Cross Canyon
The roads above this large pinyon-juniper filled canyon pass through extensive sage flats and scattered pinyon-juniper woodlands, making this the most accessible spot in the area to look for Sage and Black-throated Sparrows, Gray Vireo, Pinyon Jay, and other specialties of these habitats. Also keep an eye out for a variety of lizards and snakes, including the gaudy collared lizard and the bizarre-looking short-horned lizard.
Restrictions: The southern end of the road becomes very sandy
County: Dolores
Directions: Note: distances are approximate. Cross Canyon is close to Squaw Canyon and the two should be visited together. From Dove Creek, drive west on CR J. Turn left on CR 6 (1.5 m); right on CR P (5.5 m); left on CR 6 again (.25 m); right on CR S (2 m); left on CR 5 (.5 m); right on CR S (.5 m); left on CR 5 (.5 m); right on CR T (1 m); left on CR 4 (1 m); continue south on Rd 4 to its end in PJ habitat (about 3 m). All roads are paved until towards the end of CR 4. More good habitat can be reached by turning west on Rd V one mile south of Rd U, then turning left onto Rd 3 (1 m), which curves around to the west and becomes Rd W before terminating (1 m). The lower slopes of Cross Canyon are part of the National Monument, but pay careful attention to property boundaries before leaving roads in this area.
Alternate Directions: From Dove Creek, drive west on CR J. Turn left on CR 6 (1.5 miles); right on CR P (5.5 miles); left on CR 6 again (0.25 miles); right on CR S (2 miles); left on CR 5 (0.5 miles); right on CR S (0.5 miles); left on CR 5 (0.5 miles); right on CR T (1 mile); and left onto CR 4. Drive to the end of CR 4 (about 3 miles); bird anywhere in the area.
Habitat: Sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM/National Park Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 74 C1-D1
ROC: 128 B2-B3
Latitude: 37.5670442
Longitude: -108.9865045