Fourmile Travel Management Area
Aliases: Collegiate Peaks Overlook, Shields Gulch, McGee Gulch
This large area includes BLM, Forest Service and state lands. This is a one lane road, with little to no pull outs that caters to a wide variety of outdoor recreationists, including four-wheelers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Depending on when you visit, parts of it may seem overrun, but there are areas that are quiet, secluded and inviting to bird/wildlife watchers. The western part of this area, just east of Johnson Village near the Collegiate Peaks Overlook, has the best pinyon-juniper habitat in the county and is a classic spot for Pinyon Jay among other specialties. For the best birding opportunities, drive the good-quality Road 304 past the overlook.
County: Chaffee
Attractions: Scenic overlook, Interpretive signs
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Mixed-Conifer Forest
Directions: To get to the Collegiate Peaks Overlook and the rest of the western part of this area, head east on US 24/285 from Johnson Village a little under two miles to Road 304 on the left (north), signed for the overlook. Shields and McGee Gulches are on the north side of the highway a few miles farther east: Shields Gulch about 5 miles from Johnson Village and McGee Gulch about a mile beyond that.
Delorme: 60 B2
Roads of Colorado: 102 C1
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Open 24 hours
Ownership: BLM/US Forest Service/State
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Obey posted regulations
Parking: Gravel parking areas; some roadside parking
Lodging: Hotel in Buena Vista
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Elevation: 7500
Latitude: 38.81680
Longitude: -106.08659
Amenities
Restrooms | Yes |
Drinking Fountain | No |
Gravel Trails | Yes |
Paved Trails | No |
Platform/Blind | No |
Boardwalk | No |
Concession | No |
Visitor Center | No |
Gift Shop | No |
Primitive | No |
Camping | Yes |
Picnic | Yes |
Hunting | Yes |
Fishing | Yes |