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 Merriam’s Turkeys, Three-toed Woodpecker and Olive-sided and Hammond’s Flycatchers. Mule deer are common along the drive, and black bears can occasionally be seen.
Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions
County: Archuleta
Attractions: There is one restroom approximately 12 miles up 166, turn right just before crossing the Piedra River bridge and go about 200 yards.
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.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Mountain Meadow, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Roads not maintained in winter
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Lower Piedra Campground
Disabled: No
Disabled Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 87 B7-C7
ROC: 147 F1-F2
Latitude: 37.2658312
Longitude: -107.3403573