· North Park

State Forest State Park

Aliases: Moose Visitor Center

This state park with the unwieldy name has some excellent birding potential. Two areas are of particular interest. The first is the road to North Michigan Reservoir, which provides access to a great deal of beautiful willow habitat on the way to the reservoir, which has breeding Fox Sparrow and Veery. The stream below the dam is excellent for dippers. The second spot in the park worth visiting is the Moose Visitor Center, a little farther east on Highway 14. The feeders in back can be great for finches at all times of year, including Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Grosbeak, and, in winter, rosy-finches. In summer Fox Sparrow breeds in the willows beyond, and Red-naped Sapsucker is reliable. While you’re there, check out the visitor center’s terrific exhibits and have the rangers point you in the direction of recent moose sightings.

County: Jackson

Habitat: Lodgepole Forest, Streamside Willow, Stream, Streamside Willow

Directions: The road to North Michigan Reservoir heads north from CO 14 about 30 miles east of Walden at the KOA campground. The Moose Visitor Center is roughly another three miles east on the south side of the highway.

Delorme: 18 D2-3
Roads of Colorado: 39 D2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: State Parks Pass

Restrictions: Please obey all park rules and regulations

Parking: Paved and gravel parking areas
Lodging: Camping areas

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some car birding and handicap accessible visitors center

Latitude: 40.51164
Longitude: -106.01063

» Visit the website for State Forest State Park