Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area
This huge state wildlife area is made up of pinyon-juniper woodland with some mixed-conifer on the north-facing slopes, and a few riparian groves along the Purgatoire River. Shrubland and oak habitats also abound. Look especially for the common Lewis’s Woodpeckers and Band-tailed Pigeons (summer) and for Wild Turkey. Raptors can include eagles, Northern Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, and possibly Northern Saw-whet and Western Screech-Owls. Bear and elk can also be seen here, as can mule deer, coyotes, and (rarely) bobcat or even mountain lion. Maps of the wildlife area are available at CDOW offices in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
Restrictions: Camping and campfires in designated areas only. Discharging of firearms or bows prohibited, except while hunting.
County: Las Animas
Attractions: Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad
Directions: The west entrance to this huge SWA heads south just east of the town of Zamora, 6 miles east of Stonewall. The east entrance heads south from the middle of the town of Weston, 9 miles east of Stonewall. Study the maps of the SWA that are on the green signs near the entrance carefully - getting around here can be confusing.
Alternate Directions: For the west entrance, follow CO 12 for 6 miles east of Stonewall, to the entrance on the south near the town of Zamora. For the eastern entrance, follow CO 12 for 9 miles east from Stonewall, to the entrance on the right, in the middle of the town of Weston.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Scrub Oak Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Lowland Riparian
Dates of Access: Open for public access May 1 to Nov 30, Big game and spring turkey hunters only from Dec. 1 to April 30
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Parking: Only in designated areas
Lodging: Camping, or hotels in Trinidad
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Poor
Delorme: 92 C2-D3
ROC: 153 D3
Latitude: 37.07438
Longitude: -104.90711