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.

County: San Juan

Habitat: Stream, Streamside Willow, Spruce-Fir Forest

Directions: From Silverton drive northeast on CO 110/CR 2 towards Howardsville and beyond. Check the river and nearby trees frequently.

Delorme: 77 B5
Roads of Colorado: 131 D1-E1

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Private/US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Respect private property - bird from the road where applicable

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Latitude: 37.828875
Longitude: -107.612609