Baxter Pass

Driving this remote road from Vernal, Utah to Loma can take a long time, but with a bit of luck can be well worth the effort. The lower portions of this road, near the Mesa County line, are probably the best place outside of Coal Canyon to get Chukar, and possibly even better for just seeing them out in the open. The extensive pinyon-juniper woodland on this portion of the road has some Scott’s Orioles, and Gray Vireo is a distinct possibility. Keep an eye out for other PJ birds, as well as foothill scrub birds (such as Green-tailed Towhee and Virginia’s Warbler) higher up on the pass.

County: Garfield

Habitat: Sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper, Foothill Shrub, Rimrock/Mesa

Directions: From the north, take US-40 into Utah and look for the Brown sign that says Baxter Pass and Bonanza (Hwy 2776) in the town of Jensen. From here it is 57 miles to the state line, and 64 to the Garfield County line. From the south, take the Mack exit off of I-70 (exit 11) and head north to the 'T' just shy of town. Head west (left) on M.8 road for almost 3 miles to CR 8, and take a right. Head north on CR 8 for 3 miles to CR S and take a left (west). Follow this road for 3 miles, and follow it as it curves to the north and becomes CR 4 and the Baxter Pass Road. From this point it is 7 miles to the Garfield County line.

Delorme: 32 C1-D1, 42 A1-B1
Roads of Colorado: 64 B2-B4, C2

Dates of Access: Most of the area is closed during the winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission: Free

Restrictions: None

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None

Elevation: 8430

Latitude: 39.58268
Longitude: -108.95301