Rocky Mountains · Lizard Head Trail

Forest Road 642

Extensive ponderosa pine forest here makes this a good spot to look for Grace’s Warbler, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Williamson’s Sapsucker, and the rest of the ponderosa forest specialists. It’s also a good place to look for mammals like deer, elk, and coyote.

Restrictions: Roads can be impassable after snow storms

County: San Miguel

Directions: From Norwood drive two miles east of town on CO 145. Turn right (south) on CR 44Z and drive for 10 miles. then look for FR 642 after entering the Uncompahgre national forest. Turn right and drive a couple of miles until good pines are reached. Return to CR 44Z after birding the pines. Turn left (north) back towards Norwood for about half a mile. Look for CR 45M and turn right (east). This is the road to Lone Cone and points beyond. Stay on CR 45M until it becomes FR 611. Stop anywhere birds are seen or heard and where the habitat looks good.

Alternate Directions: From Norwood, head east on CO 145 for 1.5 miles to CR 44Z and turn right. Go 7.5 miles to FR 642, on the right.

Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow, Aspen Grove

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Gravel parking areas/roadside

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Delorme: 75 A6-A7

ROC: 113 F3, 114 A4

Latitude: 37.9779308
Longitude: -108.266964