Western Colorado · Uncompahgre Trail

Big Gypsum Valley

Unlike other valleys in this area, the floor of this valley is not covered in sagebrush. The main draw here is an amazing red-rock canyon mouth with pinyon-juniper forest, cliff-faces, and riparian forests in the general vicinity. Black-throated Sparrow, Gray Vireo, and Juniper Titmouse are all possible, and keep an eye out for the spectacular Scott’s Oriole. The grasslands on the way in are excellent for Loggerhead Shrike and American Kestrel. Black Phoebe is a good possibility at the bridge over the Dolores River. Reptiles abound in this habitat, and possibilities include Western Rattlesnake, Short-horned Lizard, and Collared Lizard.

Restrictions: Bird the riparian areas from the road

County: San Miguel

Directions: East of Naturita, head south on CO 141 for 27 miles to CR 20R and turn right (northwest). Go west for 14 miles to the best birding areas.

Alternate Directions: From Naturita, head east on CO 141 for 4 miles and bear right to stay on CO 141. Continue south for 23 miles to CR 20R and turn right. Go west for 14.5 miles to the bridge over the Dolores River; the birding can be good both east and west from here.

Habitat: Cliff Face, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Grassland.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside and gravel parking areas

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Delorme: 64 D2

ROC: 120 C3

Latitude: 38.1524201
Longitude: -108.8855556