La Jara Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Depending on the water level at this remote reservoir, you could see a large variety of waterbirds, or nearly nothing. When there is water, check for a good mix of dabblers and divers, and possibly shorebirds during migration. If the reservoir is dry, the consolation prize is the habitat along the entrance road, where you could find Pinyon Jay, Gray Flycatcher, Bushtit, and Black-throated Gray Warbler in the pinyon-juniper habitat and Pygmy Nuthatch, Red Crossbill, sapsuckers, and others in the mixed ponderosa/aspen forest.
Restrictions: Road may be snowed in during the winter months
County: Conejos
Directions: From the junction of US 285 and CO 15, about 13 miles south of Alamosa, turn right (west) onto CO 15 and travel for 10.5 miles. Turn left onto FR 255. La Jara Reservoir is reached by going .5 miles from the intersection of FR 255 and CO 15 and taking a left onto FR 240 (there is a sign to La Jara Reservoir at the intersection). Follow FR 240 for 12 miles to FR 259 and take a left. Follow FR 259 for one mile to the reservoir dam. This is good place to scan the south end of the reservoir. FR 259 borders the eastern edge of the reservoir and provides further vantage points.
Alternate Directions: From the junction of US285 and CO 15 in La Jara, take CO 15 west for 10 miles to where it bends north. Turn left onto FR 255 (Conejos CR X) and go a half-mile and turn left again onto FR 240. Go 14 miles to the reservroir.
Habitat: Reservoir, Aspen Grove, Sagebrush
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and BLM
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Parking: Gravel parking area/roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 89 B7
ROC: 150 A2
Latitude: 37.24412
Longitude: -106.34194
Visit the Website for La Jara Reservoir State Wildlife Area »