Beaver Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Busy on weekends, this small, scenic mountain reservoir can attract waterfowl in spring and fall. The bigger attraction, however, is along the road and what’s beyond it. The road passes through a fascinating mixed-conifer forest which transitions gradually from the low-elevation woodlands dominated by juniper to high-elevation dominated by bristlecone pine and Engelmann Spruce. Along the way you may see Bushtits at lower elevations, Red-naped Sapsuckers, Western Tanagers, American Dippers, and many other birds. Herds of elk can be found in the area.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations.
County: Rio Grande
Directions: Just over a mile west of the town of South Fork, turn south from US 160 and cross the bridge over the South Fork of the Rio Grande. Follow FR 360 (Beaver Creek Road).
Alternate Directions: From South Fork, head west on US160 for just over a mile to Beaver Creek Road (FR 360), on the left. Turn and go 4 miles to the SWA.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest, Aspen Grove, Stream, Streamside Willow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow
Dates of Access: Higher roads not maintained in winter; lake frozen
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older to access any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land leased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Check with Us Forest Service for campground fees.
Parking: Roadside, or gravel parking areas
Lodging: USFS campgrounds or primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car.
Delorme: 79 D4, 89 A5
ROC: 133 E3-E4
Latitude: 37.59011
Longitude: -106.65832
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