Madden Peak Road

· La Plata

Madden Peak Road

This dirt road heads north from the high point between Cortez and Durango, providing access to excellent ponderosa pine woodland and aspen groves. Driving this road early in the morning during April is a fantastic way to find Dusky Grouse, which often display right along the road. A little later in the year, Purple Martins can sometimes be found in the larger aspen groves that border meadows. Look for Grace’s Warbler, Williamson’s Sapsucker, and Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatchers in the ponderosa woodland, and Red-naped Sapsucker, Orange-crowned Warbler, Violet-green Swallow, and Flammulated Owl in the areas with aspens. A number of mammal species could also be found along this road; both black bear and bobcat have been seen; drive slowly to avoid hitting the numerous elk and deer.

County: La Plata

Habitat: Mountain Meadow, Scrub Oak Forest, Aspen Grove

Directions: From Durango go west on US 160, and just west of the La Plata/Montezuma county line sign, turn right (north) on Madden Peak Road (FR 316).

Delorme: 85 B7
Roads of Colorado: 146 A1

Dates of Access: Summer months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Likely closed in winter due to snow.

Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None

Latitude: 37.3602754
Longitude: -108.1500769

Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveYes
CampingNo
PicnicNo
HuntingYes
FishingNo
2021-10-04T22:24:21-06:00

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