Ferndale Picnic Area
At about 9000 feet on the west side of Rabbit Ears Pass, Ferndale is a moist, shaded area with stands of tall aspen in transition to coniferous forest. Common birds here include Tree Swallow, Steller’s Jay, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Common Raven. A good variety of woodpeckers can also be found, including Williamson’s and Red-naped Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpecker, and, in areas of beetle kill, American Three-toed Woodpecker. Ferndale is famous as a butterfly location, with nearly a dozen species of fritillaries, among a wide variety of others.
Restrictions: None
County: Routt
Directions: Follow US 40 East from Steamboat Springs toward Rabbit Ears Pass. Roughly twelve miles outside town, look on the north side of the highway for USFS signage.
Alternate Directions: From the top of Rabbit Ears Pass, head west for 8 miles (14 miles east of Steamboat Springs) to the entrance, on the north side of the road.
Habitat: Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Closed during the winter, day-use only
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: Forest Sevice Day Use Pass
Parking: Parking area
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap accessible facilities, but limited birding
Delorme: 27 A4
ROC: 3.7E+05
Latitude: 40.36004
Longitude: -106.7739