Rocky Mountains · Roaring Fork Trail

Crystal River Valley

Yet another scenic mountain valley, the Crystal River parallels CO 133 as it ascends to McClure Pass. Most of the land on the lower stretches is private, but there are numerous pullouts and some river access points that can be good birding. Along the lower parts watch for Lewis’s Woodpeckers, and higher up Townsend’s Solitaire, MacGillivray’s and Wilson’s Warblers, Fox and Lincoln’s Sparrows, and American Dipper.

Restrictions: Respect private property and bird from the road in areas posted as such

County: Pitkin

Directions:

Alternate Directions: The Crystal River Valley parallels CO 133 for 25 miles from Carbondale to McClure Pass.

Habitat: Alpine Tundra, Krummholz

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

Parking: Roadside pullouts

Lodging: Camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding

Delorme: 47 C5

ROC: 85 F3

Latitude: 39.25777
Longitude: -107.23152