Carpenter Ranch

This is a working cattle ranch owned by the Nature Conservancy, but drop-in visitors are welcome between 9 AM and noon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May 15 to September 1. The property has the highest nesting population of Bobolink in western Colorado; 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. Rarer nesters include Veery, American Redstart, and Red-eyed Vireo. This is also one of the few places in Colorado where river otters can be found, although they are rarely seen.

County: Routt

Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Stream, Grassland/Prairie

Directions: From Hayden, head east on US 40 for just under 5 miles to the entrance to the ranch, on the left.

Delorme: 26 A1
Roads of Colorado: 36 B3

Dates of Access: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, May 15 to Sept 1, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Hours: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ownership: TNC
Admission: Free

Restrictions: See access restrictions

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Elevation: 6380

Latitude: 40.49445097
Longitude: -107.1830209