· South Park

High Creek Fen Preserve

One of a very few ‘extreme rich fens’ in the United States, High Creek is home to fourteen state-rare plant species (a fen is a high-altitude, peat-producing wetland, typically found from 9,000  to 12,000 feet). The fen is also home to nesting Wilson’s Phalaropes and a few Mountain Plovers, which have a little-known population in South Park. There are no established trails, so visitors will have to walk through this marshy territory with waterproof footwear. Given the number of deer flies at this location, be sure to bring appropriate protection. Please leave pets at home when exploring this special area.

County: Park

Directions: From US 285 and C-470: go south on US 285 for 75 miles toward Fairplay. Continue through Fairplay for 8.5 miles, and turn east on a private gravel road that is 0.2 miles south of milepost 175. (The milepost is on the west side of the road; the gravel road is on the east). Cross the cattle guard, then drive about one mile to a small parking area and visitor kiosk.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: The Nature Conservancy
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Inaccessible during the winter months

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Fairplay or camp at the U.S. Forest Service's Buffalo Springs Campground, located 5 miles south of the preserve on U.S. Route 285

Handicapped Access: None

Latitude: 39.103295
Longitude: -105.970233

» Visit the website for High Creek Fen Preserve