Animas River – North
Winding its way down from its headwaters high in the San Juan mountains, the Animas River provides a good variety of montane habitats. Willow carrs line much of the river, and species such as Fox Sparrow, Wilson’s Warbler, and Swainson’s Thrush are possible. The road also passes through spruce-fir woodland; in these stretches keep an eye out for woodpeckers including American Three-toed, as well as Gray Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown Creeper. You may see elk in some of the meadows here.
Restrictions: Respect private property - bird from the road where applicable
County: San Juan
Directions: From Silverton drive northeast on CO 110/CR 2 towards Howardsville and beyond. Check the river and nearby trees frequently.
Alternate Directions: From Silverton, head northeast out of town on CO 110, which becomes CR 2 and parallels the Animas River for many miles. The road is passable to passenger cars for about 10 miles.
Habitat: Stream, Streamside Willow, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Private/US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 77 B5
ROC: 131 D1-E1
Latitude: 37.828875
Longitude: -107.612609