Totten Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Conveniently close to Cortez, this nice lake attracts good numbers of waterbirds. Since water is rare in the Four Corners region, concentrations of birds here can be very good, but a scope is required to see them well. Finding the vagrant gull or shorebird could require a long walk to the northeastern corner through pinyon-juniper habitat. This is the top birding location in Montezuma County with 234 species recorded.
Restrictions: Camping, fires, glass containers prohibited. Be aware of hunters and areas closed for hunting.
County: Montezuma
Directions: From Cortez, head east on US 160 past the junction with CO 145 to CR 29 (sign for Totten Reservoir), and turn left (north). Totten is north of US 160 about a mile.
Alternate Directions: From the center of Cortez, head east on US160 for just under a mile to CR 29 and turn left. Go about a mile to the reservoir, on the left.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Pinyon/Juniper Forest
Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.
Parking: Gravel parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Cortez
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 85 B4
ROC: 129 D4
Latitude: 37.36276
Longitude: -108.52691
Contact Information
Area CPW Office: Durango, (970) 247-0855
Visit the Website for Totten Reservoir State Wildlife Area »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L338763