Bolam Pass Road
Although the lower portions of this road can accommodate cars, the upper portions should only be traveled by four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance. The lower part of the road runs through mixed-conifer forests; butterfly enthusiasts can look in the meadows for Northern Blues. The upper part of the road accesses some excellent spruce-fir habitat where Boreal Owls have been heard at night.
Restrictions: Road not maintained in winter; beware treacherous stream crossing on the east side.
County: Dolores
Directions: From CO 145 about 4.5 miles north of Rico (about 0.5 miles south of the FR 535/Dunton turnoff), turn east onto FR 578. It is about 6 miles to the pass.
Alternate Directions: From Rico, head north on CO 145 for just under 7 miles to FR 578 (Barlow Creek Road), on the right. Turn right; the top of Bolam Pass is in 7 miles and the road is passable to passenger cars for about 4 miles.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow, Mountain Meadow
Dates of Access: Summer only
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Mostly roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 76 B2-C2
ROC: 130 B1-B2, C2
Latitude: 37.721378
Longitude: -107.9070879