Cheney Reservoir

Another desert oasis reservoir, Cheney is perhaps the best of the shallow irrigation lakes in the Grand Junction area. Especially in migration look for shorebirds, dabblers and divers, grebes, and herons and ibis around the edge. Even things like American White Pelican can show up on the lake. The drive in through the shrubland is a good place to look for Sage Sparrow (especially during fall migration), Horned Lark, and Lark Sparrow. Be especially careful on the roads here after a rain, when they may not be passable without a 4×4 vehicle.

County: Mesa

Habitat: Reservoir, Sagebrush, Lowland Riparian, Tamarisk

Directions: From the junction of US 50 and CO 141 just south of Whitewater (10 miles SE of Grand Junction on US 50), proceed 9.75 miles southeast on US 50. Look for an unmarked BLM dirt road/gate in the fence on the left (east) side of highway at milepost 51. Turn left (east, toward the Grand Mesa) and go 1.5 miles to Cheney Reservoir. The primary dam and lands downstream private; most of the rest of the shoreline is on BLM land. The main access road passes through private land and this notice does not give the public permission to enter; please respect private property.

Delorme: 55 A6
Roads of Colorado: 81 F4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Bewared the local roads after a rain

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding

Elevation: 5200

Latitude: 38.88557
Longitude: -108.32414