Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Aliases: Julesburg Reservoir

Labeled ‘Julesburg Reservoir’ on some maps, this place is known by locals as ‘Jumbo.’ Birding can be excellent here at any time of year. Large numbers of shorebirds can congregate on mudflats in late summer and fall; up to five species of geese may gather in enormous flocks in the colder months (as long as there is open water). Sabine’s Gull is regular in fall, jaegers are occasionally seen, and even a Ross’s Gull once showed up here! Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls have nested in the small primitive campground. Breeding birds in the fields around the reservoir include Upland Sandpiper, Burrowing Owl, Dickcissel, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks are sometimes seen.  An annual permit is required to access the property unless you have already purchased a valid Colorado fishing or hunting license.

Restrictions: Please obey all CPW rules and regulations.

County: Sedgwick

Directions: From Interstate 76: take exit 155, Red Lion Road/CR 93. Go 3 miles north (left) to Highway 138, then 1 mile northeast (right) to County Road 95, then 2 miles north (left) to the reservoir.

Alternate Directions: From Interstate 76: take exit 155, Red Lion Road/CR 93. Go 3 miles north (left) to Highway 138, then 1 mile northeast (right) to County Road 95, then 2 miles north (left) to the reservoir.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.

Parking: Dirt parking area

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped Access: Viewing from car

Latitude: 40.921449
Longitude: -102.661683

Visit the Website for Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area »

Additional Resources

Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L587796