Rock Creek
This is one of several wonderful backcountry drives in the southern San Juans. It rises from low dry canyon country all the way up to the cold moist spruce-fir forests where Gray Jays make their home. If you are the first one up this way in the morning, you might find a Dusky Grouse or a mule deer on the road. A nocturnal expedition could turn up singing poorwills and (in the high country) Boreal Owl, plus porcupines, foxes, and snowshoe hares.
Restrictions: None
County: Rio Grande
Directions: Two miles south of Monte Vista on CO 15, turn right (west) onto CR 2S. After a little over two miles, take a left (south) at the T onto CR 28. It is about 12 miles from here to the Rock Creek Campground, about 9 of which is unpaved.
Alternate Directions: From Monte Vista, drive south on CO 15 for 2.5 miles to CR 2S and turn right. Go 2.5 miles to a 'T' with CR 28 and turn left. The good habitat starts in about 5 miles and continues for 14 miles.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian, Rimrock/Mesa, Mixed Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Road not maintained in winter
Hours: Any
Ownership: BLM/US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside, or unpaved parking areas
Lodging: USFS campgrounds
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 80 D1, 89 A6-A7
ROC: 134 B3-A4
Latitude: 37.5064217
Longitude: -106.208308