Paonia State Park
The namesake reservoir here, while scenic, is rarely attractive to waterbirds. The riparian habitat, on the other hand, is of much higher quality. Look for species like Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, MacGillivray’s and Virginia’s Warblers, Mountain Bluebird, and Cordilleran Flycatcher. The scrubby hillsides along the access road to the lake are good for Spotted and Green-tailed Towhees, as well as other mountain shrubland birds. Look at the cliffs just upstream from the campground for swifts, swallows, and wrens. Other attractions include Colorado hairstreak, elk, and deer.
Restrictions: No water available, campground closed during winter; beware of traffic on all roads
County: Gunnison
Attractions: Great wildflowers in summer.
Directions: From Paonia, drive east on CO 133 for 19 miles to the entrance, on the right.
Alternate Directions: From Paonia, drive east on CO 133 for 19 miles to the entrance, on the right.
Habitat: Reservoir, Riparian, Scrub Oak Forest, Cliff Face, Aspen Grove, Mixed Conifer forest.
Dates of Access: Campground closed during winter
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: State Parks Pass
Parking: Various
Lodging: Campground, bring your own water, no potable water available.
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Standard for Colorado State Parks. Viewing from car
Delorme: 57 A7
ROC: 92 A4
Latitude: 38.94029
Longitude: -107.35921