Old Lime Creek Road
Paralleling US Highway 550 for 10 miles, this amazingly scenic mountain road was once the original highway between Silverton and Durango. Rough and narrow, it is best traveled in a high-clearance vehicle. It provides access to an excellent variety of habitats. Along the northern portions of the road you pass through some nice high-elevation riparian willows with Lazuli Bunting, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Black-headed Grosbeak possible. Further on you’ll cross some truly impressive aspen groves, and Red-naped Sapsucker, Warbling Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler, and more could be seen. Some spruce-fir forest and a couple of lily-fringed ponds round out the habitat selections. Butterfly diversity along the road is also excellent, and this is one of the best places in the state to see the rare red columbine.
Restrictions: Rough road; open only in summer
County: San Juan
Directions: On US 550 about three miles past Purgatory Resort and just after the first sweeping switchback is the southern end of Old Lime Creek Road. This road is rough in spots and a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The road continues for about 10 miles and rejoins US 550 about 7 or 8 miles north.
Alternate Directions: From Silverton, drive south on US550 for 11 miles to Old Lime Creek Road, on the left. This 11 mile long road parallels US550 and meets it again 19 miles south of Silverton. This road is rough in spots and a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Habitat: Stream, Cliff Face, Streamside Willow, Mixed Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Summer months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 76 C3
ROC: 130 C2, 131 D2
Latitude: 37.674074
Longitude: -107.751763
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3793667