Groundhog Park Road (FR 650)
This road branches off from the Embargo Creek road north of Del Norte and heads higher into the mountains. Not far north of the junction where the roads split, look on the right for a pond with a nice marsh. Expect to see breeding Yellow-headed Blackbird, Eared Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall and Mallard. The road continues through aspen groves and coniferous forest where you have a good chance of finding Red Crossbill, Gray Jay, Hermit Thrush, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This road doesn’t get much traffic, so it’s a good place to look for Dusky Grouse, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you drive the entire length of the road, you should see mule deer and elk; pine squirrels are numerous along the way. The high montane meadows and willow carrs near the top of the road should be checked for alpine butterflies including Boloria fritillaries.
Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions.
County: Saguache
Directions: From the intersection of US 160 and CO 112 in the center of Del Norte, head west about 8.5 miles on US 160 and turn right (north) on 18 Road. After you cross the river, turn right (east) at the T intersection, then in half a mile turn left (north) on FR 650. Follow this north, staying right at the junction of FR 650 and FR 640.
Alternate Directions: From South Fork, head east on US160 for almost 3 miles to CR 19. Turn left and in about 400 yards (in the town of Alpine), take a right onto CR 15. Follow this road for 6 miles to CR 65 (FR 640), on the left. Turn and go 3 miles to CR 26 (FR 650) on the right. Turn and go 12 miles to the end of the road; birding can be good anywhere along the road.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Streamside Willow
Dates of Access: Road not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car.
Delorme: 79 B5
ROC: 133 E1-F2
Latitude: 37.7448526
Longitude: -106.5327186