Escalante State Wildlife Area (Cap Smith Tract)
Aliases: Cap Smith Tract (Escalante SWA)
In addition to the birds, spectacular canyon scenery, historical cabins, and mammals (including rock squirrels, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and coyotes) make this a place worth visiting. Highlights for birders include Chukars, which are usually found early in the morning, and can be found on the cliffs or feeding in the agricultural fields. Black Phoebe has been found nesting at various points a few miles south of US 50. The hillsides may also produce Canyon Wren, Pinyon Jay, Western Bluebird, Bushtit and others. The creek bottom is fairly narrow agricultural land, mostly fenced and private, and Wild Turkeys could be found. Good riparian forest is accessible from the road in a few locations.
Restrictions: The lower parts of the canyon are mostly privately owned; obey posted signs
County: Delta
Attractions: Historic 1911 cabin, rock engravings
Directions: From Delta, head west on US 50 twelve miles to the turnoff on the left (south) for Escalante Canyon (CR 6.50). Pay attention to signs and fences so as to distinguish private from public lands; the public lands are mostly six or more miles from the highway.
Alternate Directions: From Delta, head north on US50 for 12 miles to Escalante Canyon Road, on the left. Follow this road into the canyon.
Habitat: Rimrock/Mesa, Lowland Riparian, Pinyon/Juniper Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Private
Admission or Fees: 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.
Parking: Gravel parking areas/roadside
Lodging: Hotels in Delta
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 55 C6
ROC: 97 F1-F2; 98 A1
Latitude: 38.67629
Longitude: -108.31601
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