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Cottonwood Canyon
Description: Remote and beautiful, this is among the crown jewels of SE Colorado. Habitat is mostly lowland riparian, cliff/rimrock, and pinyon-juniper. Please respect private property, and stay on the road when away from the campground/cabin area (across the road from the campground). This is among the best places to see Mississippi Kite, Lewis's and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Western Screech-Owl (calling from around the campground at night). The variety of reptiles and amphibians at this site is among the best in the state. Bighorn Sheep can be seen here, particularly in winter.
Habitat: Rimrock/Mesa, Stream, Lowland Riparian, Grassland/Prairie, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Scrub Oak Forest
Directions: From Springfield, go south on US 287/385 to CR M (18 miles), and go west on CR M. Follow CR M for 27 miles to the campground at the beginning of Cottonwood Canyon, on the left. CR M follows Cottonwood Canyon for 5 miles, but the best birding is generally along the first mile, before the public road enters posted private property. From La Junta, head south 56 miles on CO 109 to the junction with US 160, then go east on US 160 for 12 miles to CR 223. Take a right (south) on CR 223 and go a little over 3 miles to a 'T' with CR 34. Take a right and then the next left, and go south for 2 miles. Take another right and then almost immediately left onto CR 219.1. Follow CR 219.1 south for 3 miles to a fork with CR 24 and take a left. Follow CR 24 for a little under 2.5 miles to a 'T' with Baca CR M. The campground is just south of this intersection along CR M.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours of Operation:
Delorme: 101 D5
Roads of Colorado: 157 D3-E3
Latitude: 37.143410000000
Longitude: -103.082650000000
Ownership: Private (public access)
Lodging: Tent camping
Parking: Gravel parking area, roadside parking
Admission: Free
Restrictions or Hazards: Bird only from the road when south of the campground; obey posted limits on access
Handicap Access: Some viewing from car; otherwise no access
Attractions: Excellent scenery
Contact Information: