 miles northwest from the junction with US-40 in Maybell.
Delorme - 13 C4
Roads of Colorado - 33 E1-2
Craig area
Aliases - Loudy-Simpson Park, Perch Pond, WFMC Gravel Pit
Description - By far the largest town in Moffat County, Craig has a number of good birding spots. Loudy Simpson Park is one of the premier migrant spots in western Colorado, and a must hit spot on any visit to Moffat County in the fall. The nature trail here begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot near the river. The trail makes an approximate half mile loop through cottonwood riparian habitat with extensive shrubby understory. The park is at its best during mid-August to late September when it acts as an effective fall migrant trap. The Loudy-Simpson nature trail is arguably one of the best migrant stopovers on the west slope. During the spring and summer months it hosts a good assortment of low elevation riparian species.

There is also a very pleasant two mile hiking/jogging trail that makes a loop around the perimeter of the park. This trail crosses cottonwood riparian, willow and grassland habitats and makes for a nice bird walk if you have extra time.

The portion of the oxbow lake to the east of Ranney Street is sometimes home to a family of Wood Ducks and is worth a quick look. The small pond (no public access) to the north of Loudy-Simpson Park has hosted some surprises over the years, such as Long-tailed Duck and White-winged Scoter, and can be viewed by walking over the foot bridge located at the end of the nature trail.

Craig also has some good quick birding spots, mostly ponds that are best visited during the fall or winter: Perch Pond: The "Perch Pond" is located along Highway 13 about midway between Craig and Meeker and constitutes the fresh water supply for the nearby Colowyo Coal Mine. The pond is worth a quick stop to look for waterfowl and marsh birds if you happen to be passing by.

Craig Station Inlet Pond: This pond can be reached by turning off Highway 13 onto Moffat County Road 107 about five miles south of Craig. The pond is reached by traveling about 0.6 miles east along CR 107. The pond is not accessible to the public but can be viewed from the road. Loons, grebes, mergansers and other deep water birds sometimes visit this water body during fall through spring. Barrow's Goldeneyes occasionally roost on the pond during the winter months.

WFMC Gravel Pit: Almost directly across (west of) the intersection of Hwy 13 and CR 107 is a BLM information turnoff. From this turnoff you can view gravel pit ponds that sometimes host pelicans, Tundra Swans (on at least two occasions) and other waterfowl. If you look way back to the west with a scope you may be able to spot nesting Bald Eagles in the cottonwoods lining the river.

Yampa River South of Craig: Along a two-mile stretch of the Yampa River, viewed from Highway 13 from the south end of Craig to a bridge over the river, variable numbers of Barrow's Goldeneyes and other waterfowl are often found during winter months. Viewing points from the highway are limited but with caution much of this river section can be viewed. The River Ridge Restaurant parking lot is a good viewing spot, but permission should probably be sought.

Craig Golf Course Road: The Yampa Valley Golf Course is located southeast of Craig. It can be reached by driving south on Ranney Street and turning left on Highway 394 (the Airport Road). Turn left (north) on the next major road toward the golf course. The golf course road has a few small ponds, wet meadows and marshes that are sometimes good for ducks, shorebirds and rails. If you follow Hwy 394 to the east of the golf course turnoff you can observe sub irrigated native hay fields that are good for Savannah Sparrow and Sandhill Crane. On at least one occasion, Bobolinks and a Dickcissel were found on this road.
Habitat - Urban/Suburban, Lowland Riparian, Sagebrush
Directions - Craig is along US-40 in easternmost Moffat County. Loudy-Simpson Park is located on the south side of Craig along the Yampa River. It can be accessed by turning off Highway 40 (Victory Way) in the center of Craig and traveling south on Ranney Street. After crossing the Yampa River, the next right (west) turn will take you into Loudy-Simpson Park. The best birding spot in the park is the Kiwanis Nature Trail located inside a Yampa River oxbow. The nature trail can be reached by turning right on the first road reached after entering the park. Take this road a quarter mile to the river. Directions to the other small sites are in the descriptions for each site, above.
Delorme - 15 D5, 25 A5
Roads of Colorado - 35 E3-F3
Black Mountain (Elkhead Mountains)
Aliases - Elkhead Mountains, Freeman Reservoir
Description - Black Mountain is located northeast of Craig and includes the highest elevations in Moffat County, with peaks reaching over 10,000 feet. Habitats include spruce-fir and other coniferous habitats, as well as aspen and mountain brush habitats at lower elevations. In Moffat County, high elevation montane species such as Pine Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Three-toed Woodpecker and Golden-crowned Kinglet are found almost exclusively on Black Mountain. Red Crossbill, Dusky Grouse and other montane species, while not limited exclusively in Moffat County to Black Mountain, are probably most easily found here. Look for Common Poorwills along CR 27 as it travels through the lowlands on the way to the mountains. Usually it can easily be heard along the road, and occasionally seen while driving at night.

Another road onto Black Mountain is accessed by turning off Highway 13 at CR 11 (only about a half mile north of the CR 27 turnoff). CR 11, which turns into FR 112 at the forest boundary, dead ends at a forest service campground at Freeman Reservoir. This area has more extensive stands of aspen and other deciduous habitats than the portion of Black Mountain accessed by FR 100 and the campground is better developed.
Habitat - Mixed-Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Sagebrush, Aspen Grove, Foothill Shrub
Directions - Black Mountain is reached by traveling about 11 miles north of Craig on Highway 13 and then turning right onto CR 27. CR 27 travels through ranch land and then begins gaining elevation through mountain brush habitat and then gets into aspen habitat shortly before reaching the Routt National Forest boundary. The road changes to FR 110 at the forest boundary. Most of land outside the forest boundary is private so take appropriate precautions. Once inside the national forest there are several two track forest roads that can be explored and a primitive campground is available. FR 110 continues into Routt County and it is possible to make a loop southeast to Hayden or north into the Baggs, Wyoming area.
Delorme - 15 B6
Roads of Colorado - 36 A1
Oxbow Wildlife Area
Description - This little oasis is located on Highway 318 west of Maybell. The trail to the oxbow begins from the southeast corner of the parking lot. From the gate it is about a 0.6 mile walk to the oxbow. At one time there were extensive brown BLM markers outlining the trail, but unfortunately many of the markers no longer exist. If you walk generally southeast from the parking lot you will come to a fence. Walk along the fence until you come to a gate and pass through to the east side. From this point most of the trail signs are missing, but if you head toward a large livestock shed to the south it will lead you to the oxbow.

The area between the parking area and the oxbow is greasewood habitat and usually hosts, among other species, Sage Sparrows and Sage Thrashers. The oxbow itself is best in fall when mudflats are available. When the habitat is right, it is probably the best shorebird spot in Moffat County. The area also contains extensive marsh and some open water habitat that attracts many waterfowl, rails and other marsh birds. The northern tip of the oxbow is a grassy area with some tamarisk and Russian olive trees. Greater Sage-Grouse often come into the oxbow to drink and Eastern Kingbirds and migrant songbirds inhabit this area.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Sagebrush, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - (Note, this spot is not marked in either atlas) Traveling west on 318 you will cross the Little Snake River and crest a hill sporting a Nottingham Ranch sign to the south. The parking lot is located about a mile further at about mile marker 44.5. Look sharp because the parking lot is becoming overgrown with weeds and is increasingly difficult to recognize.
Delorme - 13 D6
Roads of Colorado - 34 A2
Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge
Description - (submitted by Forrest Luke and Andrew Spencer) Brown's Park is located on the Utah border at the west end of Highway 318. Headquarters is located south of Highway 318 within a mile of the Utah border. There is a self-guided tour of the refuge. In addition to marshes and open pond areas, there are cottonwood riparian areas and extensive sagebrush and saltbush habitats. A hunting blind on the largest pond along the auto-tour route is a great place to scan for ducks. During migration many hundreds of individuals of many species can be seen here. Browns Park NWR is also probably the best place in the state to see Tundra Swans, as their migration route just clips this remote corner of Colorado. Willow thickets along the river by the auto tour loop host breeding Willow Flycatchers, and the cottonwoods along various drainages may be good for migrants.
Cliffs along the river host Canyon Wrens and nesting raptors, and look like prime habitat for Black Phoebe. By heading over the really cool "Swinging Bridge" you can access many extremely remote and wonderful draws that very, very few birders ever see. These draws are filled with PJ and thick manzanita woodland found nowhere else in Colorado, and all the typical PJ species could be found in the area. The road on the south side of the Green River here also allows for scanning of some additional shallow ponds and marshes, which are great places to look for more ducks and shorebirds, including Black-necked Stilt (which breeds here).
The NWR headquarters, which are reached by heading south from SR-318 just west of the entrance to the auto-loop, usually have hummingbird feeders up, with many Black-chinned Hummingbirds during the summer, and the other three regulars during the fall. Eurasian Collared-Dove has been seen here as well. The brushy draw below the headquarters is excellent for land birds, including breeding Yellow-breasted Chat, Virginia's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and many others.
A final location to check in the area is the Browns Park Store, which is reached by turning north off of SR-318 east of the NWR. The hummingbird feeders here often attract Black-chinned Hummingbirds during the summer, and the other three regulars during the fall.
This remote site is under birded and likely hosts much more birding potential than is currently reported.
URL - Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Rimrock/Mesa, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Sagebrush
Directions - Browns Park is south of SR-318, 60 miles NW of Maybell. The road to the headquarters heads south at 60 miles from Maybell, and reaches the headquarters building in a little over a mile. The road to the swingin bridge (CR 83) heads south just before the road to the headquarters, and goes 2.5 miles to the bridge, and then over the river. From here you can head either east or west; east will take you to the sites described above. The auto-loop leaves from SR-318 10 miles east of CR 83, and travels west near the river and south of SR-318 to CR 83.
Delorme - 12 B1-B2
Roads of Colorado - 16 B4-C4
Irish Canyon
Description - If you are visiting Brown's Park, this interesting canyon is worth a quick visit or even an overnight stay as it hosts a primitive BLM campground. The primary habitat of the canyon is pinyon-juniper and thus attracts most of the bird species associated with that habitat. Irish Canyon is probably the best public access area in Moffat County to find Chukars. Praire Falcons and White-throated Swifts nest on the canyon walls. Be sure to look at the great pictographs at the southern end of the canyon.
Habitat - Rimrock/Mesa, Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Directions - Irish Canyon is located in the northwest part of Moffat County on County Road 10 between Highway 318 and the Wyoming state line. The canyon begins about six miles north of the intersection of Highway 318 and County Road 10 and is several miles long.
Delorme - 12 B2
Roads of Colorado - 17 D4
Douglas Mountain
Description - Another good birding spot in the northwest portion of Moffat County is Douglas Mountain. Douglas Mountain is the only site in the county with extensive Ponderosa Pine habitat. Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Wild Turkey and other bird species associated with Ponderosa Pine are, within Moffat County, found only on Douglas Mountain.
Habitat - Ponderosa Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Directions - Douglas Mountain is reached by traveling on Highway 318 west of Maybell until reaching County Road 12 (Langley Draw). Travel west on CR 12 until it intersects with CR 10. Turn south on CR 10 past the small hamlet of Greystone to the intersection of CR 10 and CR 116. Turn west on CR 116 and explore the various habitats on the mountain. Be aware that there are extensive tracts of private property on Douglas Mountain.
Delorme - 12 D1-D2
Roads of Colorado - 33 D2, E2-E3
Elkhead Reservoir
Description - Newly renovated and again open to the public, Elkhead Reservoir is the largest body of water in Moffat County. Historically, this reservoir has been a fair place to observe migrating waterfowl and other open waterbirds. On a few occasions, following severe storms in late fall, it has even hosted such rarities as Red-throated Loon and Ross's Goose. (Note that many maps show a small reservoir, Ralph White Reservoir, just NW of Elkhead. Don't waste any time searching for this lake; it doesn't really exist.)
Habitat - Pond./Lake/Reservoir
Directions - The reservoir is reached by turning north off Highway 40 east of Craig and traveling about four miles north on Moffat County Road 29. CR 29 cuts across a corner of Routt County (Routt CR 86) before returning to Moffat County. Turn east on CR 28 and cross the dam to the east side of the reservoir. The reservoir can be scanned from several locations along this road. CR 29 crosses into Routt County (CR 76) about 2/3 of the way along the reservoir. The northeast portion of Elkhead Reservoir is located in Routt County.
Delorme - 15 D6
Roads of Colorado - 36 A3
Cedar Mountain
Description - A good area to find bird species that prefer pinyon-juniper and mountain brush habitats in Moffat County is Cedar Mountain, located a few miles north of Craig. The mountain includes a BLM recreation area with hiking/biking trails. For those who neither hike nor bike, remoter areas of Cedar Mountain can be accessed by four-wheel drive roads.

The interior portion of Cedar Mountain is mostly mountain brush habitat, with the P-J habitat found along the upper ridges and outslopes of the mountain. In addition to the usual P-J and mountain brush birds, Cedar Mountain is a very reliable place to encounter Pinyon Jays.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Foothill Shrub
Directions - To reach Cedar Mountain turn north from Highway 40 (Victory Way) onto CR 7 from the west side of Craig. Travel about 6 miles on CR 7 to the turnoff (right turn) to Cedar Mountain (if you reach the CR 31 intersection, you have gone about a mile too far).
Delorme - 15 D5
Roads of Colorado - 35 E3
Diamond Peak area
Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer) If you want to get away from it all, then this is a great area to do it. This area is as far NW as one can get in Colorado, and is extremely rarely visited by birders. A number of isolated mountains rise out of the valley here. Diamond Peak is that tallest, though the enormous Cold Spring Mountain to the south is far larger. These two peaks, along with nearby Middle Mountain and the O-wi-yu-kuts Mountains are outliers of Utah's Uintah Mountains, and some of the specialties from there should be looked for in this area.

Diamond Peak has thick mixed conifer woodland and aspen groves where most species of such habitat can be found, including Dusky Grouse and Red Crossbill. A neat bog is found on the southwest flank of the mountain, just above the small cabin and pond. Look here for Cassin's Finch, more Dusky Grouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, and others.

Most of the land in the valley is dense sagebrush, with Greater Sage-Grouse a possibility. Middle Mountain, against the Utah border, contains many of the same habitats as Diamond Peak, with the same species plus breeding Peregrine Falcon.

The Wiggins unit of the Browns Park SWA, against the Utah border west of Diamond peak contains dense limber pine woodland, aspen groves, and brushy thickets. A singing Winter Wren, of the western race, was heard here in the summer of 2003, testifying to this area's Uintah roots.

Many more chances for exploration exist here. I have never driven around the north side of Diamond Peak, or onto Cold Spring Mountain, and doubtless many more very cool areas with great habitat are just waiting to be found.
Habitat - Mixed-Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Sagebrush
Directions - To reach this area, travel through Irish Canyon (see directions above) to CR 72, almost 5 miles from the northern mouth of the canyon, and head west. The spring at the base of Diamond Peak is reached by turning right off of CR 72 at 9 miles from CR 10N. To reach Middle Mountain and the Wyoming border, continue on CR 72, and follow it as it bends to the north, for an additional 11 miles. If you stay straight as CR 72 bends north at 10 miles from CR 10N you will be on an unmarked road that heads to the Wiggins Unit of the Browns Park NWR, in about five miles.
Delorme - 12 A1-A2
Roads of Colorado - 16 C3, 18 D3
Dinosaur National Monument
Aliases - Gates of Lodore, Harper's Point, Echo Park
Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer) When most people think of this remote (notice a theme with this part of the state?) National Monument, they think of the part in Utah with the amazing dinosaur fossils, and not the equally (or far more, in this author's mind) amazing Gates of Lodore, or Harper's Point and Echo Park.
On the north end of the park, adjacent to Browns Park NWR, are the stunning Gates of Lodore. The road into here follows the Green River for a ways, allowing good vantage points to scan for ducks, and access to some extensive cottonwood groves that may be good for migrants and have breeding species such as Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, and others. The Gates of Lodore have nesting Canyon Wren, White-throated Swift, and lots of PJ woodland with all the benefits thereof. A trail leaves from the end of the road and goes to the mouth of the famous Canyon of Lodore.
On the south end of the park, adjacent to the Utah border, the Harper's Point road heads north from the town of Dinosaur, travels through Colorado, crosses over into Utah, and then back into Colorado to end at Harper's point. The views possible from this road are truly incomparable, and remind one of the Grand Canyon. Greater Sage-Grouse can be downright common along the southern portions of this road, and Sage Thrasher and Sage Sparrow are both possible. At Harper's Corner there is a nature trail through excellent PJ, where one can find Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, and all the other PJ regulars.
On the Utah side of the road a dirt road heads east into Colorado and down to the bottom of the canyon in Echo Park and Steamboat Rock. This road passes through lots more PJ and sagebrush, and into small but excellent riparian groves along Pool Creek on the way down to the river. Where the road hits the Green River are more riparian groves, and cliffs with White-throated Swifts, Canyon and Rock Wrens, and possibly Black Phoebes. Even if you don't see many birds here, this road is worth driving for the scenery, pictographs, and neat Whistling Cave.
URL - Dinosaur National Monument
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Rimrock/Mesa
Directions - To get to the northern part of the National Monument, travel NW on SR-318 for 40 miles from Maybell and turn south onto CR 10. Follow CR 10 for half a mile to the intersection with CR 34 and take a right (north). Take CR 34 for a 9 miles to the Gates of Lodore.

To get to the southern part of the National Monument, from the just east of the town of Dinosaur along US-40 near the Utah border, head north on Harper's Corner Road. The road is in Colorado for 21.5 miles from US-40, the crosses into Utah for 4 miles to where the Echo Park Road takes off to the east, and then an additional 4 miles to the Colorado border. From here the road goes an additional 3 miles to the parking lot for Harper's Corner. The Echo Park Road is in Utah for 3 miles and then crosses back into Colorado. From here it is 8.5 miles to the Green River.
Delorme - 12 C1-D2, 22 A1-A4
Roads of Colorado - 32 B1-C3, 33 D3-C3
Massadona
Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer) The sagebrush habitat on along US Highway 40 on either side of Massadona is excellent, and contains boatloads of Sage Sparrows and Sage Thrashers. With a good deal of luck you may find Greater Sage-Grouse. There's a myriad of BLM dirt roads here just begging for exploration.
Habitat - Sagebrush
Directions - Massadona is along US-40, 20 miles east of Dinosaur. The good sagebrush habitat can be found a number of miles from the town in either direction.
Delorme - 22 C3, 23 C4
Roads of Colorado - 49 D1-E1
Hoy Mountain
Description - (submitted by Andrew Spencer): This site is famous (or infamous, depending on whom you ask!) for being the only place in the state where Ruffed Grouse can be found. To say access is hard is an almost unforgivable understatement. The only way to access this area without crossing private property is to hike in from the north. Budget at least a day to reach the site, a day to look for the bird, and another day to hike out. Accessing this site in this manner is definitely not for the faint of heart, but makes for a truly unforgettable adventure.
To reach the site from the north, hike down the trail at the bottom of Hoy Draw, over the Diamond Mountain Ridge to Davis Draw, and then when near the head of Davis Draw hike straight west through BLM land to the eastern flank of Hoy Mountain. A good map of the area (preferable the USGS section maps, and an atlas that shows land ownership boundaries) would be necessary to get this route to work.
Once on the eastern flank of Hoy Mountain there are two places to look for the bird. When viewed from the east, the peak of Hoy Mountain appears to be in the middle of the ridge. The spot where the bird has been seen most recently is a large grove of aspen just to the south of the peak, above a band of rimrock visible from the east. To reach the spot, hike up just to the north of the first major drainage south of the peak.
The other spot to check is north of the peak. To reach it, walk up the rough track due east of the peak to its end, and then beyond it to the large aspen grove, which should be visible at that point.
Actually finding the birds can take a great deal of effort, even after you have reached the groves. The best bet is to cover the suitable habitat (aspen mixed with conifers, with a dense undergrowth) thoroughly, and this is best done with a good-sized group. You will almost certainly see lots of Dusky Grouse, and other species typical of pinyon-juniper and aspen woodland.
Habitat - Aspen Grove, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest
Directions - To reach Hoy Draw, from Brown's Park, cross the Swinging Bridge and take a left at the "T". Head southeast on this road for about 7 miles to the entrance to Hoy Draw, on the right. Park off the road and follow the directions in the site description.
Delorme - 12 B1-C1
Roads of Colorado - 32 B1-C1