· Uncompahgre

Dry Creek Basin State Wildlife Area

This large State Wildlife Area is mostly made up of extensive sage flats. Look for species like Sage Sparrows and Sage Thrashers in the sage flats, and Black-throated Sparrow, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Ash-throated Flycatchers in the pinyon-juniper forest. The numbers of deer in this area can be mind-boggling, and pronghorn are here too.

County: San Miguel

Attractions: Interpretive panels at Basin store.

Habitat: Sagebrush, Grassland/Prairie, Pinyon/Juniper Forest

Directions: From the intersection of CO 145 and CO 141, turn east on CR 141 and go four miles east of Naturita for 12 miles to Basin. Several side roads give access into the wildlife area. Try CR U29 (west), CR 29U (south), or CR 28T (south). The main highway, CO 141, bisects the wildlife area and has little traffic, therefore birding is possible from the road. Note: CR 31U is a good birding road that connects Dry Creek Basin State Wildlife Area with Miramonte Reservoir State Wildlife Area to the southeast.

Delorme: 65 D4
Roads of Colorado: 113 D3-E3

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: 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.

Restrictions: Be careful on the dirt roads after rain or snow

Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Primitive camping only in designated areas

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 38.03194
Longitude: -108.61171

» Visit the website for Dry Creek Basin State Wildlife Area