Groundhog Park Road (FR 650)

This road branches off from the Embargo Creek road north of Del Norte and heads higher into the mountains. Not far north of the junction where the roads split, look on the right for a pond with a nice marsh. Expect to see breeding Yellow-headed Blackbird, Eared Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall and Mallard. The road continues through aspen groves and coniferous forest where you have a good chance of finding Red Crossbill, Gray Jay, Hermit Thrush, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This road doesn’t get much traffic, so it’s a good place to look for Dusky Grouse, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you drive the entire length of the road, you should see mule deer and elk; pine squirrels are numerous along the way. The high montane meadows and willow carrs near the top of the road should be checked for alpine butterflies including Boloria fritillaries.

County: Saguache

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Streamside Willow

Directions: From the intersection of US 160 and CO 112 in the center of Del Norte, head west about 8.5 miles on US 160 and turn right (north) on 18 Road. After you cross the river, turn right (east) at the T intersection, then in half a mile turn left (north) on FR 650. Follow this north, staying right at the junction of FR 650 and FR 640.

Delorme: 79 B5
Roads of Colorado: 133 E1-F2

Dates of Access: Road not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions.

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car.

Latitude: 37.7448526
Longitude: -106.5327186