San Miguel River

The San Miguel River from Naturita to its confluence with the Dolores River has some of the best lowland riparian habitat in southwest Colorado. Perhaps the main avian draw here are the many Black Phoebes that nest along the river; look especially around the old bridge at Uravan. The beautiful riparian area has species such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo and Lazuli Buntings, Black-headed Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, and Blue Grosbeak. This riparian corridor has some of the greatest rarity potential in the area. The canyon sides and side canyons are filled with pinyon-juniper woodland, and Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gray and Plumbeous Vireos, Pinyon Jay, and Virginia’s Warbler, among others, are possible.

County: Montrose

Habitat: Cliff Face, Lowland Riparian, Pinyon/Juniper Forest

Directions: CO 141 runs along the stretch of the San Miguel River from Naturita to Uravan. Much of the land is public and access is easy. Nature Conservancy owns some of the land next to the river. A stop at any bridge over the San Miguel River should give good views of Black Phoebe. But for more viewing sites drive just beyond Uravan (north) and take CR Y11 left and drive to the confluence of the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers. Continuing on CR Y11 will connect to CO 90 and Paradox Valley. As the road breaks out into the valley observe the lowest elevation juniper trees which hold a fair population of Gray Vireo.

Delorme: 64 B3-B4
Roads of Colorado: 96 C4, 97 D4, 113 D1-D2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: BLM/Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Respect private property; bird from the road where applicable

Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Naturita

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Latitude: 38.379989
Longitude: -108.803434