Rocky Mountains · Spanish Peaks Trail

Welch Ranch

Description: This spectacular ranch charges an entrance fee of $10 per person per day. It includes the north end of the Apishapa Canyon, which is worth a visit just for the scenery, as it is 200-300 feet deep along this stretch. There are only a few cottonwoods in the bottom of the canyon, but the fact that the river here flows nearly year-round makes for excellent birding potential in this arid country. Raptors nest in the canyon, and Black Phoebe is a definite possibility. The northern part of the ranch has prairie-dog towns with breeding Burrowing Owls. Keep an eye out for Greater Roadrunner and Scaled Quail in addition to deer, coyote and other mammals.

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Stream, Grassland/Prairie, Cholla, Cliff Face

Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please call Andy Welch at 719-263-4388 or 719-263-5514 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your potential visit. The fee for access is $10 per person per day. Please remember that this is a working ranch as well as a private residence, and there may be times when the landowner cannot accommodate visits. While you are on the ranch, remember to stay on roads, leave gates as you find them (whether open or closed), and refrain from taking anything off the ranch or leaving trash behind.

Dates of Access: Open all year, contact owner prior to visit
Hours of Operation:

Delorme: 100 A1-B1
Roads of Colorado: 138 C1-C2

Latitude: 37.770800000000
Longitude: 104.147540000000

Ownership: Private
Lodging: Hotel in La Junta or Walsenburg
Parking: Gravel parking area
Admission: $10/person/day
Restrictions or Hazards: Exercise caution while walking the ranch
Handicap Access: Limited
Contact Information: Contact Andy Welch at 719-263-4388 or 719-263-5514.