Coller State Wildlife Area
This State Wildlife Area follows the Rio Grande for several miles through willows teeming with Yellow Warblers. At the north end of the property, you will find the best riparian habitat, with mature cottonwoods and more willows; look here for House Wren, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Green-tailed Towhee, Warbling Vireo, Song Sparrow and the like. American Dippers nest under the bridge. In the open fields you may see coyotes hunting ground squirrels, especially early and late in the day.
Restrictions: Camping, snowmobiles and overnight parking prohibited. Please obey all CPW rules and regulations.
County: Mineral
Attractions: South Fork marks the beginning of the Silver Thread Colorado Scenic Byway
Directions: Coller SWA stretches along CO 149 from 13.5 miles east of Creede to the Rio Grande/Mineral County line. From the town of South Fork, the property is about 5 miles north on CO 149. There are various parking lots for the SWA along CO 149. The bridge mentioned above is on the west side of the road two miles west of the Rio Grande County line.
Alternate Directions: Coller SWA is along CO 149, on the west side of the road, 16 miles south of Creede, and 5.5 miles north of South Fork and US160.
Habitat: Mixed Conifer Forest, Stream, Streamside Willow, Lowland Riparian
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Parking: Unpaved parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Creede or South Fork
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car.
Delorme: 78 C4
ROC: 133 D2
Latitude: 37.72796
Longitude: -106.71631