Buford Area

This small town along the Flat Tops Scenic Byway is the last place to stock up if you’re coming from Meeker. It’s also a good area to look at hummingbird feeders at the general store, which can have Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. The Buford Road, which heads south from here towards I-70, passes through excellent aspen and mixed-conifer woodlands, with Purple Martin colonies, American Three-toed Woodpeckers at higher elevations, and chances for Dusky Grouse and Northern Goshawk. Along the main road below and above Buford watch for Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles along the riparian areas and fields. Elk and mule deer are often sighted along the road as well.

County: Rio Blanco

Directions: From Meeker, take CO 13 north to just outside of town and take a right on Rio Blanco CR 8. Go just over 20 miles to Buford. The Buford Road heads south from town.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Municipal/US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Respect private property

Parking: Roadside and paved parking areas
Lodging: Lodging in Buford, primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some car birding

Elevation: 7030

Latitude: 39.987608
Longitude: -107.616190