Spring Park Reservoir

Easily the best waterbirding site on this trail, this large but shallow irrigation reservoir is thawed for most of the year, and often chock-full of ducks of all varieties, especially in the spring and fall. Perhaps the biggest draw is the large staging of Barrow’s Goldeneye that happens every spring, peaking in March and early April, at times reaching over 100 birds! In addition, nearly every species of regular dabbler and diver can also be found, as well as shorebirds if the water is low, the occasional grebe or loon, and maybe a tern or gull. The montane shrubland that surrounds the reservoir often has Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees, Western Scrub-Jay, and swallows. All the land here is private, so please look at the reservoir from the road.

County: Pitkin

Habitat: Foothill Shrub, Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow

Directions: From Aspen head west on CO 82 past Basalt to the intersection of CO 82 and El Jebel Road (CR 102). Turn right (north) at the traffic light. Travel north about 5 miles until you see the reservoir. The road skirts the reservoir on the west side and the water is scannable from a number of pullouts.

Delorme: 46 C3
Roads of Colorado: 85 D2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: Private
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Respect private property; bird from the road

Parking: Roadside pullouts
Lodging:

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some car birding

Latitude: 39.44069228
Longitude: -107.0942545