Mill Creek

· Gunnison Sage-Grouse

Mill Creek

Mill Creek Road runs through private property on its way to the Mill-Castle Trailhead in the West Elk Wilderness. The road passes through mountain meadows and agricultural fields, following a stream with riparian willows where you might find American Goldfinch, Dusky Flycatcher, and a few species of warblers. Farther up, at the trailhead, the road reaches montane forest with mixed conifers and aspens. Those in good physical shape will find the birding excellent up the trail. Even Boreal Owls breed along this trail, although their habitat is snowed in during the season when they are calling. Up in the forest you’ll find plenty of pine squirrels and chipmunks, and with luck, you could see a pine marten. Elk sightings are possible along both the road and the trail. This is also an excellent area for butterflies in the summer.

County: Gunnison

Habitat: Sagebrush, Lowland Riparian, Grassland/Prairie, Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Spruce-Fir Forest

Directions: Go north from Gunnison on CO 135 for approximately 3.4 miles. Turn left on Ohio Creek Road (CR 730). Go about 8.8 miles and turn left on the signed dirt road (Mill Creek Road, CR 727). After about four miles, park in an open meadow area before the wilderness boundary gate. The trail goes up to Storm Ridge, but the best birding is in the first three miles of the trail.

Delorme: 58 C1-C2
Roads of Colorado: 100 B2-C2

Dates of Access: Winter access by ski or snowshoe only
Hours: Any
Ownership: Private/US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please respect private property.

Parking: Unpaved parking lot
Lodging: Hotels in Gunnison or Crested Butte

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car along road to trailhead

Latitude: 38.6961303
Longitude: -107.0505064

Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveNo
Camping
Picnic
HuntingNo
FishingYes
2015-03-16T15:02:43-06:00

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