FR 550
This remote dirt road (which can be rough at times, especially after the spring snowmelt), provides good access to montane forest habitats. The pine forests should have the typical specialty species including Williamson’s Sapsucker, while higher up American Three-toed Woodpecker can be found, with luck. The Tramway Trail, 4.5 miles east of Pine Valley Road, accesses some burned habitat, which offers more chances for spotting woodpeckers.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations.
County: Jefferson
Directions: From Denver: go west on I-70 and transition to south C-470. From C-470, take US 285 south toward Fairplay. Go 22 miles to Pine Junction and turn southeast onto CR 126/Pine Valley Rd. At SW Platte River Rd., CR 126 turns into Decker Canyon Rd. FR 550 road is 14 miles from the US 285/CR 126 junction on the west.
Alternate Directions: From Denver: go west on I-70 and transition to south C-470. From C-470, take US 285 south toward Fairplay. Go 22 miles to Pine Junction and turn southeast onto CR 126/Pine Valley Rd. At SW Platte River Rd., CR 126 turns into Decker Canyon Rd. FR 550 road is 14 miles from the US 285/CR 126 junction on the west.
Dates of Access: Open May - September
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free, fees at the Buffalo Campground
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped Access: None
Latitude: 39.343739
Longitude: -105.256395