First Fork Road (FR 622)

The first part of this road passes through excellent ponderosa pine forest where Audubon’s and Grace’s Warblers will sing during the summer. The stream bottom supports butterflies, including the striking Weidemeyer’s Admiral. As you climb higher along FR 630, you can get into high-elevation spruce-fir forest where you’ll find the likes of Three-toed Woodpecker and Olive-sided and Hammond’s Flycatchers. Mule deer are common along the drive, and black bears can occasionally be seen.

County: Archuleta

Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest

Directions: From US 160 around mile-marker 122 turn north on signed First Fork Road which is FR 622. This road parallels the Piedra River on the east side and allows access to higher elevations by going right at right on FR 630.

Delorme: 87 B7-C7
Roads of Colorado: 147 F1-F2

Dates of Access: Roads not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Lower Piedra Campground

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car

Latitude: 37.2658312
Longitude: -107.3403573