Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

· Black Canyon

Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

This is a very interesting State Wildlife Area that will reward the adventurous birder. It consists of several distinct and separate tracts of land that encompass low hills covered in montane shrubland. Dusky Grouse can be numerous in the dense Gambel oak woodlands, and breeding warblers include Virginia’s and MacGillivray’s. The riparian forest along the stream bottom has produced Western Screech-Owl. Elk and deer can be found here, and the oaks may harbor the beautiful Colorado Hairstreak butterfly.

County: Ouray

Habitat: Scrub Oak Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest

Directions: From Ridgway, travel north on US 550 past Ridgway Reservoir to CR 4 and turn east. At an intersection with another road, turn north to stay on CR 4 Road; the road will immediately make a few hairpin turns and then straighten out somewhat. Continue uphill to intersection with CR 4B and turn west and follow all the way to CR 2, then turn west, again, which leads back to US 550. These roads traverse both public and private lands, so please respect private property. From Colona, take US 550 south to CR 2 and follow the above directions in reverse.

Delorme: 66 B3-B4
Roads of Colorado: 115 D1

Dates of Access: Closed Jan 1 to April 30 to protect wintering big game.
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.

Restrictions: Please respect private property; roads may be impassable when wet

Parking: Mostly roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping, or hotels in Montrose or Ridgway

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car

Latitude: 38.24812
Longitude: -107.74482

» Visit the website for Billy Creek State Wildlife Area

Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveYes
CampingYes
PicnicNo
HuntingYes
FishingNo
2020-07-17T12:55:07-06:00

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