Coalbed Canyon State Wildlife Area
One of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s newest acquisitions, this SWA on the Utah border is mostly made up of a pinyon-juniper filled canyon surrounded by sage flats. A hike into the small canyon should produce Gray Vireo, Gray Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, and Black-throated Gray Warbler, while the sage filled areas contain Sage Thrasher, Sage and Vesper Sparrows, and various species of hawks. Also keep an eye out for butterflies, including some species that have restricted ranges in Colorado such as Desert Elfin, Desert Marble, and Southwestern Orangetip.
Restrictions: None
County: Dolores
Directions: From Dove Creek, head west on US 491 two miles and turn left on CR 6. After half a mile, turn right on CR J. Follow J for just under 6 miles to the State Wildlife Area pull outs on the right, which are somewhat inconspicuous. Area is marked with State Land signs. If you reach the Utah border, you have gone about half a mile too far.
Alternate Directions: From Dove Creek, head west on US491 for 7 miles to CR 2. Turn left and go about a mile to the parking lot for the SWA, on the right.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Sagebrush
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area.
Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 74 C1
ROC: 136 A1
Latitude: 37.7546122
Longitude: -109.0237146
Visit the Website for Coalbed Canyon State Wildlife Area »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7735245