Antonito area

This town in the southernmost San Luis Valley provides a good place to base yourself when birding the southern valley. The roads nearby (especially to the east) can be good for raptors and shrikes. Tiny Conejos to the north hosts not only the county seat but also Colorado’s oldest church, completed in 1866 and a sight worth seeing. When you’re ready to look at birds, explore the great willow and riparian habitat along the road between Conejos and Guadalupe (private property; remain on the road). The road heading southwest out of Conejos runs past some marshes and wet fields with breeding blackbirds, and rails.  In the winter Bald Eagles can be sen along the riparian cottonwood galleries.

County: Conejos

Attractions: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Habitat: Urban/Suburban, Agricultural, Sagebrush, Lowland Riparian, Stream, Pond, Marsh

Directions: Antonito is along US 285 about five miles north of the New Mexico border. The best raptor roads include CR G and offshoots within the first five miles east of Antonito. To get to Conejos, head north out of Antonito on US 285 and turn left (west) just north of town at the sign for Conejos and for Colorado's oldest church. You can see the church from the intersection. The road to Guadalupe leaves from just north of the church--it is not signed and can be hard to find, but there is only a small area to search.

Delorme: 90 D3-D4
Roads of Colorado: 150 C3, 151 D3

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Private/Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Respect private property and bird from the road

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Hotels in Antonito

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Latitude: 37.079179
Longitude: -106.0086329