Lone Dome State Wildlife Area
The riparian grove along the Dolores River here is one of the best in southwestern Colorado; the quality gets better the farther south along the river you go. Look for species like Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, migrant passerines, Western Screech and Great Horned Owls, and wintering sparrows. The extensively covered pinyon-juniper hillsides are good for Plumbeous Vireo, Gray Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, and Ash-throated Flycatcher. Peregrine Falcon have been found nesting on some of the cliffs in the area. Keep an eye out anywhere along the river for Black Phoebe. The whole area is excellent for a large variety of reptiles; look especially on the rocky hillsides near the county line.
Restrictions: Fires prohibited. Camping only in designated areas.
County: Dolores
Directions: From Dove Creek: drive south along US 491 to the hamlet of Cahone (10 miles). Turn left (east) on CR R, then right on CR 16 (three miles). Turn left on CR S (1.3 miles). The SWA is on both sides of the road on the west side of the river (about one mile). From Cortez: drive north on US 491 about 20 miles to its intersection with CR 16 about three miles past Yellow Jacket and one mile short of Pleasant View. Turn right (north) on CR 16 and right again on CR S (4.7 miles) to the SWA.
Alternate Directions: From Dove Creek, go south on US491 for 9 miles to CR R in the town of Cahone, and turn left. Go 3 miles to CR 16 and turn right and go 1.25 miles to CR S. Turn left and go 1.5 miles to the SWA, on the left.
Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Stream
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife/US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area.
Parking: Gravel parking areas, roadside
Lodging: Camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap campsites and restrooms
Delorme: 74 C3
ROC: 128 C2
Latitude: 37.64922
Longitude: -108.73677
Contact Information
Area CPW Office: Durango, (970) 247-0855.
Visit the Website for Lone Dome State Wildlife Area »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2827957