Castle Creek
Castle Creek will give you nearly everything you would find at Maroon Lake, minus the heavy traffic. While the views may not be as world famous, they certainly aren’t too shabby, and bird-wise you’ll find many of the same species. Look for MacGillivray’s Warbler, Lincoln’s and Fox Sparrows, American Dipper, Steller’s and Gray Jays, and various finch species.
Restrictions: Respect private property and bird from the road in areas posted as such
County: Pitkin
Directions: At the Highway 82 round-about proceed to the Castle Creek exit (south side of round-about) To the end of the valley is about 18 miles.
Alternate Directions: From Aspen, head just west of town on CO 82 to the roundabout and take the southwestern exit onto Castle Creek Road. This road goes for over 12 miles.
Habitat: Foothill Shrub, Lowland Riparian, Spruce-Fir Forest, Aspen Grove
Dates of Access: Closed during the winter months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside and gravel parking areas
Lodging: Camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited car birding
Delorme: 45 A7
ROC: 84 B1-A2
Latitude: 39.02394
Longitude: -106.80789