Northwest Colorado Wildlife Viewing Area Guide

Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge - lies along the Green River and covers over 13,000 acres that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a refuge for migratory waterfowl, as well as wintering elk and deer. The refuge provides a driving tour route and is home to approximately 200 species of birds including: mallards, bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons, redheads, teal, canvasbacks, other ducks, and canadian geese. Many other animals can be observed seasonally.

Gates of Lodore - is a spectacular canyon area of the Green River located in the northern portion of Dinosaur National Monument. World class river rafting (by permit only), as well as a one-mile nature trail and campground make this an excellent place to observe migrant waterfowl, golden eagles, prairie falcons, red tail hawks and other birds. The area features dramatic canyon walls, sagebrush, and pinyon/juniper woodlands. Side-blotched and eastern fence lizards can be found in rocky areas.

Harpers Corner Road - A self-guided driving tour from the Dinosaur National Monument Visitor's Center on U.S. Hwy 40 to Echo Park at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers provides visitors the opportunity to observe waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, mule deer, elk, and occasionally bighorn sheep, beavers and river otters. Includes picnic area and campground.

Sandwash Basin - is a large arid area featuring scenic sagebrush and juniper covered hills, as well as sandstone outcrops and dramatic overlooks once inhabited by the Fremont culture. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for: prairie dog colonies, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, great horned owls, as well as one of the countries last wild horse herds, managed by the BLM. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. (No facilities)

Sage Grouse Leks - are open elevated breeding grounds for sage grouse located in the sagebrush country of Moffat County. From mid-March through late May the grouse perform their ritual courtship dance on these ancestral grounds. The male grouse can be observed strutting for the females while they make a resonant popping and hooting sound. The best time to observe the grouse is just before dawn, so it is advised that you scout the area in the afternoon. Use your car as a blind for birdwatching and stay on roads and trails so as not to flush the birds from the lek.

Cedar Mountain - is an easily accessible picnic and nature trail area located 7 miles northwest of Craig, Colorado. This sagebrush and pinyon/juniper mountain provides nesting habitat for golden eagles. This area provides excellent viewing of mule deer, jack rabbits, cottontails, ground squirrels, songbirds, pinyon jays, turkey vultures, and other birds. Pronghorn antelope are frequently observed along the route to Cedar Mountain and bald eagles are seen year-round along the Yampa River basin.

Morgan Bottoms - is located just east of Hayden in Routt County. The Bottoms is an excellent viewing area for seasonally migrating sandhill cranes, with the largest populations viewable in the spring and fall. In the spring, this area also provides observation of sage grouse leks (breeding grounds) along County Road 80, which are best viewed during dawn and dusk. This is a privately owned land area, so wildlife viewing is from the road only. For organized spring viewing trips contact the Craig office of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Axial Basin - south of Craig provides excellent observation points for herds of elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope. A 70 mile driving loop can be made from Craig along U.S. Hwy 40, Colorado Hwy 13, and County Road 17. Small mammals in this area include rabbits, weasels, and coyotes. Golden and bald eagles, sage grouse, rough-legged hawks, and other birds are also seen as one crosses the Yampa River basin. Best viewing is December thru March (check for winter driving conditions).