Routt County
Author(s): Tom Litteral, The Yampa Valley Birding Club
County Seat: Steamboat Springs
County Size: 2,367 square miles
Low Elevation: 6,237 ft. - Yampa River on the Moffat border
High Elevation : 12,180 ft. - Mount Zirkel
Best Birds : Pomarine Jaeger (1999), Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (2000)
Checklist : Download pdf | View HTML
Introduction: The eastern border of Routt County lies along the Continental Divide. The Zirkel Wilderness in the northeast, the Flattops Wilderness to the southwest and the Sarvis Creek Wilderness in between supply meltwater for the Yampa River Valley. This river valley and its tributary valleys dominate both the economic pulse and wildlife abundence of Routt County. The eastern half of the county is considered "high country," reaching 11,000 feet but staying heavily forested. The land drains to the west, slowly dropping in elevation to 6,000 feet. In the western portion of Routt County the cottonwood floodplain habitat is very important to birdlife. Small open areas between mountain ranges called "parks" are high sagebrush-dominated areas scattered throughout the county. Four open water areas (Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, Stagecoach Reservoir, and Lake Catamount) are important waterfowl migratory stopover locations.
Birding Locations
Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area
Description - There are no organized trails here but fisherman trails are common along the Yampa River. Look for Cliff Swallows nesting under 14F bridge, Mallard, Bald Eagle, Spotted Sandpiper; Western Tanager; Bullock's Oriole, Yellow Warbler, and American Dipper. Spring flooding is common.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Stream
Directions - From Steamboat Springs, take US 40 south to CO 131; turn right. Go half a mile; at the curve, continue straight onto CR 14F. Parking is at the Yampa River crossing. There is a second parking area along CR 14.
Delorme - 28 A3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D4
Pearl Lake State Park
Description - Pearl Lake is heavily wooded with evergreen trees. Just walking around the roads in the campground/picnic area is productive birding. The hiking trail starting at the boat launch leads to more open aspen groves and mixed mountain meadows. The picnic area at this fee area provides good lake views. The road is not plowed in winter. Look for seasonal waterfowl, Sandhill Crane, Dusky Grouse, Western Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Mountain Chickadee, and Pine Grosbeak.
URL - Pearl Lake State Park
Habitat - Mixed Conifer Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow
Directions - From Steamboat Springs, take US 40 to CO 129; proceed north on CO 129 past Clark over Willow Pass and turn right on CR 200. Follow signs to the park.
Delorme - 16 B2-B3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D1
Yampa River Core Trail
Aliases - Steamboat Springs, Howelson Hill Sports Complex
Description - This six-mile trail through Steamboat Springs is ideal for cycling and birding. It has pockets of riparian, tall cottonwood trees, and open fields. Look for American Dipper (year-round), Tree & Cliff Swallows, Yellow Warbler, Gray Catbird, Bullock's Oriole, American Crow, Song Sparrow, and waterfowl. The Yampa Botanic Garden midway along the trail is a must-see for flowers and birds. Note that this is a very actively used trail. Also, Howelsen Hill sports complex has a large system of trails worth checking out. Be aware of every manner of non-motorized activities.
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Stream
Directions - The trail runs along the Yampa River through Steamboat Springs, and can be accessed at over 20 places in town. Parking is well marked for short term users. At least five lots are dedicated to trail use/river use.
Delorme - 26 A3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D3
Lake Catamount
Description - Lake Catamount has excellent spring and fall waterfowl congregations as well as White Pelicans, Bald Eagles, and breeding Yellow-headed Blackbirds. ALL LAKE PROPERTY IS PRIVATE; you must bird from public roads.
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh
Directions - South of Steamboat Springs, take US 40 south to CO 131; follow CO 131 to CR 18 (approximately 5 miles); continue on CR 18 east and south to the lake area.
Delorme - 26 B3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D4
Stagecoach Reservoir State Park
Description - The reservoir is good in spring and fall waterfowl migration; look for American White Pelican, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Common Raven, Mountain Bluebird, and various swallows. The area is open year-round but vehicle access is limited in winter. All areas in the park require a State Park Pass or daily fee, even the wonderful wildlife area with the blinds across the road from the reservoir, which view a couple of small ponds where there are commonly waterfowl loafing by day during migration. The southwest corner of the reservoir, where the Yampa River flows into it, is often the best place to find ducks, shorebirds, ibis and the like, and Virginia Rail (rare) has been found here in a patch of cattails. On the north boundary of the park is Blacktail Mountain, a DOW wildlife reserve where they restrict access during winter to protect elk wintering grounds. The road along the north side of the Stagecoach Reservoir is the boundary of Blacktail Mountain. The habitat is oak brush/sage in the lower sections, aspen and high mountain meadows at the higher elevations. There is a hiking/biking trail along the south edge of the lake.
URL - Stagecoach Reservoir State Park
Habitat - Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Sagebrush, Scrub Oak Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow
Directions - To Stagecoach Reservoir from Oak Creek, take CO 131 south 3 miles; turn left on CR 14 to the park. From Steamboat Springs, take US 40 south (east) to CO 131, then take that highway to CR 14 to the park.
Delorme - 26 B3
Roads of Colorado - 53 D1
Service Creek State Wildlife Area and Sarvis Creek Wilderness
Aliases - Sarvis Creek Wilderness
Description - The day use area at Service Creek State Wildlife Area includes good riparian habitats. Watch for Tree and Cliff Swallows, Steller's Jay, Gray-headed Junco and Cassin's Finch. The Service Creek trail leads into the Sarvis Creek Wilderness area and beyond to the Continental Divide, although it does not get above treeline. Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area is unusual in that it is not a particularly high altitude area. The top is about 10,800 and heavily wooded to the very top of the boundry at the Continental Divide. It does house a high concentration of black bear, however. The access road is closed in winter.
Habitat - Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Lowland Riparian, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - The SWA is adjacent to Stagecoach Reservoir State Park. To Service Creek SWA, from the summer entrance to Stagecoach State Park, go straight past the fork to the park contact station. Follow CR 18 to the SWA entrance.
Delorme - 26 B3
Roads of Colorado - 53 D1
Hahn's Peak Lake
Description - Hahn's Peak Lake is nestled in a little valley. The surrounding mountainsides are mixed lodgepole, ponderosa pine, and aspen. Some of the lodgepole near the campground are the tallest I'm aware of in Routt County. There is a day use area on the east end of the lake. After visiting this area, continue on CR 129 to the campground turnoff and the boat launch day use area. There are good stands of aspen and tall evergreens along the roadway. Look for waterfowl on the lake and for Lincoln's Sparrow, Steller's Jay, and Olive-sided Flycatcher along the road. A USFS day pass is required to access this area.
Habitat - Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Lodgepole Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From Steamboat Springs, take US 40 west to CR 129 and turn right (north) toward Clark. Follow CR 129 to Hahn's Peak Lake (past Clark, Hahn's Peak Village, and Steamboat Lake State Park).
Delorme - 16 B2
Roads of Colorado - 20 C4
Carpenter Ranch
Description - This is a working cattle ranch owned by the Nature Conservancy, but drop-in visitors are welcome between 9 AM and noon Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May 15-September 1. The property has the highest nesting population of Bobolink west of the Mississippi River; look for the birds in hayfields. Sandhill Crane can also be seen. There is a trail system in riparian habitat along the Yampa River, where you might see American Kestrel, Bald Eagle, and American Goldfinch. Occasional birdwalks and workshops are scheduled. Mosquitos can be bad in summer.
URL - Carpenter Ranch
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Stream, Grassland/Prairie
Directions - Approximately 20 miles west of Steamboat Springs or 5 miles east of Hayden on US 40. Look for the white "Carpenter Ranch" sign on the highway.
Delorme - 26 A1
Roads of Colorado - 36 B3
Yampa Preserve
Description - This Nature Conservancy Preserve has well-marked walking (only) trails through narrow-leaf cottonwood/box elder/red-osier dogwood woodlands, and a heavy mosquito population in summer. Keep an eye out for Belted Kingfisher, Great Horned Owl, Gray Catbird, Bullock's Oriole, Yellow Warbler, and American and Lesser Goldfinches.
URL - Yampa Preserve
Habitat - Lowland Riparian, Stream
Directions - From US 40 five miles east of Hayden at the Yampa River crossing, look for the parking lot on the south side of the road just west of the crossing.
Delorme - 26 A1
Roads of Colorado - 36 B3
Mad Creek Trail
Description - The Mad Creek Trail is a hiking/biking/horseback trail connecting to the Zirkel Wilderness. The first portion (1.5 miles) follows high above Mad Creek; it is quite steep on the trail side. The trail is often 80 feet above Mad Creek, giving a nice view but not a "hard rock" experience. Most of the hillside is mixed oak brush (Gambel's Oak) and serviceberry. The trail, popular for non-motorized activities, is closed in winter to protect critical elk wintering habitat. Occasionally rattlesnakes are encountered on the trail. You may see Green-tailed Towhee, Steller's Jay, Mountain Bluebird, American Dipper, and Red-tailed Hawk.
Habitat - Scrub Oak Forest, Stream
Directions - From Steamboat Springs, go west on US 40 to CO 129 and turn right (north) toward Clark; at about 5.5 miles look for the marked parking lot on the right.
Delorme - 16 D2-D3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D2-D3
Steamboat Lake State Park
Description - Steamboat Lake is very scenic because of the great views of distant mountains. Part of the reason for the views is the second-growth evergreen forest, mostly lodgepole pine. The campground areas are mostly wooded and provided a nesting area for a Long-eared Owl in 2004 (rare event). There have been Ospreys nesting near the lake in past years. Ospreys and Bald Eagles regularly hunt by/on the lake. The north end of the lake, which is a no-wake boating zone, has many nesting waterfowl as well as forested areas. The nature trail near the Visitor Center has especially good birding. Look for Sandhill Crane, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, swallows and Savannah Sparrow. Like other state parks, this one requires an entrance fee.
URL - Steamboat Lake State Park
Habitat - Lodgepole Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Wet Meadow
Directions - From Steamboat Springs, go west on US 40 to CO 129 and turn right (north) toward Clark; continue on CO 129 18 miles north to the park. There are various access points around the east and north sides of Steamboat Lake.
Delorme - 16 B2
Roads of Colorado - 36 C1
California Park
Description - This place is good for nesting Sandhill Crane, Lewis's Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker and Loggerhead Shrike. However, the road to California Park does not open until the nesting season for sandhill cranes is well established (sometime around July 1st) to protect the breeding birds. Most of the lower elevation evergreen forests up this way are predominately lodgepole pine with scattered ponderosa pine.
Habitat - Streamside Willow, Aspen Grove, Sagebrush, Lodgepole Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - If you go north from Hayden on the only road out of town that crosses the Yampa River, within a mile of town you will reach a T intersection. Turn right. In another two or three miles the road splits and you should follow Route 80 left and uphill. CR 80 leads to California Park in about fifteen miles. Note: this is a "park" in the sense of a high-altitude open area between mountain ranges, not a recreational facility.
Delorme - 16 B1-C1
Roads of Colorado - 36 B1-B2
Hayden Grouse Leks
Aliases - Route 80 Leks
Description - In April, with a good dose of luck, you can see three species of grouse displaying in a single morning near Hayden. Most birders start along Route 80. If you go north from Hayden on the only road out of town that crosses the Yampa River, within a mile of town you will reach a T intersection. Turn right. In another two or three miles the road splits and you should follow Route 80 left and uphill. From this intersection over the crest of the hill is a scrub-oak habitat that has Dusky Grouse. When you reach the top of the hill, look beyond (north of) the fenceline that runs along the ridge for a signed parcel of public land. This is your best shot at seeing a displaying male Dusky Grouse, but they could be anywhere in or around the oaks. All the other land along this road is private and can only be birded from the road. A few miles past the fenceline (four miles from the intersection of CR 80 and CR 70), 200 yards from the road on the left, is a Greater Sage-Grouse lek on private land. Sharp-tailed Grouse used to display in this area, but they have abandoned the Route 80 lek, possibly due to excessive disturbance.After viewing the Sage-Grouse, to see a Sharp-tailed Grouse, high-tail it (no pun intended) the four miles back to the intersection of CR 80 x CR 70 and turn left (east) onto CR 70. When the road hits US 40 in about five miles, take a right (west). In 1.5 miles, turn left (south) onto CR 27 (Twenty Mile Road). Go south for five miles and park in a pullout on the left. Scan the knoll to the right (west). Another lek is 8.6 miles south of US 40 on the west side of the road. Both leks have only a few birds anymore. Also note that CR 27 is a haul road for coal trucks. Be very careful of traffic and placement of vehicles. The traffic has picked up on CR 27 to the point where inattentive drivers can get in trouble.
All off-road areas are private, and leks are highly sensitive to disturbances. Do not approach birds or dancing zones. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes. See the ethics section of this site for grouse lek protocols.
Habitat - Sagebrush, Scrub Oak Forest, Grassland/Prairie
Directions - See above.
Delorme - 15 D7, 26 A1
Roads of Colorado - 36 B3-B4
Slavonia Trailhead
Aliases - Seedhouse Road
Description - This is a major access point to the Zirkel Wilderness, but access is not available in spring until the snow melts off the road for the last eight miles. The final four miles of Seedhouse Road are very scenic and provide good woodland birding. The road goes through varied mixed wooded habitats, making a transition from pure aspen to evergreen. Open mountain meadows with braided streams make for excellent evening game animal viewing. At the end parking area, the habitat is lower mountain woodlands of aspen glades, beaver ponds, and interspersed lodgepole, ponderosa, and Douglas-fir. Expect Lincoln's & White-crowned Sparrows, Western Tanager, Western Wood-Pewee and Olive-sided Flycatcher. Along the river there are sporadic willow carrs with Willow Flycatcher breeding. Dippers are common along this stretch of river. Much of the area is part of a large blowdown and there are many standing dead trees that can be great for woodpeckers. Hairy Woodpecker is common, and Three-toed is a possibility, especially upslope along the trail.
Habitat - Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Stream, Streamside Willow
Directions - From west of Steamboat Springs on US 40, take CO 129 north past Clark. Half a mile north of Clark, turn right on FR 400 (Seedhouse Rd); continue to the end of the road. The parking lot at the end may be full on weekends. There is a large general store in Clark, as well as a nice lodge/restaurant just north of town with particularly good elk burgers.
Delorme - 16 B3
Roads of Colorado - 37 E1
Ferndale Picnic Area
Description - Ferndale is at about 9000 feet on the west side of Rabbit Ears Pass. That makes it quite a moist, shaded area with stands of tall aspen in forest transition to evergreen. A day use fee or a Golden Eagle Pass is required to bird this area. The road is not plowed in winter/spring. Common birds include Tree Swallow, Steller's Jay, MacGillivray's Warbler and Common Raven.
Habitat - Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - Follow US 40 East from Steamboat Springs toward Rabbit Ears Pass. Roughly twelve miles outside town, look on the north side of the highway for USFS signage.
Delorme - 27 A4
Roads of Colorado - 37 E4
Yampa River State Wildlife Area
Description - The ponds near the parking area are resting areas for migrating waterfowl, as is the Yampa River. Informal trails cross throughout the property. Look for Sandhill Crane, Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers and Yellow Warbler as well as numerous spring migrants.
Habitat - Stream, Lowland Riparian, Pond/Lake/Reservoir
Directions - From Hayden go 6 miles west on US 40. Look for the parking area on the left (south) side of the road opposite a seasonal rest area. Also continue half a mile west to a roadside pull-out on US40 to view a heronry & cottonwood/riparian habitat.
Delorme - 25 A6, 15 D6
Roads of Colorado - 36 A3
Morgan Bottoms
Description - The open fields near the road are a migratory stopover in spring and fall for Sandhill Cranes. Drive the county road from the river crossing to Hayden; in the large cottonwoods along the Yampa River look for Spotted Towhee, Great Horned Owl and Bald Eagle but do not stray from the road. Elsewhere expect Mountain Bluebird, Loggerhead Shrike and Western Meadowlark. The property is private along the entire route.
Habitat - Grassland/Prairie, Wet Meadow, Stream, Lowland Riparian
Directions - From Steamboat Springs take US 40 west to CR 70 at the Yampa River crossing (five miles east of Hayden). The Bottoms are along this road north of US 40.
Delorme - 15 D7, 16 D1
Roads of Colorado - 36 B3
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Description - Just outside Steamboat Springs, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a private concessionare which charges for hot pool soaking and limited lodging. The old "right of way" which goes through the property has been honored by the concessionare. The Forest Service requires them to allow any day users to pass through the property for use of the "Hot Springs Trail" (maintained by the Routt County Riders bicycle club). This is a moderately difficult three-mile trail gradually descending to the Mad Creek Trailhead parking area. It is actively used by mountain bikers (mostly downhill traffic). Access to the trail is from either trailhead, at the Hot Springs or at Mad Creek Trailhead parking area. The habitat changes dramatically from the evergreen-shrouded Hot Springs area to mixed aspen/mountain meadow to brushy (hawthorn/serviceberry) growth in the lower section.
URL - Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Habitat - Foothill Shrub, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Mixed Conifer Forest
Directions - From US 40 in Steamboat Springs, turn northeast onto 3rd. At the first stop sign, turn right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Turn left on Amethyst Drive and continue on this road to CR 36. Follow CR 36 to its end at the Hot Springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs has a nominal fee for parking or bathing. There is a public lot 100 yards before entrance. The parking lots at both trailheads are closed in winter.
Delorme - 16 D3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D3
South Fork Elk River (Hinman Trailhead)
Description - The South Fork Elk River trail (TR 1100.3a), which hikers share with horseback riders and mountain bikers, can be productive for Lincoln's Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, Northern Goshawk, Pine Grosbeaks, Western Wood-pewee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bullock's Oriole, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Western Tanager, among other birds. Again, this is a lower elevation mountain habitat with stands of old aspen, with younger lodgepole/ponderosa mixed area.
Habitat - Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Streamside Willow
Directions - From west of Steamboat Springs on US 40, take CO 129 north past Clark. Half a mile north of Clark, turn right on FR 400 (Seedhouse Rd); proceed 5.4 miles to FR440, turn right, cross over the Elk River and park in the lot on the left.
Delorme - 16 C3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D1
Spring Creek Trail
Description - Spring Creek trail is five miles long and goes through many mountain habitats. The lower elevation areas of Spring Creek are shaded by tall cottonwoods. The hillsides are filled with oak brush, serviceberry and chokecherry. As the elevation increases the cottonwood are replaced by tall aspen, with occational large ponderosa pine. In the highest areas it is mixed open mountain meadow and aspen groves. The lower section is accessible year-round, but the upper section is seasonally closed to protect critical elk wintering habitat. This is a very popular trail with hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers. Note: most mountain bikes are moving downhill. Common birds include Steller's Jay; Mountain Chickadee, Lincoln's Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee. Northern Pygmy-Owl is seen occasionally.
Habitat - Stream, Lowland Riparian, Scrub Oak Forest, Aspen Grove, Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow
Directions - To get to the lower trailhead: In Steamboat Springs, from Lincoln Avenue (US 40) turn northeast on 3rd Street, then right on Fish Creek Falls Road, then left (in 0.3 miles) on Amethyst. Spring Creek Road (CR 34) is on the right in 0.4 miles. Park at the entrance to the road. To get to the upper trailhead: Continue past the lower parking area on Amethyst Drive and bear right at the fork with CR 323 (Strawberry Park Road); turn right on CR 38 toward Buffalo Pass. Park in the designated parking lot on the right at the 5.8 mile mark.
Delorme - 16 D3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D3
Fish Creek Falls
Description - Explore this entire day-use area, including the trail to the upper falls, the trail to Uranium Mine, and the area along Fish Creek. The day use area is mostly stunted aspen providing shade for thick undergrown of riparian brush. The hillsides are mostly typical Gambel oak/serviceberry. The area around the falls is rocky and cliff-like, providing nesting areas for Common Ravens in past years. There is a flock of Band-tailed Pigeons that use this area as a morning and night flyway, but I have yet to find their roost/nesting area. This is the only area where I've regularly found Rock Wren in the county and pikas at low altitude. Look for Townsend's Solitaire, MacGillivray's & Orange-crowned Warblers and American Dipper. Naturalists lead seasonal walks here, including snowshoe hikes in winter to Uranium Mine. Note that this is a USFS day use fee area; you must pay $5 daily or purchase a Golden Eagle Pass. There is an easy handicapped-accessible trail to the falls view.
Habitat - Aspen Grove, Lowland Riparian, Scrub Oak Forest, Cliff Face, Stream
Directions - In Steamboat Springs from US 40 turn northeast on 3rd Street, then right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Follow this road approximately 3 miles to the first or second parking lot.
Delorme - 26 A3
Roads of Colorado - 37 D3
Congor Mesa
Description - (Submitted by Nathan Pieplow): This area of BLM land on the Eagle County border has some of the best publicly accessible PJ habitat in the county. Look for Bushtit and other PJ specialties.
Habitat - Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Directions - From CO 131 just south of the town of McCoy, just south of Routt County in Eagle County, turn northwest on Copper Spur Road (CR 31). Follow it to the border of the BLM land across the road at a fenceline, which is roughly synonymous with the Routt County line.
Delorme - 37 A4
Roads of Colorado - 53 E4
King Solomon Creek
Aliases - Little Red Park
Description - (Submitted by Andy Boyce): This small creek originating in the highlands around Farewell Mountain eventually drains into the Little Snake River. Where it runs through Little Red Park it supports fairly extensive willow carrs and some adjoining Lodgepole/Spruce-Fir forest. All of the normal willow-associated breeders are here, including Willow Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, and Fox and Lincoln's Sparrows. American Dipper breeds along the creek. In addition to the willow habitat, the forest on either side of the creek has breeding Pine Grosbeaks, and probably lots more. Camping is available at a USFS campground near the intersection of FR 500 and FR 550.
Habitat - Streamside Willow; Lodgepole Forest; Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions - To reach this area, follow Rd 129 north past Steamboat Lake until you reach a right-hand turn marked FR 550. Follow this road to the intersection with FR 500.
Delorme - 16 A2
Roads of Colorado - 21 D4