Southwest Corner of Mineral County
This remote area gets very few visitors, but good forest roads wind through miles of ponderosa pine and montane shrub habitats here. A nocturnal trip on some of these roads in June can result in multiple Flammulated Owl encounters; the species is common in the area. Green-tailed Towhee and Evening Grosbeak can be found here as well. Elk are numerous, as are mule deer, and several species of squirrel and chipmunk. The beautiful Western Pine Elfin butterfly can be found, and in areas of Gambel Oak, you have a chance to find the Colorado Hairstreak, the state insect.
Restrictions: None
County: Archuleta
Directions: This area of Mineral County can only be reached from Archuleta County. From Pagosa Springs, go two miles west along US 160 to CR 600 (Piedra Road). Take a right (north) onto CR 600 and go 2.5 miles and take a right onto Steven's Reservoir Road. Go 6.5 miles to FR 634 and take a left and drive 5.2 miles to the Mineral County line. FR 634 travels in Mineral County for 6.3 miles before entering Hinsdale County. Alternatively, you may be able to take FR 400 (Fourmile Road) directly north out of Pagosa Springs straight to FR 634.
Alternate Directions: From the center of Pagosa Springs, head east on US160 for about a mile to Piedra Road, on the right. Turn and go 2.3 miles to Steven's Reservoir Road (FR 634), on the right. Turn and go 12 miles to the county line.
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest, Foothill Shrub, Scrub Oak Forest, Mountain Meadow
Dates of Access: Roads not maintained in winter.
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 88 A1
ROC: 132 B4
Latitude: 37.4155836
Longitude: -107.1177557