North Lake SWA/North Fork Road

Aliases: North Reservoir, Monument Lake Park, North Lake

Description: Besides the road over Cordova Pass, the only road in Las Animas County that accesses good high-elevation habitats is the North Fork Road (FR 34). Expect excellent willow tangles and aspen stands, along with some ponderosa, oak and mixed conifer habitats. The stream along the road (the north fork of the Purgatoire) has American Dippers, and birding along the road at night might produce Flammulated or Saw-whet Owls. Elk, deer, bear, pine marten, mink, and porcupines live in this area. While the road itself does not make it to the spruce-fir belt, from the campground at its end (fee area) one can continue on hiking trails to higher elevations and above treeline, with all the benefits thereof. Highway 12 through this area passes through amazing displays of fall color when the aspen leaves turn in October; summer is the time to tour the Cucharas Pass Wildflower Identification interpretive trail.

Habitat: Mixed-Conifer Forest, Aspen Groves, Streamside Willow, Stream

Directions: From the top of CO-12 along the Huerfano/Las Animas County line, travel south for 2.3 miles to the turn-off for FR 34. The road continues for 5 miles to a campground. North Lake is along CO-12 just north of this turn-off, and Monument Lake is just off CO-12 to the east, 1.5 miles south of this turn-off.

Dates of Access: No winter access up North Fork Road (SWA is on Hwy 12 and is accessible all year)
Hours of Operation:

Delorme: 92 B2-C2
Roads of Colorado: 152 C2

Latitude: 37.240120000000
Longitude: 105.085450000000

Ownership: CDOW/USFS
Lodging: Tent camping at Purgatoire Campground
Parking: Parking lots
Admission: Camping fee for Angel and Shavano campground
Restrictions or Hazards: No fires, no camping. Obey CDOW rules and regulations; be aware of hunters in season
Handicap Access: Limited
Other Wildlife: Bears, elk, bighorn sheep (nearby)
Attractions: Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway
Contact Information:
URL: North Lake SWA/North Fork Road Website