This remote and neglected SWA is truly an undiscovered jewel of SE Colorado. Most of the site is made up of PJ and shallow canyons with rimrock, species such as Bushtit, Canyon Wren and Towhee, Rock Wren, and Juniper Titmouse, among others, can be seen. The Apishapa River runs through portions of the site, but can only be accessed by using the north entrance to the SWA. Portions of this river look like perfect Black Phoebe habitat. There are also some stands of Ponderosa Pine, and Hepatic Tanager is a possibility. Finally, the grassland on the way to and from the SWA looks perfect for Mountain Plover, as well as other, more common grassland species.

A hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area Pass is required. 

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Lowland Riparian

Directions: For the north side, from Walsenburg take I-25 exit to Hwy. 10, go east 18.5 miles, then south on Cty. Rd. 77 for 7 miles, east on Cty. Rd. 90 for 11 miles to Apishapa State Wildlife Area. Follow signs through wildlife area to northeast side and parking lot.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.