John Brown Canyon
This scenic side canyon off of the Unaweep Canyon provides a good selection of lower-elevation habitats, from pinyon-juniper covered hillsides, streamside riparian and montane shrubland to ponderosa forest. Check the lower portions for Black-throated Gray and Virginia’s Warblers, Lazuli Bunting, Canyon and Rock Wrens, and Gray Flycatcher. As you transition to montane shrubland, keep an eye out for Dusky Flycatcher, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Western Bluebird. The upper portions of the canyon contain some good ponderosa forest, and Grace’s Warbler, Plumbeous Vireo, and Pygmy Nuthatch all occur. As with many southwestern canyons, the lower portions are excellent for lizards and snakes. A few local butterfly species also occur, such as Desert Green Hairstreak, Southwestern Orangetip, and Desert Marble.
Restrictions: Be careful of traffic while birding from the road
County: Mesa
Directions: From Gateway, head south on CO 141 for 1/2 mile to John Brown Canyon Road ( CR 4.40 Road), on the right (west).
Alternate Directions: From Gateway, head south on CO 141 for half a mile to John Brown Canyon Road, on the right.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Riparian, Mixed Conifer Forest, Ponderosa Pine Forest.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 54 C1
ROC: 104 B2
Latitude: 38.6745133
Longitude: -108.9787438