Rocky Mountains · Black Swift Trail

Pleasant Valley

This aptly named valley provides a good alternate route when driving from Ridgway to Telluride. A good variety of forests, including mixed conifer and aspen woodlands as well as mountain meadows and some riparian groves, can be seen from the road, and a good selection of montane birds could be found here.

Restrictions: Private property; bird from the road

County: Ouray

Directions: From the west side of Ridgway, take CO 62 west a little more than one miles to CR 24A and turn north. Go one mile to CR 24, turn west. Turn left at first intersection, right at second intersection. Continue back to CO 62. CR 24 can also be accessed just south of Ridgway Reservoir.

Alternate Directions: From Ridgway, head west on CO 62 for 3 miles to CR 24D and turn right. Go a short distance and turn left onto CR 24. CR 24 does a 5 mile loop through Pleasant Valley back to CO 62.

Habitat: Grassland/Prairie, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Foothill Shrub, Lowland Riparian

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Private
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside

Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Delorme: 66 C3

ROC: 114 C2, 115 D2

Latitude: 38.15393
Longitude: -107.853956