Silverthorne
This is the first town on I-70 west of the Continental Divide, the gateway to Summit County’s famous ski areas. It’s also a great place to see Barrow’s Goldeneye in winter – a few can typically be found at the Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant right along CO 9 north of the interstate. A good variety of other ducks are usually in the area also. In the summer, up to three active Osprey nests can be seen on artificial platforms near the highway in the first six miles north of the interstate. Sometimes flocks of rosy-finches, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, and Cassin’s Finches descend on feeders in residential areas of the town in wintertime.
Restrictions: Please respect private property, and beware fast traffic on the roads
County: Summit
Directions: Silverthorne is along I-70 just west of the Eisenhower Tunnel. To get to Willowbrook, from the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway 9 (Exit 205) travel north approximately 1.8 miles to the residential development called Willowbrook. Turn left into the area. The Osprey nest is located on a power pole to the north. It is visible from the highway. To get to the sewage pond, from Exit 205, travel north 2.7 miles. The sewage pond is on the right or east side of the road. At times, the gate will be locked, but there is sufficient room to pull off.
Alternate Directions: Silverthorne is on I-70 at exit 205. The Blue River Wastewater Treatment Plant is on the east side of CO 9, 2.7 miles north of I-70.
Habitat: Pond
Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: Municipal/Private
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Various options
Lodging: Hotels in Silverthorne, USFS campgrounds (fee)
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 38 C2
ROC: 70 C2
Latitude: 39.629358
Longitude: -106.071206