Abajo Mountains North Side photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
After you pass Dalton Springs you are on Road 101 wrapping around the north slope of the Abajos.  Passing through various habitats, including shrubsteppe, juniper woodland, oak woodland, aspen, and conifer from 7,500' to around 8,500' in elevation.  These mountains are one of the most underbirded ranges in the state and the distributions of species here is widely unknown.  Along the drive there are various side roads, campgrounds, lakes, and places to look for birds.  You can pull off in any number of places and walk the road, as well as wandering into the forest.  In order to get a better picture of the status and distribution of birds in the area, this location along with others along Road 101 on the north slope have been split out into their own locations. A nice drive out of Monticello and you can bird Dalton Springs, Monticello Lake, here along Road 101 on the slope, and end up on the west at Foy Lake.

Birding:
Whenever I find myself in Monticello a quick drive west into the mountains has become a traditions.  The only issue is most of the time its in the spring, so I never get to see what the summers are like up here.  The road along the north slope takes you through a ton of great habitats, allowing for plenty of birding opportunities and a variety of species.  Often looking to the skies you will find raptors soaring--RED-TAILED, COOPER'S, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK are all see with some frequency, while TURKEY VULTURE are a common sight.  I have heard reports of both NORTHERN GOSHAWK and GOLDEN EAGLE as well.  Along the road, you can often find WILD TURKEY, while MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRD sit on snags along the road.  Various woodpeckers, and corvids can be seen, while sparrows, warblers, and flycatcher are probably present in various habits during the summer.  These underbirded mountains need some love from birders, and the summer probably not only provides escape from the heat in the desert below, but also a chance to make some birding discoveries in the area.

Directions:
From the intersection of 200 South and Main Street/US-191 in Monticello, head west on 200 south for .3 miles.  Turn left onto Abajo Drive, which after .4 miles turns into Creek Road heading west into the mountains.  After 4.3 miles you will pass Dalton Springs Campground and head northwest around the north slope.  The next 6 miles along the north slope along Road 101 are all part of this hot spot.

Copperton Park from Google Street View

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Description:
Copperton Park is a lush tree covered park in the middle of tiny Copperton.  The park is lined with large deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a number of smaller trees as well.  The southern edge of the park has a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts.  The rest of the park is open spaces, but dominated by the large old trees here.  A walking path loops through the park, while sidewalk surrounds it.  There are neighborhoods on 3 sides while a ravine is to the south.  In an otherwise obscure town the park is a very interesting habitat.

Birding:
Copperton Park is one of those places where if more birders went, the list for the area would be a lot bigger.  It absolutely would act as a migrant trap in the spring and fall, while it has great winter habitat for mountain species.  The summer months are likely slower, but most of the year there is some decent birding here.  The only issue is that it is just out of the way on the west side of the valley set back in a tiny town.  Winter visits to the park have the potential to turn up some good birds. Both GREAT HORNED and BARN OWL have been found roosting here in the thick tree cover, while RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, HAIRY & DOWNY WOODPECKER, and NORTHERN FLICKER have all been reported.  MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, CASSIN'S FINCH, and PINE SISKIN have all been observed here.  During migration it's no surprise that WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WESTERN TANAGER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK have been found.  COMMON NIGHTHAWK have been reported in mid-summer as a bonus.  This park absolutely is underbirded and potentially is a super hot spot during migration.  It would be very interesting to see what really passes through in May and September.

Directions:
From the intersection of Bacchus Highway and New Bingham Highway, take New Bingham Highway 1.9 miles west into Copperton.  Turn left onto Apex Road and go .2 miles. The road turns 90 degrees right here and becomes Hillcrest Street. Go .2 miles till you reach the parking lot on your left.

Monticello WWTP photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Clay Hill Road is a side road in the town of Monticello that leads form down town through a rural sub division dotted with oak and juniper, several family farms, and mostly private property, until you reach the towns waste water treatment ponds on the east end.  The drive is less than 2 miles from end to end and can be done in a couple minutes--the ponds are the main reason to visit this area for birds.

Birding:
If you look in eBird you'll notice the month of April has a pretty good data set from this location--I have been here almost every week of the month over the years and never leave town without driving this road to see whats at the ponds on the east end.  I have never found anything really noteworthy, but there are some usual suspects.  Waterfowl are usually a target here, and amongst the CANADA GEESE and MALLARD there have been GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, CINAMON and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCK here.  EARED GREBE round out the waterbirds.  TURKEY VULTURE are almost always seen in the ravine leading out of town here, while GOLDEN EAGLE and COOPER'S HAWK have been observed too.  SAY'S PHOEBE are typically present, while HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKER have both been found.  WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BEWICK'S WREN and WESTERN BLUEBIRD are worth mentioning. And both COMMON RAVEN and AMERICAN CROW are often seen here. Over 50 species have been seen here in just a handful of trips by various birders.  It's one of those easy to make side stops when birding in the area, and I highly recommend it.

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center in Monticello head south on Main Street for .3 miles. Turn left onto 300 South and go .4 miles. Take the slight right and you are on Clay Hill Road which continues 1.3 miles where you can stay left and drive 100 yards to the water treatment ponds.

The Hole from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
If you've ever driven to Chepeta Lake int he High Uinta's, you've drive through "The Hole".  Growing up I would often hike here with my family, and learned quite a bit about birds in these hills.  At the pull off to The Hole, a small creek meanders at the bottom of the ravine, under towering conifers and aspen.  The habitat in the hole down stream (east) from this spot is mostly aspen with some conifer mixed in. Sagebrush covered hillsides directly to the south lead to another large patch of aspen directly south of the parking area.  To the north the hill is steep as the road above switchbacks before heading higher up the mountain.  From where the pull off is, directly west across the road is a gate and and old  logging road.  From here you can hike about a mile up the mountain into large open meadows, and beautiful aspen covered hillsides.  At least 7 springs dot these hillsides providing ample water sources for wildlife. Elk Spring, Rock Spring, Mugwump Spring, Grits Spring, Ray Spring, Center Fork Spring, and Lightning Killed Bull Spring form a border about 1.5 miles wide and a top to bottom on the mountain.  These hills rarely if never see birders and are a great getaway from people to enjoy nature by yourself.

Birding:
By the time eBird came around I didn't spend as much time in this area, and only have one checklist int he past decade.  But the birding here is your typical Uinta Mountain birding, and it's some of my favorite.  Hiking up the trail across the road you're going to find AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS and have the possibility of both RUFFED and DUSKY GROUSE.  PINE GROSBEAK and CASSIN'S FINCHES are often found along the trail here.  STELLER'S JAY are common while occasionally CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS will fly overhead.  WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH can be found here with the more common RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.  Along the creek by the parking area MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and HERMIT THRUSH are usually present.  Although you might never find yourself in The Hole, it's one of those places that if you visit, you'll want to go back to!

Directions:
From US-40 on the east Side of Roosevelt, turn left onto 5750 East.  Go north staying on this road for 10.1 miles.  Here is will turn into White Rocks Highway for the next 4 miles, before becoming Farm Creek Road for another 6.4 miles. At this point the pavement ends and you need to take the immediate left onto FR-117.  Follow this for 5.4 miles until you reach the pull off on your right--this is "The Hole".

Old Highway from Google Street View

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Description:
From Ucolo Road, driving back to Monticello on the loop from Hickman Flats you will take Old Highway which parallels US-491 just to the south for about 10 miles east to west.  Old Highway goes through shrubsteppe, disturbed grassland, farmland, and fragmented mixed juniper and oak woodlands.  This road seldom sees traffic except for locals, and you will probably have the drive to yourself.  You can stop and go as you'd like, making sure not to wander off the road as most of the land around is private property.  Luckily the birding form the road is fantastic.

Birding:
The Old Highway drive back to Monticello from Ucolo Road makes for some nice late morning birding after spending a morning on Hickman Flats.  In the past LEWIS'S WOODPECKER have been seen along this route amongst the more common NORTHERN FLICKER.  A real surprise find here in April 2013 was a WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER.  The patches of juniper ware excellent for finding JUNIPER TITMOUSE, and in the spring DUSKY FLYCATCHER are usually present.  BEWICK'S WREN, CHIPPING SPARROW, and MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD can be seen while a couple more unexpected finds include: RED CROSSBILL, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE.  Since this location doesn't get really any birders, its worth checking out to see what you might find.


Directions:
From the intersection Main and Center Streets in Monticello, head east on Center Street for 5.3 miles.  Turn left onto Hallers for .3 miles at which point you will turn right onto Old Highway.  From here Old Highway continues 9.8 miles till it turns north into Ucolo Road.

Yellowpine Campground from Google Maps

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Description:
Not to be confused with Yellow Pine Campground on the Mirror Lake Highway, Yellowpine is located at 7,500' in elevation  in a scenic, heavily forested canyon next to Rock Creek and is surrounded by mountains. Large Ponderosa pine trees shade the campground, and aspens dot the landscape. Rock Creek Trail begins nearby for equestrian use and connects with the wheelchair-accessible, paved interpretive nature trail along  Rock Creek.  Shrubsteppe, mountain meadows, and riparian habitat are also present creating a nice mix of mid-elevation habitat typical of many south slope birding locations.

Birding:
As with most Uintah Mountain birding locations, June through September are prime for birding here.  Species typical of the Uinta's can be found here including CLARK's NUTCRACKER, STELLER'S JAY, and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.  The mid-elevation site mean you will get a mix of species you wouldn't get at higher elevations, including birds like: WARBLING VIREO, CEDAR WAXWING, YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  Along the river you can find AMERICAN DIPPER--and WILD TURKEY have been reported from here as well.

Directions:
 From Highway 40 in Duchesne, Utah, turn north onto Highway 87. Go 15 miles to Mountain Home turnoff. Continue 2.5 miles toward Mountain Home. Turn left at the Rock Creek Store. Proceed about 15 miles to Yellowpine.

Kolob Creek Waterfall from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kolob Creek Waterfall location is on the Kolob Terrace just south of Kolob Reservoir, slightly north of Lava Point, and amid some of the best high elevation scenery in Washington County.  To the north of the road here, Kolob Creek meanders through open meadows dotted with willows, before going under the road and plunging, rolling, and spilling through the gorge to the south.  From the road, the falls make there was several hundred feet down before disappearing out of site in the canyon and forest below.  There are 2 dirt parking areas one directly looking down on the falls, and another 150' west looking back at the falls.  The cliff habitat below is dotted with small aspen, and some mixed oak woodlands.  Coniferous forest with some aspen lines both sides of the gorge heading south, and a thick ponderosa forest can be seen to the south leading to Lava Point.  The land around this area is all private, but the parking areas and roads are open to the public.

Birding:
The first time I drove up to Kolob Terrace, I was drawn to the waterfall. It isn't a spectacular waterfall, but the area is beautiful.  The view to the south is incredible, and for birding you have wide open views of various habitats in every direction.  At one point this was the go to spot for CALIFORNIA CONDOR, with the birds often perching in the trees below the falls, and on the cliffs and trees on either side.  Now they are mostly seen high in the sky riding the thermals here.  Encounters on the cliffs seem to be limited lately, but it still can happen.  The same currents that bring the condors also bring lots of other birds of prey.  TURKEY VULTURE are common during the summer months and keep a close eye on them and you might find a ZONE-TAILED HAWK.  Although this species also seems to have recently become more scarce here, for some time this was also the go to place to find this bird in Utah.  Other really good raptors seen here include NORTHERN GOSHAWK and PEREGRINE FALCON.  Not surprisingly WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are usually seen soaring out over the gorge or overhead.  If you take some time to scan the falls below you might just pick up an AMERICAN DIPPER.  The habitat along the creek here is ideal for MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER as well as GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  Across the road to the north in the pastures you will likely see both MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.  The willows here are a good spot to check for DUSKY FLYCATCHER and YELLOW WARBLER.  From time to time ACORN WOODPECKER is spotted here but is far more likely in the sub divison to the northwest and further north along the road near the reservoir.

Directions:
From I-15 north of La Verkin, take exit 27 southeast toward La Verkin on Route 17.  From I-15 south of Hurricane, take exit 16 onto SR-9 East bound and follow to La Verkin. From La Verkin, take SR-9 east about 6 miles into Virgin and look for Kolob Terrace Road on your left as you get towards the end of town. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and follow it 21.5 miles till you reach the falls pull off on your right.

View at 5600 West looking east from Google Street View

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Description:
A paved bicycle/pedestrian trail runs for 2.1 miles along the Utah and Salt Lake Canal Trail, which can be extended as it links with Welcker Memorial Park for an additional 0.8 miles. Park on 5600 W. and Peggy Ln., across the street from Hunter High School. The trail starts on 5600 W. and just slightly North of Peggy Lane, heading in a South Eastward direction. As the canal and trail system is narrow, the habitat consists of developed trees in residential backyards, agricultural and horse properties, two schools and a park--and the canal with a riparian component.

Birding:
NORTHERN FLICKERS are found throughout the trail, though in higher frequency and with more regularity the further East you travel.  A large murder of COMMON RAVENS is found near the LDS Seminary for the John F. Kennedy Jr. High.  The most frequent species encountered is most likely the EURASIAN-COLLARD DOVE. Other species typical of urban sites like AMERICAN ROBIN, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, and AMERICAN GOLDFICH can be found here, while migration will bring a number of passerine species for just a few weeks each spring and fall.  More information about this area will be added as it becomes available.

Directions:
The trail can be accessed via numerous points. Midway Drive at 4700 South and 4140 West; Dartmouth Drive at 2575 South and about 4400 West; 4800 West at 4400 South; 5400 West at 4200 South, and 5600 West at Peggy Lane just south of 4100 south. The quickest point form I-215 west side Belt Route is taking exit 15 west bound along 4700 South for 1.9 miles.  This put you in the southeast most point. You can continue along 4700 West another 1.8 miles to 5600 West. Go .9 miles north and you have reached the Peggy Lane entrance.

Thanks to Mark Patterson for this location submission.

Looking East at the Canal from Google Street View

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Description:
Woodland Hills is a small community in the foothills on the south end of Utah Valley.  Comprised primarily of small family farms and mixed oak woodlands the area is typical of many foothill habitats in the area.  Numerous country roads criss cross the farmland and hillsides int he community.  The Gambel's Oak here along the Highline (Salem) Canal are quite mature, providing a type of oak woodland that isn't found in many other locations nearby.  This habitat is the main reason birders visit the area.

Birding:
The Woodland Hills area (including east Salem) is popular for its resident clan of LEWIS'S WOODPECKER.  For more than 20 years birders have been visiting Woodland Hills (usually between October and May) to see this species in what is the most reliable northern Utah location to find it.  Where 400 East runs into the Highline (Salem) Canal at 9650 south is the general area to look.  Driving 9650 south east for about a mile provides ample habitat to scan for the woodpeckers that can usually be found with some patience.  SPOTTED TOWHEE are also common here year round along with BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, and AMERICAN KESTREL.  During the winter months DARK-EYED JUNCO and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW are often found along the road.  Occasionally high elevations species end up here during the winter and BROWN CREEPER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, and EVENING GROSBEAK have all been reported.  If you stop by please be respectful of the the popularity of this location and refrain form using tapes for any birds--but especially the woodpeckers.  If you are willing to put in some effort they are always here.  Also, please be mindful of the fact that everything off the road is private property.

Directions:
From I-15 exit 257A in Spanish Fork go south on Main Street for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Woodland Hills Drive for .7 miles.  Turn left onto 8800 South for .5 miles.  Turn right onto 400 east and go south for 1.1 miles till you go up the hill.  The oak belt is here and the canal passes under the road.  9650 South will be on your left at the top of the hill.

Bald Knoll at Sunrise photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Center Creek Canyon follows Center Creek out of Center Creek city on the east end of Heber to the summit of Bald Knoll.  Bald Knoll is one of the furthest south and west "peaks" over 10,000' in the Uinta Mountain Range.  With continuous strings of forest, and tree line a number of species typical of the High Uinta's can be found here at what is basically the extreme southwest of their range from this mountain group.  For birding purposes the canyon above Timber Lakes, following Lake Creek out of Heber is also included in this hot spot with the center point being about Bald Knoll.  The habitat is typical of the higher elevation sites consisting predominantly of coniferous forest, with a good mix of aspen.  The tree line can be found here around 10,000' so there are lots of open "tundra" sections comprising mostly of tall grasses, rock outcroppings, cliffs, and open meadows.  Numerous small springs, creeks, beaver ponds, and other man made holding ponds provide ample water sources.  To date I am the only birder to submit checklists from here, as it is a rather out of the way location, but unique in where it sits in relation to the other peaks in the Uinta range.

Birding:
There really is no right or wrong way to bird this location, or exact spots to go.  One highlight here is the summit of Bald Knoll which can be hiked to as part of your birding.  Another option is to just drive Lake Creek and Center Creek in a loop out of Heber birding along the way.  There are various locations you can stop and hike in the woods looking for birds.  The area is mostly National Forest so open to you for exploration.  The road is closed during the winter, and mostly accessible from June through October.  The summer birding is going to be your typical high Uinta birding.  I have only been in the fall when the leaves are turning and the drive is a nice get away from the valleys.  The birding is fantastic this time of year and a lot of high elevation species are very active and easy to find.  Early in the morning and during the night NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL are encountered on most days.  GREAT HORNED OWL has also been heard.  RUFFED GROUSE are an easy find on the shrub covered hillsides near springs.  In 2014 I was surprised to also find DUSKY GROUSE here for the first time.  During the fall at height of the day when temperatures are up and bird activity is at a lull, the open sky line provides a great opportunity to hawk watch.  RED-TAILED HAWK are common while, NORTHERN HARRIER, GOLDEN EAGLE, SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER's HAWKS, and TURKEY VULTURES fill in as well.  NORTHERN GOSHAWK have been observed several times in the forest here and are occasionally heard calling.  One of the most notable birds found here is GRAY JAY.  There are several other sites where it has been reported nearby including one further south--but it is found with good consistency on and around Bald Knoll. This represents the extreme southwest range of this species in the mountains here. Other corvids including STELLER'S JAY and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER are also present, and even BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE at this high elevation. Mountain finches are in no short supply with CASSIN'S FINCH being common, and PINE GROSBEAK and RED CROSSBILL are found on most outings.  EVENING GROSBEAK has also been recorded here,and during fall migration large flocks of GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES have been observed along the ridge lines of Bald Knoll.  During the height of junco migration 1,000's of DARK-EYED JUNCO of varying sub-species are observed in the meadows here along with other sparrows including WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and GREEN TAILED-TOWHEE. Resident woodpeckers include both HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKERS, and more notably AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER which are relatively common at this site.  The species list here only numbers about 50 but the birding is fantastic and close to Salt Lake.  It is also wide open spaces where few people visit making it a great birding location!

Directions:
To reach this specific location a high clearance vehicle is recommended.  From the intersection of Main Street and Center Street in Heber, take Center street east.  Shortly after leaving town it will turn into Lake Creek Road.  Follow this 13 miles past Timber Creek. Here the road will turn into Forest Road FR096 for about a 1/2 mile before turning into FR083. Keep fol owing for 2.2 miles till you reach a junction.  Turn right staying on FR083 for another .5 miles. Here take a slight right onto FR094 which will wind over the tree line on a rocky not-well-maintained road.  Continue for 2.2 miles till you see a pull off on your right.  Pull in here and drive to the trees to park.  The trail continues west form here along a ridge line and continues to Bald Knoll to your northwest. You can also reach this area from Center Creek Canyon, but the Lake Creek Option provides birding through better habitat and a nicer road.

Dalton Springs from Bing Birds Eye View

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Description:
Sitting at 8,200' Dalton Springs  provides the closest direct access to mid elevation conifer and mixed aspen forest outside Monticello, Utah.  The best birding can be done form the road here where a pull out provides parking and a wide berth to scan the forest edges form and proceed into the forest via game trails.  The habitat is very mixed between conifer and aspen, with a heavy Gambel's Oak component,  creating a great habitat for all montane species.  A National Forest Service campground lies to the south of the road here and has 16 spaces that can be used for $10 a night.  There is in fact a spring here and some very wet riparian habitat. Continuing up the road into the mountains the habitat remains the same and provides more birding opportunities along the road and in the forest.

Birding:
The birding here is vastly different from the birding just 5 miles east on the high desert plains of the Hickman Flats.  When you're in Monticello and need a fix for montane birding this is the quickest way to fill your needs.  Birding just from the parking area on the side of the road across from the campground you can easily see 15 to 20 species in a short period of time.  Birding is best here form late spring through fall when there is no snow.  Often late April is when things start to pick up. CASSIN'S FINCH, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, STELLER'S JAY, and PINE SISKIN are all common here. Both WHITE-BREASTED and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH can usually be added in a short period of time, while its not uncommon to come across WILD TURKEY here as well.  Keep an eye to the sky for accipiters and other hawks that are often seen cruising here. Other montane species you might pick up include RED CROSSBILL, BROWN CREEPER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, and TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE.  The breeding season will bring warblers, vireos, and flycatchers to the higher elevations here and the relative lack of exploration form birders really leaves this location open to some discovery.  The actual distribution of species in this area is poorly known so any visit to the area is worth a quick stop to see what you might find!

Directions:
From the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Monticello head west on Center Street .2 miles taking a left onto 200 West. Go . 2 miles before turning right onto 200 south. After about 250' take the flight left onto Abajo Drive. Abajo will turn into N Creek Road (route 101). Follow this for 4.8 miles till you reach the pullout on your right. Park here.

Willard Basin photo by Mike Hearell

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Description:
This high elevation (9000' +) hotspot will find you bouncing between two counties and multiple habitats. Meadows, ponds, springs, juniper, mahogany, and stands of fir and pine, abrupt changes in habitat without large changes in elevation make this area worth the trip. As the 'crow flys' Pleasant View and Willard are the two closest towns but, Mantua is the town in which the basin is accessed.

Birding:
Although birding may be good year round, access is mainly available from late Spring through the Fall due to heavy snowfall. Mountain Bluebirds, Pink-sided Junco, Red Crossbill and Juniper Titmouse have all been observed here but the basin's DUSKY GROUSE, large numbers of CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS, nesting AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER are highlights. COMMON POORWILL and FLAMMULATED OWLS are also present at dusk.

Directions:
From I-15 take the Brigham City/1100 S. exit. Continue East on 1100 S. towards Logan and Mantua ( Hwy 89 & 91 ). Take the first Mantua exit to 100 S., continue East on 100 S. Until reaching South Main ST. Turn right onto Main which will turn into Willard Peak Rd.. After 4.1 miles stay to the right at fork, 2 miles after that you will reach a series of switchbacks (N 084 E), at the top stay on larger road to the right. 2.1 miles further and you will reach the ridge and overlook into Willard Basin, take the left downhill into the basin where at the 1.4 mile mark you will have a wide spot in the road with a small spring on the left-hand side. This is where the trails lead up to the pond and the areas best birding spots.  4x4, ATV or higher clearance vehicles are best. The quality of this road varies from year to year and can be quite rough. When conditions are dry a 2WD vehicle with good ground clearance can make the trip with some effort but would not recommend.

Looking towards Oak Grove photo by Tim Avery

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Description:
Oak Grove Campground is as its name suggest a campground with a "grove", or several groves.  The general habitat in the area is mixed Gambel's Oak woodland, but one of the main birding features here is actually a "grove" of Ponderosa Pine at the campground.  A small road goes through the campgorund, with a short loop to camp sites.  There is a trail head heading up into the hills form the parking area.  There is a day use and picnic area as well.   The road to the campground is dirt for over 6 miles and climbs up through mixed Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands and Oak woodlands, as well as riparian and arid desert habitats.

Birding:
The small campground is an easy place to get a good number of specialty birds.  Several of the highlights here include all 3 western nuthatches--RED-BREASTED, WHITE-BREASTED, and PYGMY NUTHATCH.  All 3 nest here and can be picked up fairly easily.  During hte breeding season GRACE'S, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW-RUMPED, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER can all be seen here.  DUSKY and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER can both be found around the campground, while WARBLING and PLUMBEOUS VIREO are present as well.  WESTERN TANAGER, HAIRY WOODPECKER, CHIPPING SPARROW, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are all common breeders as well.   During fall migration this is one of the few locations in Utah where HERMIT WARBLER is recorded. The road is closed in the winter when there is too much snow, and has been closed in the summer due to fires.

Directions:
From I-15 North of Leeds, take Exit 23 and turn right onto Silver Reef Road.  From I-15 south of leads take exit 22 onto Main Street through the town of Leeds.  Follow the signs to I-15 north bound, at Silver Reef Road.  Turn left onto Silver Reef and go straight. From here continue for 1.1 miles. Continue onto Oak Grove Road for .5 miles before turning right onto FR-32.  After 1.5 miles continue to the right on FR-32 for another 5.5 miles to the campground entrance.

Devils Canyon from Google Street View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Devils Canyon Campground is a low-elevation conifer forest comprised mostly of Ponderosa Pine and Gambel's Oak Woodlands.  The campground has 2 loops--one through the pines and one through the oak.

Birding:
If you are driving between Monticello and Blanding this is a must stop for birds.  There are a number of specialty birds here that are easy t pickup and can be done so almost year round.  The best birding happens between April and October, and one of the reasons to go birding here is specifically for ACORN WOODEPCKER--a species that has been reliable here for over a decade.  This species i often observed form Hwy 191 looking into the two ravines coming down form the campground.  It can also be seen in the campground with some luck.  PYGMY NUTHATCH is also found here year round and a fairly easy pickup.  If you like nocturnal birding this is one of the best locations in the state for NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL as well.  Other birds commonly encountered here include WESTERN BLUEBIRD, BUSHTIT, RED CROSSBILL, and during the breeding season, GRACE'S WARBLER.

Directions:
From the intersection of Center Street and Main Street/Hwy 191 in Monticello, head south on Hwy 191 for 11.9 miles till you reach the turn off to Devils Canyon Campground on your right.  Turn right and follow the road 1/2 a mile to the entrance to the campground on your right.  Vice-versa you can come from the south in Blanding and it is about 10 miles on Hwy 191 to the campground turn off on your left.