Thompson Creek Road
This road contains some of the only pinyon-juniper forest on this trail, and perhaps the best example of it close to Aspen. Just about every ‘PJ’ specialty can be found along here, including Pinyon Jay, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bushtit, Juniper Titmouse, and (at night) Common Poorwill. Portions of the road pass through Douglas-fir habitat, where a slightly higher-elevation mix of birds including Western Tanager, Hermit Thrush, and Hammond’s Flycatcher can be seen.
Restrictions: None
County: Pitkin
Directions: At the intersection of CO 82 and CO 133 in Carbondale, take 133 south until you reach the traffic signal at CO 133 and Main Street. Turn right and follow the road as it bends right (north) and then left (west) past the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Just past the school and over the river, when the road splits into a Y, keep left on Thompson Creek Road (CR 108) for about 8 miles from the intersection. Just after you pass the Pitkin County sign you will see a dirt road going left. Take this road for 0.6 miles until you parallel a gully. This is the location where poorwills are seen, and anywhere along this road you can see the Pinyon-Juniper specialties.
Alternate Directions: From Carbondale, head west on Main St. and go 0.8 miles to CR 108. Turn left and go 8 miles to the habitat, which continues for the next couple of miles.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Aspen Grove, Streamside Willow, Foothill Shrub
Dates of Access: Closed during the winter months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service/BLM
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside
Lodging: Primitive Camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 46 C3
ROC: 8.5E+03
Latitude: 39.35289
Longitude: -107.29139