Flagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area
As of July, 2017, the main reservoir has been permanently drained, but a significant amount of water remains scattered across the property year-round, continuing to attract an excellent variety of ducks and shorebirds. Because this remains one of the only reliable water sources and large tree stands in the region, the area acts as an exceptional migrant trap. The best mature trees are situated below the old dam and along the southern inlet stream. Wild Turkeys are frequently found below the dam, while the high-quality grassland to the east supports deer, pronghorn, rattlesnakes, and the rare Regal Fritillary butterfly. Please note that hunting is highly popular here during the fall.
Vehicle access within the property is now closed. All visitors must travel on foot past the designated boundaries. This vehicle restriction has significantly minimized disruption, resulting in vastly improved wildlife habitat and superior viewing opportunities for those exploring the property by foot. Please note that hunting is highly popular here during the fall.
Restrictions: Obey all CPW rules and regulations; Be aware of active hunters during open seasons. Respect adjacent private property. Vehicles are strictly prohibited past the main parking lots.
County: Kit Carson
Directions: Flagler Reservoir can be reached from both the east and the west. To get here from the west, take I-70 to exit 395 (the Flagler exit), and go north from the exit towards Flagler. Take your first right after the railroad tracks onto CR U and follow this road east for 4 miles to the property. From the east, take exit 405 (the Seibert exit) off of I-70, and go north from the exit into Seibert. Take a left onto the paved road across from the intersection with US-24 (called the Frontage Road on some maps), and follow this road west for 3 miles to the eastern parking lot.
Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt, Wetlands/Ponds, Grassland/Prairie
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting/fishing license, or an explicit State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Parking: Two newly established gravel parking lots are available. Visitors can park at either the West Parking Lot or the East Parking Lot. All internal property exploration is walk-in access only.
Lodging: Camping is strictly restricted. It is allowed only for licensed hunters during big-game, spring turkey, or fall turkey seasons (including 3 days before and 3 days after these seasons), or for individuals actively fishing.
Disabled: No
Disabled Access: Due to the closure of the interior road to vehicle traffic, viewing directly from a vehicle is now limited strictly to the perimeter parking lots. Deep property access requires walking.
Delorme: 97 C6
ROC: 9.3E+02
Latitude: 39.28835
Longitude: -102.99051
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