Summit County


Author(s): Sue Bonfield
County Seat: Breckenridge
County Size: 607 square miles
Low Elevation: 7,530 ft. - Blue River on the Grand border
High Elevation : 14,270 ft. - Grays Peak
Best Birds : Magnificent Frigatebird (1985), LeConte's Sparrow (1886)
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Introduction: Famous as a ski destination, Summit is the closest West Slope county to Denver. Like other small mountain counties, it can be hard to amass a long list here, but quality is often high. Summit's two large reservoirs are usually pretty dull, but once in a while they can come through with good waterbirds. In the winter Barrow's Goldeneye is reliable, and Rosy-Finches can sometimes be found at feeders in the ski towns, but otherwise this county is best as a warm-weather birding destination.

Birding Locations

  1. Alfred M. Bailey Bird Nesting Area
    Aliases - Bailey Bird Nesting Area
    Description - Designated as a high diversity bird area by the Denver Field Ornithologists, the bird nesting area features a variety of habitats used by diverse species. In addition to being a beautiful site located in the Gore Range Wilderness area, Bailey is home to Wilson's Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. MacGillivray's Warbler is also present and, on occasion, Three-toed Woodpecker.
    Habitat - Aspen Grove, Spruce-Fir Forest, Lodgepole Pine, Streamside Willow
    Directions - From the intersection of I-70 and Highway 9 (Exit 205), travel north approximately 7.7 miles. Turn left or west onto County Road 1350 or Rock Creek Road. This turn is directly across from the Blue River Campground. Follow the dirt road 0.7 miles to the first and only left. It may be difficult to see, as it drops down into a parking area. Follow this road to the U.S. Forest Service Trailhead. The road is narrow and rocky. From the trailhead, hike 1 to 1.5 miles before dropping into the valley to the south. There is a short, but hard to see trail into the area. It is not signed.
    Delorme - 38 C1
    Roads of Colorado - 70 B2

  2. Silverthorne
    Description - The Silverthorne sewage pond is almost always home to one or more Barrow's Goldeneyes during the winter months. A variety of other waterfowl also use the pond. North of the sewage pond along the east side of the highway are a number of other ponds that have hosted ducks, shorebirds and gulls in the past.

    At the Willowbrook development is an easy look at nesting Osprey. The nest has been active for over 6 years, and produces one to two young each season. The Osprey hunt in the ponds to the east and can provide good opportunities to observe the birds as they "fish."
    Habitat - Pond
    Directions - Silverthorne is along I-70 just west of the Eisenhower Tunnel. To get to Willowbrook, from the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway 9 (Exit 205) travel north approximately 1.8 miles to the residential development called Willowbrook. Turn left into the area. The Osprey nest is located on a power pole to the north. It is visible from the highway. To get to the sewage pond, from Exit 205, travel north 2.7 miles. The sewage pond is on the right or east side of the road. At times, the gate will be locked, but there is sufficient room to pull off.
    Delorme - 38 C2
    Roads of Colorado - 70 C2

  3. Dillon Reservoir
    Description - The reservoir provides refuge to waterfowl, especially during the winter months when the south end is the last portion free of ice. Goldeneyes and even the occasional Common Loon have been seen here. Summer viewing is not as productive, though White Pelicans do visit the area on occasion.
    Habitat - Reservoir
    Directions - From Interstate 70, take Exit 203 or CO-9 toward Frisco and Breckenridge. Travel about 5 miles to the traffic light at Farmer's Corner. The Summit High School and a gas station are on the right. Turn left onto Swan Mountain Road and take another, almost immediate left, onto the Summit Water Treatment facility road. This road will take you to the edge of the reservoir, and even into the reservoir if you're not careful.
    Delorme - 38 C2
    Roads of Colorado - 70 C2

  4. Quaking Creek Ranch
    Description - This private ranch offers public access to the Blue River on both the west and east sides. In most years, it's a great place to get a good look at nesting American Dippers. Wintering dippers may also be seen from the footbridge.
    Habitat - Stream, Streamside Willow
    Directions - From the intersection of I-70 and Highway 9 (Exit 205), travel north approximately 7.6 miles. The right turn into the public access parking lot may sneak up on you. Park in the gravel area in front of the private gate. A small footbridge to the right of the ranch bridge offers good views of the river and access to the east side.
    Delorme - 38 C2
    Roads of Colorado - 70 C2

  5. Green Mountain Reservoir
    Aliases - Heeney Reservoir
    Description - Willow Flycatcher breeds on the southwest side of Green Mountain Reservoir, and habitat in this area is good for other migrants. The reservoir itself is not particularly well-known for attracting waterbirds, but if Magnificent Frigatebird can show up here (and it has), the place might be worth a little of your time!
    Habitat - Reservoir, Streamside Willow
    Directions - From Interstate 70, go 16.7 miles north on Highway 9. Turn left onto Heeney Road, CR-30. Viewing is good along the south end of the reservoir.
    Delorme - 37 B7
    Roads of Colorado - 54 B4

  6. Loveland Pass (Summit side)
    Description - This pass is a must-see in Summit County, offering great views of the area and easily accessible tundra. Trails on the north side of the road offer access to peaks and lower bowls. White-tailed Ptarmigan is a possibility, as well as Brown-capped Rosy Finch.
    Habitat - Tundra, Krummholz
    Directions - From Interstate 70, take Loveland Pass Exit 216. Drive south over Loveland Pass on Highway 6, stopping at the top, which is the Continental Divide. The best opportunities for seeing ptarmigan are on the north side of the road.
    Delorme - 38 C3
    Roads of Colorado - 71 D2