Alma State Wildlife Area ~ Colorado

​Flickr album link: Alma State Wildlife Area

The Colorado State Wildlife Areas offers good recreational opportunities and most of them are fairly easy to access. The Alma State Recreation Area is one such place and it is conveniently located next to Highway 9 just a short drive south of the ski resorts in Breckenridge. This preserve covers a narrow strip of land along the Middle Fork South Platte River and the Columbia Reservoir. The river is actually the size of a creek through this wetland area and there are several deep sections, so trout fishing easily tops the activity list. The local reservoirs at either end of this section of river are popular spots for small craft boating and most aquatic adventures have to do with angling too.

The creekside wetlands at Alma definitely are a prime time destination for summer season birding. A wide variety of songbirds, wading birds and waterfowl can be seen on any given day and several species of raptors hunt in the lush green meadows. Picnic tables and basic facilities are located in the day use area, which has ample parking. There is a small campground near the reservoir, so some extended quality time can be spent in this unique creekside wildlife area. All it takes is a Colorado Fishing License and some gear to put some fresh caught trout on the campfire menu. Alma is also a good spot to view summer wildflower blooms, so be sure to check out this lesser known birding destination when passing through!
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