· Cache la Poudre

Wellington State Wildlife Area

Aliases: Cobb Lake State Wildlife Area

This State Wildlife Area is comprised of three units, Wellington, Schware, and Cobb, and offers limited access  However, when visiting is permitted, this can be a good place to look for migrants in the junipers and other shrubs, and for roosting Short-eared and Long-eared Owls in winter. The Cobb Lake unit is open year round; its namesake lake sometimes attracts waterfowl and shorebirds. Hunting occurs on the Wellington and Schware units, so be sure to check for seasonal restrictions before visiting these properties.

County: Larimer

Directions: WELLINGTON UNIT: From I-25: exit at Cleveland and go east to the NE Frontage Road. Head north on the NE Frontage Road for 0.5 miles to CR 64 (Nunn Road). Go east on CR 64; you will find several parking areas on both sides of the road in the next 2 miles. COBB LAKE UNIT: take I-25 to Mountain Vista Drive and go east to the NE Frontage Road. Take the NE Frontage Road north to CR 56. Go east on CR 56 to the parking lots along the road. SCHWARE UNIT: take I-25 to Mountain Vista Drive and go east to the NE Frontage Road. Take the NE Frontage Road north to GW Bush Avenue. Go east on GW Bush Avenue to the parking lots along the road.

Dates of Access: Wellington and Schware Units: Open only from July 16 to March 14. Cobb Unit open year round
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: 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.

Restrictions: Please obey all CPW rules and regulations. Camping and fires prohibited. Boating prohibited, except hand-propelled to hunt waterfowl.

Parking: Dirt parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Fort Collins

Handicapped Access: Limited birding from your car

Latitude: 40.65327
Longitude: -104.97007

» Visit the website for Wellington State Wildlife Area