La Veta Pass area
Aliases: North La Veta Pass, Pass Creek Pass
La Veta Pass, North La Veta Pass and Pass Creek Pass provide the only road-accessible montane habitat in Costilla County. Though not very high – only 9,400 feet – the habitat is decent, especially along Old La Veta Pass. Look for typical montane woodland species such as Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Dusky Flycatcher, etc. The aspen mixed into the forest here also looks of sufficient quality to host Flammulated and Northern Saw-whet Owls. If you are really lucky, you could see a black bear or a pine marten.
Restrictions: Respect private property - bird from the road
County: Costilla
Directions: From Walsenburg, head west 25 miles on US 160 to the pass area. La Veta Pass is accessible via Huerfano CR 443, which becomes Costilla CR SS at the pass. US 160 continues over North La Veta Pass. To get to Pass Creek Pass, continue west on US 160 from North La Veta Pass about two miles to CR 29 and turn right (north); the pass is about a mile from the highway.
Alternate Directions: La Veta Pass is along US160, 21 miles east of Ft. Garland. For Old La Veta Pass, turn right (south) off of US160, 18 miles east of Ft. Garland. For Pass Creek Pas, turn left off of US160 19 miles east of Ft. Garland.
Habitat: Mountain Meadow, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Private
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Closest motels are in Walsenburg.
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 82 D1
ROC: 136 B3
Latitude: 37.61414
Longitude: -105.18991
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4692255