Mad Creek Trail
This trail not far outside of Steamboat is a good place to experience the montane shrubland that dominates the lower slopes in the area. Following Mad Creek, but usually high above it, the trail provides opportunities to see species like Green-tailed Towhee, Virginia’s Warbler, Steller’s Jay, and Mountain Bluebird in the Gambel Oak woodland, and American Dippers on the creek below. Garter snakes are sometimes seen here.
Restrictions: Watch for mountain bikers and horses on the trail
County: Routt
Directions: From Steamboat Springs, go west on US 40 to CO 129 and turn right (north) toward Clark; at about 5.5 miles look for the marked parking lot on the right.
Alternate Directions: From Steamboat Springs, head west on US 40 to Elk River Road just outside town. Turn right and go 5.5 miles to the parking area, on the right.
Habitat: Scrub Oak Forest, Stream
Dates of Access: Closed during the winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 16 D2-D3
ROC: 37 D2-D3
Latitude: 40.56701814
Longitude: -106.887542