Park Creek
Aliases: Summitville
This is a good road to Summitville from US 160. At the beginning of the road, in the riparian trees along the Rio Grande, look for Lazuli Bunting and Black-headed Grosbeak, in addition to American Dipper along the river. As you follow the road higher, keep an eye out for Dusky Grouse, Cassin’s Finch, and White-crowned, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrows. Boreal Owl has been heard in early fall near the top of this road. Deer and elk are likely to be seen, and coyotes are a good bet too.
Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions.
County: Rio Grande
Directions: On US 160 in Mineral County just west of the Rio Grande County line, cross bridge over South Fork of Rio Grande on FR 380 (south).
Alternate Directions: From South Fork head west on US160 for just over 7 miles to Park Creek Road (FR 380), on the left. The birding can be good anywhere along this road, especially higher up.
Habitat: Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Road not maintained in winter.
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car.
Delorme: 78 D3; 79 D4; 80 A4
ROC: 133 D3-E4
Latitude: 37.5922243
Longitude: -106.7278687