Coal Bank Pass
The southernmost of the three high-mountain passes on US 550 sits amid beautiful spruce-fir forest. A parking area at the top of the pass is a good spot to stop and walk around a bit. Two trails provide access to the trees, where species such as Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Gray Jay, and American Three-toed Woodpecker can be found. Even if you don’t walk the trails, this a nice spot to relax for a few minutes and watch the chipmunks and golden-mantled ground squirrels.
Restrictions: None
County: San Juan
Directions: From the San Juan County line on US 550 travel north about 8 miles.
Alternate Directions: Coal Bank Pass is along US550, 14 miles south of Silverton.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 76 C3
ROC: 130 C2
Latitude: 37.699124461846900
Longitude: -107.778921
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1603501