Middle Mountain Road
This very scenic road provides a great way to get into the high country near Durango, as it tops out at almost 11,000 feet on the side of Middle Mountain. A burn area near the top has been good for Three-toed Woodpeckers in recent years. Deer and elk graze in the meadows, where you might find Vesper Sparrows and American Pipits. Dusky Grouse and Merriam’s turkeys are common. You’ll be in pine marten and lynx habitat, but sightings of Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills are going to be more easily spotted.
Restrictions: None
County: La Plata
Directions: From downtown Durango drive north on US 550 to 15th Street and turn right. Then after a short distance merge left onto Florida Road which becomes CR 240. After about 13 miles continue on CR 240 by turning right at the Lemon Reservoir intersection. After about 4 miles at the bottom of the hill turn left (north) on CR 501. Drive along the west side of the lake and continue around the north end to the northeast corner of the lake and turn left (north) on Middle Mountain Road (FR 724).
Alternate Directions: In the center of Durango, head east on 15th st., go 2 blocks and take a left onto Florida Rd. Stay on Florida Road, which becomes CR 240, for 17 miles, to CR 501. Turn left onto CR 510 and go 11 miles, around the north end of the reservoir, to FR 724. Turn left; this is Middle Mountain Road. This site can also be reached from Bayfield, by taking CR 501 north from US160 in the center of Bayfield, and going 19 miles to FR 724.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, Burn Area
Dates of Access: Road closed in winter.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Campgrounds near Vallecito Reservoir
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 86 B2
ROC: 1.31E+06
Latitude: 37.4946736
Longitude: -107.5171485