The Grand Mesa National Forest is a U.S. National Forest in Mesa, Delta and Garfield Counties in Western Colorado. It borders the White River National Forest to the north and the Gunnison National Forest to the east. The forest covers most of Grand Mesa and the south part of Battlement Mesa. There are local ranger district offices located in Grand Junction.
Animals that inhabit this forest are elk, mule deer, Canadian lynx, black bears, pine marten, cougars, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers get a seasonal opportunity to view species of bird such bald eagles, boreal owls, golden eagles, Mexican spotted owls, common ravens, wild turkeys and peregrine falcons.
Visitor Map of Gunnison River Bluffs Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of Outlaw Mesa in the Gateway Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of Calamity Mesa in the Gateway Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of the Dolores River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Trails Map of Palisade Rim and Palisade Plunge in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Visitor Map of Horse Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) in the BLM Grand Junction Field Office area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of the Grand Valley Target Shooting Ranges Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) near Grand Valley in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of the Grand Valley Off-Highway Vehicles Area (OHV) near Grand Valley in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of 21 Road to 27 1/4 Road of the North Desert Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) north of Fruita in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of 12 Road to 21 Road of the North Desert Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) north of Fruita in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Map of Stateline to 12 Road of the North Desert Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) north of Fruita in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Overview Map of North Desert Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) north of Fruita in the Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of Paonia Ranger District South in Gunnison National Forest (NF) in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Travel Management Map 2: Brush Mountain of the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Travel Management Map 7: North Fruita Desert of the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Travel Management Map 10: Grand Junction of the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Travel Management Map 12: Hunting Ground of the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (FO) area in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Grand Mesa NF
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmug/home
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Mesa_National_Forest
The Grand Mesa National Forest is a U.S. National Forest in Mesa, Delta and Garfield Counties in Western Colorado. It borders the White River National Forest to the north and the Gunnison National Forest to the east. The forest covers most of Grand Mesa and the south part of Battlement Mesa. There are local ranger district offices located in Grand Junction.
Animals that inhabit this forest are elk, mule deer, Canadian lynx, black bears, pine marten, cougars, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers get a seasonal opportunity to view species of bird such bald eagles, boreal owls, golden eagles, Mexican spotted owls, common ravens, wild turkeys and peregrine falcons.
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This
product is
reproduced
from
geospatial
information prepared by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service.
GIS data and
product accuracy may vary.
They may be:
developed from sources of differering accuracy,
accurate only at certain scales, based on modeling
or interpretation, incomplete while being created or
revised, ect. Using GIS products for purposes other
than those for which they were created, may yield
inaccurate or misleading results. This information was
released on August 2011. The Forest Service reserves
the right to correct, update, modify, or replace, GIS
products based on new inventories, new or revised
information, and if necessary in conjunction with other
federal, state or local public agencies or the public in
general as required by policy or regulation. Previous
recipients of the products may bot be notified unless
required by policy or regulation. Fore more information,
contact the Grand Valley Ranger District at (970) 242-8211.
9
25
esa
259
.1D
Grand Mesa National Forest
Mesa Top Area
259
.
0
0.25
0.5
1
1.5
Miles
2
Travel Hierarchy
Travel designations are shown as and signed on the ground
based on a travel hiearchy. Routes designated open to a
specific use are also open to all use shown (with symbols)
below that use. However, that route is not designated
as opne to any of the use symbols shown above.
Mountain Bike-Seasonal Designation (Recommend No
Mountain Bike Travel After Labor Day)
G
F Hiker
!
È Horse
!
Improved Road
Unimproved Road
Trail, Designated use identified by symbols in
accordance with the Travel Hiearchy diagram
Trail; To Be Constructed
For Example: A route shown as a designated ATV route
is also open to Motorcycles, Mountain Bikes, Horses, and
Hikers, but is not opne to any full-size vehicles (greater than
50" in width).
Routes shown on this map have also been signed on the
ground. Each trail sign includes the trail name, route number
and allowable uses. Unless shown on this map and signed as
open on the ground, all other routes should be considered
closed.
SHORT HIKES
The
h lakes
l k ffeaturedd on the
h enclosed
l d Wardd
Lakes hiking trails map have a turbulent
history. Several short hikes will take you by
the sites of the following story.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre
and
Gunnison National Forests
L21 ON GRAND MESA
PHOTO: GRAND MESA BYWAY ASSOCIATION
Old time residents felt very strongly about
their right to fish, or maybe it was their
disregard for other people’s rights to own
a lake. Whatever the case, the Grand
Mesa Feud was a long-term battle
between fish poachers and private property
owners. While most settlers homesteaded in the valley in order
to raise and harvest crops, a few men homesteaded on top of
Grand Mesa in order to harvest fish. Locals were not understanding of this idea, so they continued to fish.
WILLIAM RADCLIFFE AS HE APPEARED
IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS IN
JULY, 1901
PHOTO: DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY,
WESTERN HISTORY DEPARTMENT
The feud heated up in 1896
when William Radcliffe, an
English aristocrat, arrived on
the Grand Mesa. Mr.
Radcliffe was not well
received by many of the local
residents. He acquired the
title and fishing rights to the Alexander group of lakes and set
to work improving the existing fish hatchery and hotel on the
shore of Alexander Lake. No amount of fishing permits would
pacify those who trespassed on his property and caught his fish.
The funny thing is, many of the fish poachers would have “shot
the pants off” anyone trying to steal a calf from their own herd.
The
h Grand
d Mesa retains its nice flat
f tabletop thanks to a cap of
basalt it acquired over nine million years ago. As the basalt lava
flowed from fissures (cracks in the earth), it filled a wide flat
valley. Eventually, the soft rock around the basalt valley eroded
away leaving a mesa high in the air. Later (14,000 years ago), ice
caps rearranged rocky debris into troughs that caught melting
snow to form more than 300 lakes and reservoirs on top of the
Grand Mesa.
VISITOR CENTER VIEW FROM LOWER PARKING LOT
PHOTO: GRAND MESA BYWAY ASSOCIATION
The National Forest Visitor Center is the perfect place to learn
more about the Grand Mesa. Staff is available to answer
questions on recreation opportunities, natural resources and the
area. Exhibits reveal more stories about the Grand Mesa and a
wide selection of books are available to purchase. The visitor
center is open between 9 AM and 5 PM daily, including weekends, during the summer. (970) 856-4153.
FISH HATCHERY ON ALEXANDER LAKE
PHOTO: DELTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
As a last resort, Radcliffe posted state game wardens at the
lakes. Tragedy struck when W.A. Womack, a local rancher
intent on fishing, taunted a bit too much and was shot by
warden Frank Mahaney. Womack died on the shore of Island
Lake. An outraged
mob of over 100 men
gathered and
proceeded to burn the
hotel and everything
Radcliffe owned while
he was away. Radcliffe
never returned to
western Colorado.
RADCLIFFE HOTEL ON ALEXANDER LAKE, circa 1896-1901.
PHOTO: DELTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Besides scenic hiking areas,
are the Mesa
Lakes and Ward Lakes areas shown on
the enclosed maps are popular areas for
fishing. The lakes accessible by main
roads are stocked with mature Rainbow
Trout a couple times in early summer.
South Mesa Lake has a naturally reproducing Brook Trout population and Lost Lake is occasionally
stocked with fingerling Cutthroat Trout. A fishing license is
required, as well as knowing the fishing regulations.
FOREST ENTRANCE ON NORTH SIDE
PHOTO: GRAND MESA BYWAY ASSOCIATION
I’M A MARMOT - THE LARGEST OF THE SQUIRREL FAMILY
PHOTO: GRAND MESA BYWAY ASSOCIATION
The US: Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political
beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alterative means for communications of
program information (braille, large print, audio tapes, etc.) should contact the USDA Target
Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA
Office of Civil Rights, Room 326- W Whitten Building, 14th & Independence Ave. SW,
Washington DC 20250-9410, or ca11202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
For More Information:
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Grand Valley Ranger District
Supervisors Office
2777 Cross Road Blvd, Unit A
2250 Highway 50
Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506
Delta, Colorado, 81416
(970) 242-8211
(970) 874-6600
WESTER N COLOR ADO
Grand Mesa
Scenic & Historic Byway
A Colorado National Byway
Mesa Lake Area Trails: Length Difficulty
to Visitor Center !
Mesa Lake Shoreline #503
1.5
E
Lost Lake #502
1.5
M
Rim View Trail #533
2.9
M
Glacier Springs Cut-off #537
0.5
M
Mesa Creek Trail #505
1.2
M
West Bench Trail #501
5.9
M
PHOTO: DELTA COUNTY TOURISM
Trails are genera
Grand Mesa
National Forest
65
HWY
yway
To Sk
Sunset
Lake
Skyway
u
Mesa
Lake
.1k .3k
.5k
Island Lake
Skinned
Horse
2.4k
.1k
.2k
McCullough
Res.
Finney
.5k
Sheep
Lake
Wilderness Guidelines
1. Maximum party size is 25 heart beats, this is
a maximum of 15 people and includes pets
and stock. Larger groups tend to do significant damage to trails and campsites.
2. Locate campsites, campfires and recreational stock at least 100 feet from lakes,
streams and trails. Vegetation and soil adjacent to lakes and streams are sensitive to
disturbance. Camping away from trails adds
to a visitor’s sense of solitude.
3. All dogs, except for working stock dogs,
guide dogs or dogs used for legal hunting,
must be restrained on a leash and or under
direct verbal control of the dogs’ owner or
handler at all times. All pets must be on a
leash in the Oh-Be-Joyful drainage. Pets are
not a natural part of the wilderness and their
presence can disrupt wildlife.
4. No motorized vehicles, motorized equipment, motorized boats or other forms of mechanical transport, such as mountain bikes,
within the Wilderness is allowed.
5. Landing of aircraft or dropping of materials,
supplies or persons from aircraft is prohibited.
6. Stay on the trail when possible. Shortcutting switchbacks creates a path which
channels water and accelerates erosion.
7. Pack out everything you bring in and any
other trash you may find along the way.
8. Use pack stoves, especially in areas of
heavy use. If a campfire is necessary, make
a small fire without rocks around it. Make
sure your fire is dead out and erase all signs
of fire when you leave.
9. Bury human waste at least 100 feet from
lakes and streams and 6 inches deep in the
soil so it will decompose naturally.
10. Wash at least 50 feet from lakes and streams
and use biodegradable soap.
The Raggeds Wilderness encompasses almost
65,000 acres on the Gunnison and White River
National Forests. Elevations within the Wilderness range from 7,000 to over 13,000 feet. Over
90 miles of constructed trails are available for
both foot and horse travel through sometimes
rugged terrain. Weather for the area can vary
greatly; but generally you can expect cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers throughout the summer months. Normally, the Raggeds
Wilderness Area is snow free from July to September, but conditions depend on the elevation
and amount of snowfall each winter. Lower elevations from around 7,000 to 8,500 feet may become snow free by early June, but some creek
and river water levels tend to be high. The annual precipitation varies from 25” to 40”. Some
points of interest in the Raggeds are Dark Canyon, Ragged Mountains, Marcellina Mountain,
Mount Justice, Treasury Mountain and Oh-BeJoyful Pass. Wildlife includes elk, mule deer,
black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. Streams are inhabited by native cutthroat,
rainbow, brook and brown trout.
Ruby Anthracite Creek
The Raggeds Wilderness Area
For further Information write or call us at:
Gunnison National Forest
Paonia Ranger District
P.O. Box 1030
403 N. Rio Grande Ave.
Paonia, CO 81428
(970) 527-4131
White River National Forest
Sopris Ranger District
P.O. Box 309
620 Main Street
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-2266
For any questions or comments please contact:
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre,
White River National
& Gunnison National Forest
Forest Supervisor’s
Supervisor’s Office
Office
2250 Highway 50
P.O. Box 948
Delta, CO 81416
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
(970) 874-6600
(970) 945-3229
1.
TH
Sopris Ranger District
TH
2.
Paonia Ranger District
Personal Safety is a constant consideration in the
Wilderness. Wilderness users face inherent risk of
adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communication. Listed below
are some important safety concerns:
Giardia is a microscopic organism found in water
which can cause diarrhea, nausea, weakness and a
fever. Chorine and Iodine are effective, but boiling
your water for 5-10 minutes will kill the organism.
Hypothermia is a lowering of the body’s core temperature which can lead to death. Symptoms include
shivering, tiredness, slurred speech, and disorientation. Prevention—Keep the victim warm and dry and
give hot liquids if possible. Do not give the victim
any alcoholic beverages, get professional medical
assistance immediately.
This map is not intended for use as a trail map. US
Geological Survey 7 1/2 minute topographic maps
show the level of detail needed for wilderness travel
use. You can buy these maps at most sporting goods
stores or directly from USGS at:
US Geological Survey
Denver Federal Center
P.O. Box 25046
Denver, CO 80225-0046
TH
3.
The following maps cover the Raggeds Wilderness:
Chair Mountain, Marble, Paonia Reservoir, Marcellina Mountain, Oh-Be-Joyful, Snowmass Mountain
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Principles of Leave No Trace:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
TH
The Raggeds Wilderness Trailheads
1. Raspberry
2. Yule Creek
3. Anthraci
The West Elk Wilderness encompasses more than
176,000 acres in the Gunnison National Forest.
Elevations within the Wilderness range from 7,000
to over 13,000 feet. Over 200 miles of constructed
trails are available for both boot and horse travel
through sometimes rugged terrain. Weather for the
area can vary greatly; but generally, you can expect
cool mountain climate with scattered rain showers
throughout the summer months. Normally, the
West Elk Area is snow free from mid-July to September, but conditions depend on the elevation and
amount of snowfall each winter. Lower elevations
from around 7,000 to 8,500 feet may become snow
free by early June, but some creek and river water
levels tend to be high. The annual precipitation varies from 25 inches to 40 inches. Some points of
interest in the West Elks are the Castles, West Elk
Peak, Sheep Lake, North/Middle/South Baldy
Mountain, West and East Beckwith Mountains.
Wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bear, bobcat,
mountain lion, coyote, snowshoe hares, Golden Eagle and other small species. Streams are inhabited
by native cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout.
Forest maps and trail information is available at the
Forest Service offices in Delta, Paonia and Gunnison. Please observe Wilderness guidelines when
you visit and record trips at trailhead registers.
Wilderness Guidelines
1. Maximum party size is 25 heart beat, this is a
maximum of 15 people and includes livestock and
pets. Larger groups tend to do significant damage
to trails and campsites.
2.
Locate campsites, campfires and recreational
stock at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails.
Vegetation and soils adjacent to lakes and streams
are sensitive to disturbance. Camping away from
trails adds to a visitor’s sense of solitude.
3. All dogs, except for working stock dogs, guide
dogs or dogs used for legal hunting, must be restrained on a leash and/or under direct verbal control of the dogs’ owner or handler at all times. Pets
are not a natural part of the wilderness and their
presence can disrupt wildlife.
4. No motorized vehicles, motorized equipment,
motorboats or other forms of mechanical transport
such as mountain bikes within the Wilderness is
allowed.
5. Landing of aircraft or dropping of materials,
supplies or persons from aircraft is prohibited.
6.
Camping and campfires within 1/4 mile of
Sheep Lake is not allowed.
7. Stay on the trail when possible. Short cutting
switchbacks creates a path which channels water
and accelerates erosion.
8. Pack out everything you bring in and any other
trash you may find along the way.
9. Use pack stoves, especially in areas of heavy
use. If a campfire is necessary, make a small fire
without rocks around it. Rocks and the soil are easily scarred by fire. Make sure your fire is dead out
and erase all signs of fire when you leave.
10. Bury human waste at least 100 feet from lakes
and streams and 6 inches in the soil so it will decompose naturally.
11. Wash at least 50 feet from lakes and streams.
Use a biodegradable soap.
Personal Safety is a constant consideration in the
Wilderness. Wilderness users face inherent risk of
adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communication. Listed below are some important safety concerns:
Giardia is a microscopic organism found in water
which can cause diarrhea, nausea, weakness, and a
fever. Chlorine and Iodine are ineffective, but boiling your water for 5-10 minutes will kill the organism.
Hypothermia is a lowering of the body’s core temperature which can lead to death. Symptoms include shivering, tiredness, slurred speech and disorientation. Prevention—Keep the victim warm
and dry and give hot drinks if possible. Do not give
the victim any alcoholic beverages. Get professional medical assistance immediately.
Emergency Contacts:
Delta County Sheriff’s Department: (970)874-2000,
Gunnison County Sheriff’s Department:
(970)641-8000, or 911.
Sheep Lake
West Elk Wilderness
For any questions or comments please contact:
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison
National Forests Supervisors Office
2250 Highway 50
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-6600
www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug
This map is not intended for use as a trail map. US
Geological Survey 7 1/2 minute topographic maps
show the level of detail needed for wilderness travel
use. You can buy these maps at most sporting goods
stores or directly from USGS at:
US Geological Survey
Denver Federal Center
P.O. Box 25046
Denver, CO 80225
www.usgs.gov
1.
TH
Paonia Ranger District
The following maps cover the West Elk Wilderness
Area:
Minnesota Pass, W. Beckwith Peak, Anthracite Range,
Mt. Guero, Big Soap Park, West Elk Peak, Squirrel
Creek,
Little Soap Park, West Elk Peak SW, & McIntosh Mt.
Minnesota
Pass
WBeckwith
Peak
Anthracite
Range
Mt
Axtell
Mt.Guero
Big Soap
Park
West Elk
Peak
Squirrel
Creek
Little Soap
Park
West Elk
Peak SW
McIntosh
Mt.
For more information write or call:
Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison Ranger District
Paonia R
Gunnison area wildlife
F
ollowing is a list of species occurring
in the Gunnison area, with descriptions,
showing birds and mammals that people
see on the Gunnison National Forest.
Birds
Gray Jays (Camp Robbers) are common in the Gunnison Basin
area. They usually fly low among the trees in coniferous woods.
Often their flight is relatively slow, punctuated with bursts of soft
flopping wingbeats and a sailing glide. The Gray Jay is a very social
bird that spends a lot of time around campgrounds. This bird is
light gray overall with dark eyes. A frequent visitor of camps, they
quickly learn to associate people with food. This bird may have
demonstrated to some of you how fearless or ‘tame’ they are and
how they have earned the nickname camp robber. Gray Jays are
typically noisy, gregarious, and easily observed birds.
Clark’s Nutcrackers may be seen in mature mixed coniferous
forests, usually near open rocky areas. They often fly around mountain slopes or perch on conspicuous trees or rocks, and they also
frequent high elevation areas near treeline. This bird feeds mainly
on seeds of pines. They typically cache pine seeds on southern
mountain slopes, which is an important factor affecting tree distribution since many seeds are not recovered and grow into new trees.
Their head, back, and underparts are pale gray and their wings are
black. They also have a long, pointed black beak. Clark’s Nutcrackers walk like a crow when they are on the ground, which is a good
behavioral characteristic that can be used to distinguish this bird
from jays (jays hop).
Gunnison Sage-grouse are an obligate of sagebrush plant communities. This species exists in 7 separate populations in southwest
Colorado and southeast Utah, with the largest population (approx.
3,600 birds) inhabiting the Upper Gunnison Basin. The Gunnison
Ranger District manages about 85,300 acres of occupied Gunnison
Sage-grouse habitat, comprising almost 11% of the overall occupied
habitat throughout the species’ range. This species is a candidate
for listing under the Endangered Species Act. For more information
and viewing opportunities please visit:
•
http://www.siskadee.org
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http://www.western.edu/faculty/jyoung/gunnison-sage-grouse
•
http://www.gunnisoncounty.org/sage_grouse.html
•
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Birds/
Gunnisonsagegrouse.htm
•
http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/birds/
gunnisonsagegrouse/
•
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gfo/sage_grouse.html
Dusky Grouse (formerly called blue grouse) are large upland
game birds that occupy coniferous and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. They can be difficult to see because of their excellent
camouflage coloration. The male (in courtship display) is mainly
blue-gray with brown wings and a long, black tail; in courtship
display the reddish air sacks are evident. The female (in the aspen)
is brown, finely barred with black.
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White-tailed Ptarmigan are high altitude ground dwelling birds.
They are found above treeline in alpine tundra habitat. Ptarmigans
have excellent coloration to avoid detection in both winter and
summer. During the summer they are a mottled brown and they
blend in with lichen covered rocks and alpine vegetation. In winter
they are pure white except for their black eyes and bill. Their legs
and feet are feathered, which protects them from the extreme cold
of the alpine winters. The photo was taken in October, which is
when ptarmigan are molting and developing their winter plumage.
Many other birds, including rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds, mountain chickadees, brown creepers, Three-toed Woodpeckers, Red-naped Sapsuckers, and many Neotropical migrants
may also be seen on the Gunnison National Forest. River and
stream corridors are excellent places for birding, as aquatic habitats
and associated wetlands and riparian areas support the highest
diversity and numbers of birds compared to dry upland habitats.
The most common hawk seen in the Gunnison Basin area is probably the Red-tailed Hawk which may be seen soaring high in
the sky or perched on the tops of conifers. Swainson’s hawk and
northern harrier are also commonly seen. Golden eagles may be
seen year-round. The bald eagle and rough-legged hawk are winter
residents in the Gunnison Basin and can be frequently spotted from
Highway 135, County Road 730 (Ohio Creek Road), and Highway
50, often gliding or perched on trees or powerline poles. Roughlegged hawks are sometimes seen hovering in place above hay
meadows or shrublands looking for prey.
In the winter, Golden and Bald Eagles (a Bald Eagle is pictured on
the cover) can be spotted in the Gunnison and East River corridors
and in Taylor Canyon, often soaring above the cliffs or perched
on trees high among the canyon walls or along the Taylor River.
Northern Goshawks (a juvenile is shown) typically nest in mature
aspen and lodgepole pine forests on the Gunnison National For
