Canyon Pintado

An area of historical importance managed by the BLM, the ‘pintado’ in the name refers to the abundant Native American petroglyphs that dot the area. A number of pullouts, with interpretive signs, dot the area long C-139. These are all fun to look at, but the best spot for birding is the Cow Canyon site, which involves driving a couple of miles off the highway and into semi-desert shrubland and pinyon-juniper woodland. Watch especially for Black-throated Sparrow, Pinyon Jay, Juniper Titmouse, and the usual suite of dry country birds. Canyon Wrens and White-throated Swifts are common on the canyon walls, and lizards and snakes are common during the summer.

Restrictions: None

County: Rio Blanco

Directions:

Alternate Directions: From Rangely, take CO 139 south for about 6 miles. There are a number of marked pullouts along a 7-mile stretch of the highway on the left side.

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

Parking: Gravel and paved parking areas

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding and access to petroglyph view points

Latitude: 39.92146
Longitude: -108.7431