Owl Creek Pass Road

This is a remote and beautiful area with some terrific views of the north San Juan mountains. The gravel roads wind through mountain meadows, aspen groves, and spruce-fir forests. The birdlife is diverse; look for Mountain Bluebirds, Fox Sparrows, Dusky Flycatchers, and in the spruce-fir, Three-toed Woodpecker or even Northern Goshawk. Butterflies here may include Mustard White and Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur. This is part of the area where Lynx have been reintroduced, but you will be exceedingly lucky to see one.

County: Gunnison

Habitat: Mountain Meadows, Aspen Grove, Spruce-Fir Forest

Directions: From the junction of US 50 and 550 in Montrose, head east 21.8 miles on US 50 and turn right onto Cimarron Road (not to be confused with 'Little Cimarron Road, a mile farther east). Follow this road a couple of miles to a 'T' intersection and bear left onto Montrose CR P77, which becomes FR 858, the Owl Creek Pass Road.

Delorme: 67 C5
Roads of Colorado: 123 E2

Dates of Access: Roads closed in winter and spring
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: None

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: USFS campgrounds along FR 858

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car

Elevation: 7000

Latitude: 38.298854
Longitude: -107.574617