Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a large town by regional standards, with all the amenities. If you spend any time in and around town, you are likely to see a Lewis’s Woodpecker. A little more looking might net you an American Dipper along the river in town. The ponds along the highway west of town can be great places to see waterfowl, but note that the Trumpeter Swans at the lake by the Fairfield Inn are released birds, not wild ones.

County: Archuleta

Attractions: The area is known for its hot springs.

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Urban/Suburban, Ponderosa Forest

Directions: From downtown Pagosa Springs travel west on US 160 to the traffic light at the top of the hill which is CR 600. Turn right and then right again at the restaurant before the airport to visit a small pond on the south side of the airport. Continue north on CR 600 to Sullenberger Reservoir on the west side of the road. Turn left before the lake and there is a fishing area with parking on the right side. Most of the lake can be scoped from this spot. Continue north on CR 600 about a half mile and turn right (east) on Stevens Lake Road which is about mile back on this road. Return to US 160 and proceed west. Stop at the lake at the Fairfield Inn and scope it. Continue west on US 160 and turn right (north) at the traffic light onto North Pagosa Boulevard. In less than a mile there are lakes on the left and the right that are worth checking, although access viewing spots are limited.

Delorme: 88 B1-C1
Roads of Colorado: 148 B2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Municipal/Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please respect private property

Parking: Paved parking lots
Lodging: Hotels in town

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car and sidewalks; accessible hotels

Latitude: 37.26945
Longitude: -107.0097617