Alder Creek Road
This road traverses the rugged foothills of the La Garita mountains, snaking through mountain meadows with scattered ponderosa and bristlecone pines. Along the creek, look in the willows for breeding Yellow Warblers and Dusky Flycatchers. The relatively open slopes and good visibility along certain parts of this drive make it a good place to look for deer and elk.
Restrictions: None
County: Rio Grande
Directions: Head north on CO 149. Just after you cross the Rio Grande River from the town of South Fork turn right (east) on CR 15, then north on FR 610 (Alder Creek Road).
Alternate Directions: From South Fork, head north on CO 149 for a mile to CR 15 and turn right. Go just over a mile to FR 610 (Alder Creek Road), on the left. The good birding starts almost immediately and continues for many miles.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow
Dates of Access: Road not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping inside USFS boundary
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 79 C4
ROC: 1.33E+04
Latitude: 37.6782733
Longitude: -106.63357