Fourmile Travel Management Area
Aliases: Collegiate Peaks Overlook, Shields Gulch, McGee Gulch
This large area includes BLM, Forest Service and state lands. This is a one lane road, with little to no pull outs that caters to a wide variety of outdoor recreationists, including four-wheelers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Depending on when you visit, parts of it may seem overrun, but there are areas that are quiet, secluded and inviting to bird/wildlife watchers. The western part of this area, just east of Johnson Village near the Collegiate Peaks Overlook, has the best pinyon-juniper habitat in the county and is a classic spot for Pinyon Jay among other specialties. For the best birding opportunities, drive the good-quality Road 304 past the overlook.
Restrictions: Obey posted regulations
County: Chaffee
Attractions: Scenic overlook, Interpretive signs
Directions: To get to the Collegiate Peaks Overlook and the rest of the western part of this area, head east on US 24/285 from Johnson Village a little under two miles to Road 304 on the left (north), signed for the overlook. Shields and McGee Gulches are on the north side of the highway a few miles farther east: Shields Gulch about 5 miles from Johnson Village and McGee Gulch about a mile beyond that.
Alternate Directions: Head east on US 24/285 from Johnson Village a little under two miles to Road 304 on the left (north), signed for the overlook.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Mountain Meadow, Mixed-Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Open 24 hours
Ownership: BLM/US Forest Service/State
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking areas; some roadside parking
Lodging: Hotel in Buena Vista
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 60 B2
ROC: 102 C1
Latitude: 38.8168
Longitude: -106.08659
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L726209