Old Woman Creek
This short loop route out of the town of Del Norte passes through the saltbush scrub on the floor of the San Luis Valley, then rises into the low foothills with pinyon-juniper and some open ponderosa pine woodland. Along this route you might see Mountain and Western Bluebirds, Green-tailed Towhee, Gray Flycatcher, Pinyon Jay, and Clark’s Nutcracker. This loop road includes some excellent scenery, and a chance to see coyotes, jackrabbits, cottontails, and Abert’s Squirrels.
Restrictions: Beware poor road conditions
County: Rio Grande
Attractions: A natural rock arch and Penitente Canyon, known for its rock climbing opportunities, are both found off of this route.
Directions: Just north of the Rio Grande bridge on CO 112 at Del Norte, turn left (northwest) on paved CR 15. When this road turns toward a dump, turn west; do not continue straight toward the airport. At FR 660 turn north. FR 660 turns into CR A-32 which T's with CR 38A. Turn right onto CR 38A to loop back to CR112 about 2 1/2 miles northeast of where you started.
Alternate Directions: From the town of Del Norte, head north on CO 112 for just over a half mile, and where it bends to the right go straight onto CR 15. Follow this road (making sure to stay on CR 15 where it bends left in a mile) for 4 miles to CR 66, on the right. Turn and follow this road as it follows Old Woman Creek; birding can be good anywhere along the road.
Habitat: Grassland/Prairie, Sagebrush, Rimrock/Mesa, Ponderosa Forest, Aspen Grove, Pinyon-Juniper Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM/Private
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Hotels in Del Norte
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 79 B6-B7, C6
ROC: 134 A1-A2, 133 F1-F2
Latitude: 37.7480653
Longitude: -106.4280307