Cascade Creek

Cascade Creek and the road paralleling it provide good access to beautiful spruce-fir woodland. If you hike the trail up the creek you will come to some gorgeous waterfalls in a couple of miles. A wide array of montane birds can be found, including Dusky and Cordilleran Flycatcher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Red Crossbill, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, and American Three-toed Woodpecker. Chipmunks and pine squirrels are abundant.

County: San Juan

Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Mixed Conifer Forest

Directions: About two to three miles north of Purgatory Resort, the first hairpin switchback crosses Cascade Creek and there is a road on the left that goes back a mile or so to a few cabins. During the winter, park at the highway and hike or snowshoe in. There is usually a packed trail, so that hiking is not too difficult.

Delorme: 76 C3
Roads of Colorado: 130 C2

Dates of Access: Warmer months
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: US Forest Service/Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Private property along the road; bird from the road where applicable

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: None

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None

Latitude: 37.666811
Longitude: -107.819481