Rabbit Ears Pass and Muddy Pass

Aliases: Muddy Pass

These two relatively low passes are on the Continental Divide just east of Steamboat Springs. Both pass through excellent forest and montane meadows, though Rabbit Ears is the more vegetated of the two. The recent lodgepole pine die-off has made the whole area excellent for woodpeckers, including American Three-toed, which is found reliably on Rabbit Ears. Other species include Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pine Grosbeak, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Mountain Bluebird, and at night, Northern Saw-whet Owl. The area around Muddy Pass Lake often has Osprey during the breeding season, and the whole area during the winter can be good for finches and Gray Jay.

County: Grand

Habitat: Mountain Meadow; Lodgepole Forest

Directions: From Kremmling, take US 40 west towards Steamboat Springs. Both passes are well-signed along this road.

Delorme: 27 A5
Roads of Colorado: 37 E4-F4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: None

Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some handicap accessible facilities, but only limited birding

Elevation: 9464

Latitude: 40.384756
Longitude: -106.611688