Birding Colorado

Shrine Pass - Eagle County
Aliases:
Ownership: None Listed
Description: If you're looking for a slow, scenic, road-less-traveled alternative to I-70 over Vail Pass, look no further. As the unpaved road rises out of the village of Red Cliff, it follows a beautiful stream with lots of willow up a tight valley through aspens and mixed conifers. After a brief flirtation with lodgepole, the road runs through several miles of truly excellent spruce-fir forest before the pass. This place looks like it should be a prime fall destination for Boreal Owl seekers. The views of Mount Holy Cross from the pass are among the best in the state.

Habitat: Stream, Streamside Willow, Aspen Grove, Mixed-Conifer Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Elevation:
Directions: From the Minturn/Leadville exit off I-70 (exit 171), head south on US 24 just over ten miles to a left turn just before a dramatic bridge over a deep canyon. This left turn will take you down to the town of Red Cliff. In this town it is easy to pick up the Shrine Pass Road (FR 709).
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