Brown Lakes State Wildlife Area
This is one of the best birding locations on the Silver Thread. Many species of ducks stop here in spring and fall, as do Eared Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, and various swallows. Fox Sparrows breed in the willows below the dam, there’s a summering population of white pelicans, and you might see a Black-crowned Night-Heron too. Bald Eagles can sometimes be seen in the area. A few miles beyond Brown Lakes up the mountain is FR 514, which runs through some nice spruce-fir forest with Three-toed Woodpeckers. Mammals in the area include elk, deer, and marmot.
Restrictions: Camping prohibited. Please observe all CPW rules and regulations.
County: Hinsdale
Directions: From Lake City, go south on CO 149 for 26.5 miles to FR 515, on the right and 3.5 miles north of the Mineral/Hinsdale county line. Go west on FR 515 to the SWA. To get to FR 514, continue past the lakes to a fork in the road and keep right on FR 516. Follow it about three miles to the top of the hill and turn right again onto FR 514.
Alternate Directions: From Lake City, drive south on CO 149 for 27 miles to FR 516 (CR 10) on the right. Turn and go 3 miles to the SWA, on the right.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Mixed Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
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: Unpaved parking lots
Lodging: Camping on US Forest Service land east of lower lake.
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 77 B7, 78 B1
ROC: 132 A1
Latitude: 37.82509
Longitude: -107.19099