Hot Creek State Wildlife Area

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Hot Creek State Wildlife Area

This remote state wildlife area has an enormous spring system with extensive marshy areas that are good for rails, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Savannah Sparrow and other species typical of this habitat. Pinyon Jays can usually be found in the surrounding pinyon-juniper forest. The road in requires high clearance, mostly due to a stream crossing with 2-3 feet of water. The wet meadows surrounding the springs are excellent for many rare and beautiful butterfly species, including Nokomis Fritillary, Sandhill Skipper, Ruddy Copper, and more.

County: Conejos

Habitat: Wet Meadow, Pinyon-Juniper Forest

Directions: From the junction of US 285 and CO 15, about 13 miles south of Alamosa, turn right (west) onto CO 15 and travel for 10.5 miles. Turn left onto FR 255. Go 2.8 miles from the intersection of CO 15 and FR 255 and take a left onto an unmarked rough road (Hot Creek Road). A low-clearance vehicle will not be able to travel far on this road. The best habitat is from one to two miles in.

Delorme: 90 B1
Roads of Colorado: 134 B1-2

Dates of Access: May 1 to Dec. 31
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.

Restrictions: High-clearance vehicle required for the entrance road. Snowmobiles prohibited. Area closed Jan 1 to April 30

Parking: Roadside/gravel parking area
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 37.28168
Longitude: -106.20243

» Visit the website for Hot Creek State Wildlife Area

Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveYes
CampingYes
PicnicNo
HuntingYes
FishingYes
2022-01-20T15:14:08-07:00

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