FR 550
This remote dirt road (which can be rough at times, especially after the spring snowmelt), provides good access to montane forest habitats and is a perfect spot for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Denver. Watch carefully along the road for Dusky Grouse, which is best looked for in the spring and late summer. 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.
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.
Dates of Access: Spring, summer, fall; the area is inaccessible after the first snowfall and during the winter months.
Hours:
Ownership: USFS
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations.
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped Access: None
Latitude: 39.343739
Longitude: -105.256395
Amenities
| Restrooms | No |
| Drinking Fountain | No |
| Gravel Trails | No |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | Yes |
| Camping | Yes |
| Picnic | No |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | No |