Bosque del Oso SWA

Description: This huge state wildlife area is made up of pinyon-juniper woodland with some mixed-conifer on the north-facing slopes, and a few riparian groves along the Purgatoire River. Shrubland and oak habitats also abound. Look especially for the common Lewis's Woodpeckers and Band-tailed Pigeons (summer) and for Wild Turkey. Raptors can include eagles, Northern Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, and possibly Northern Saw-whet and Western Screech-Owls. Bear and elk can also be seen here, as can mule deer, coyotes, and (rarely) bobcat or even mountain lion. Maps of the wildlife area are available at CDOW offices in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Scrub Oak Forest, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Lowland Riparian

Directions: The west entrance to this huge SWA heads south just east of the town of Zamora, 6 miles east of Stonewall. The east entrance heads south from the middle of the town of Weston, 9 miles east of Stonewall. Study the maps of the SWA that are on the green signs near the entrance carefully - getting around here can be confusing.

Dates of Access: Open all year, restricted during elk season to hunters
Hours of Operation:

Delorme: 92 C2-D3
Roads of Colorado: 153 D3

Latitude: 37.079090000000
Longitude: 104.896910000000

Ownership: CDOW
Lodging: Tent camping
Parking: Gravel parking areas
Admission: Free
Restrictions or Hazards: See dates of access. No backpacking or backcountry camping; parking in designated areas only
Handicap Access: Poor
Attractions: Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad
Contact Information:
URL: Bosque del Oso SWA Website