Elephant Rocks
This fascinating area is full of amazing scenery as well as great Pinyon-Juniper and shrubland birds. It is good for Rock Wren, Green-tailed Towhee, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bushtit and Pinyon Jay, and Cassin’s Kingbird (a rare bird in the San Luis Valley) has been seen here too. Poorwills call from the rocks at night. Several species of lizard scamper over the boulders, and with luck you might see a snake. You won’t miss the chipmunks and the rock squirrels.
Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions
County: Saguache
Directions: From the intersection of US 160 and CO 112 in the center of Del Norte, head north on CO 112 about three miles and turn left (north) on Rio Grande CR 33. The Elephant Rocks begin almost immediately to the west of this road. To get to the Saguache County portion, continue north about three more miles until Rio Grande CR 33 becomes Saguache CR 38-A.
Alternate Directions: From the intersection of US 160 and CO 112 in the center of Del Norte, head north on CO 112 for 3 miles and turn left on Rio Grande CR 33; the Elephant Rocks begin almost immediately.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Dates of Access: Roads not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Mostly roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 79 B7
ROC: 134 A1-A2
Latitude: 37.7573975
Longitude: -106.3035362