Conejos Canyon
Aliases: Mogote Campground (USFS)
All along this road look for typical ponderosa birds as well as dipper and riparian species. The Mogote Recreation Area at the entrance to the canyon is a particularly good place to access various habitats: ponderosa pines around the campground, pinyon-juniper woodland on the south-facing slope across the highway, and mid-elevation riparian woods along the stream. Many mammals utilize the area as well, and you could see Pine squirrels, elk, mule deer, coyote, and, if you are really lucky, bobcat.
Restrictions: None
County: Conejos
Directions: From Antonito, take CO 17 west. CO 17 passes through the lower Conejos Canyon. There are multiple pullouts along the road between Antonito and FR 250. FR250 travels through the upper Conejos Canyon. The Mogote Campground is thirteen miles west of Antonito on the south side of CO 17.
Alternate Directions: From Antonito, head west on CO 17 for about 15 miles to the mouth of the canyon.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Stream
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Mogote Campground open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Private lodging/camping available throughout the canyon.
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 89 C7-D7, 90 D1-D2
ROC: 150 A3-B3
Latitude: 37.132946
Longitude: -106.350497