Williams Creek Reservoir
Thanks to its gorgeous natural setting, Williams Creek Reservoir is a very popular destination for fishermen and campers. It is also a popular destination for waterbirds ranging from Cinnamon Teal to Western Grebe, most of which congregate along the reservoir’s north shore. The road north of the reservoir traverses some mid-elevation riparian areas with Red-naped Sapsucker; thick willows along the stream in the valley floor harbor Fox Sparrows and MacGillivray’s Warblers; elk graze in the wet meadows; Boloria fritillaries flutter, and Wilson’s Snipe winnow overhead on summer evenings. At the end of the road pick up the Williams Creek Trail, a beautiful path through mixed-conifer and spruce-fir forests where Cassin’s Finch, Hammond’s Flycatcher and Three-toed Woodpecker can be found. One of the authors once frightened a black bear off this trail, so keep your eyes peeled.
Restrictions: None
County: Hinsdale
Directions: Two miles west of Pagosa Springs on US 160, head north on Archuleta CR 600 (Piedra Road), and stay on this road for 15.5 miles to the Hinsdale County line. This road then becomes Hinsdale CR 631. To get to Williams Creek Reservoir, continue north for 6.2 miles to CR 640. Go north on CR 640 for 1.5 miles to the reservoir. Continue past it to the end of the road to reach the Williams Creek Trailhead.
Alternate Directions: From the center of Pagosa Springs, head east on US160 for about a mile to Piedra Road, on the right. Go 22 miles to FR 640, on the right. Turn and go 2 miles to the reservoir, on the right.
Habitat: Lake, Ponderosa Forest, Streamside Willow, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year, but most roads closed in winter.
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Unpaved parking areas
Lodging: Five USFS campgrounds in area
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car
Delorme: 77 D7
ROC: 132 A3
Latitude: 37.5152983437
Longitude: -107.225831758