Coulter Mesa

Access is by 4×4 vehicle only, but if you are looking for a place to get away from the main mass of people, Forest Road 832 is a good place to head to. It takes you up onto the southwestern end of the Flat Tops into excellent aspen woodland. Look for Purple Martin and (at night) Flammulated Owls among the more common Red-naped Sapsuckers and Warbling Vireos.

Restrictions: 4x4 only road

County: Garfield

Directions: Get off at the Rifle exit on I-70 (exit 90) and head 4 miles north on CO-13 to CO-325. Turn right onto CO-325 and follow this road north past Rifle Falls State Park, where it becomes CR 217, for 16 miles to the Coulter Mesa Road on the left.

Alternate Directions: From I-70 exit 90, head north on CO 13 for 4 miles to CO 325. Turn right and continue on this road as it turns to dirt; go 16 miles to FR 832 on the left.

Habitat: Aspen Grove, Mixed-Conifer Forest

Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None

Delorme: 34 B3-B4

ROC: 67 D1

Latitude: 39.76255
Longitude: -107.73154