· Canyon of the Ancients

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.

County: Dolores

Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Stream

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.

Delorme: 74 C3
Roads of Colorado: 128 C2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife/US Forest Service
Admission: A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area.

Restrictions: Fires prohibited. Camping only in designated areas.

Parking: Gravel parking areas, roadside
Lodging: Camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap campsites and restrooms

Latitude: 37.64922
Longitude: -108.73677

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Contact Info:

Area CPW Office: Durango, (970) 247-0855.