North Fork Reservoir Road
Aliases: Angel of Shavano Trailhead
This road is well-maintained up to the Angel of Shavano Trailhead, however the first 4 miles from US 50 goes through private property. Birding in this 4 mile area is by car only, with little to no pull outs. The area around the trailhead can be good birding, with some nice forests of mixed conifers and aspens. Mammals that live in this area range from deer to bear. Camping is available at the nearby Angel of Shavano campground. Past the trailhead the road is inaccessible to standard vehicles. This part of the road is open to OHV and hikers only due to extremely rocky and rough roads. Clark’s Nutcrackers, Steller’s Jay, and Cassin’s Finch frequent this area.
County: Chaffee
Habitat: Streamside Willow, Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Spruce-Fir Forest
Directions: From US 50 about seven miles west of Poncha Springs on the way to Monarch Pass, turn right (north) onto CR 240, which is the North Fork Reservoir Road.
Delorme: 59 D7, 60 D1
Roads of Colorado: 102 A3-B3
Dates of Access: Trailhead: year-round; campground: May-September
Hours: Open 24 hours; quiet hours 10pm - 6am
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Camping, or hotel in Salida
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Elevation: 8375
Latitude: 38.583882
Longitude: -106.219560
Amenities
Restrooms | Yes |
Drinking Fountain | Yes |
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 |