Black Mesa Area

The remote roads through this area are excellent places to look for Dusky Grouse and other high-elevation birds, including Pine Grosbeak, Gray Jay, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Northern Goshawk breeds in the area. Keep an eye out for elk and snowshoe hares (white in winter, brown-and-white in summer). The roads are inaccessible from approximately late October to early May due to deep snow.

County: Dolores

Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow

Directions: From Dolores, take CR 31.00 (also known as the Dolores/Norwood road) until you reach CR CR H.00 to the east (signed for Groundhog Reservoir). Continue east on CR H.00/FR 533 past Groundhog Reservoir. The road reaches high country in a few miles and ends at FR 611. Turn right on 611 and follow it to its intersection with FR 535 just north and east of Dunton. The top part of this road is passable in a two wheel drive car, but go slowly.

Delorme: 75 B7, 76 B1
Roads of Colorado: 130 A1

Dates of Access: Mostly May to October
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Roads not maintained in winter.

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car.

Latitude: 37.8205747
Longitude: -108.1947931