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Apache Canyon/Cumbres Pass, NM

This area is loosely known among NM birders as the Cumbres Pass region. It is located in the Carson National Forest 15 miles northeast of Chama, NM.

Note: The area is inaccessible in winter, spring, and usually in early summer except by snowmobile. It is usually open to vehicular traffic from late June through mid-late November. Roads can be extremely muddy and 4WD is recommended at any time.

Go north from Chama on NM-17. You will pass the Colorado border in about 6 miles. Continue to the Railroad crossing/station. At this point, you will cross a valley and climb up the other side. About 5 miles past the station the highway will make a sweeping left turn (to the north). There will be a large gravel pull-out to the right. Coming off of the northeast end of the pull-out is Forest Road 117 (gravel road, marked with a small sign). Take this road and follow it south through the Toltec Gorge and along Rio de los Pinos for 2-3 miles (you'll also be running more or less parallel to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad). As the gorge begins to swing eastward, the road will continue south to the New Mexico border (cattle guard, state line marked with a sign). This is Apache Canyon. About 200 yds into NM, the road will fork. The right-hand branch is Forest Road 686 (marked). Go straight (Forest Road 87). In another 1/4 mile, you'll cross Apache Creek. There are several forest roads in the area which can be worked for access to extensive meadows and wooded areas.

The area is excellent and consistent for high mountain species such as Pine Grosbeak, Clark's Nutcracker, Gray Jay, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbill, Ruby and Golden-cr. Kinglet, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pine Siskin, Yellow-r. (Audubon's) Warbler, and White-cr. Sparrow. Blue Grouse is more difficult, but present. Three-toed Woodpecker is probable, though I know of no specific records. Probable nesting Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrows have been found in the meadows. Boreal Owl has been found along the edge of wooded area upstream of the (Apache) creek crossing on the east side of Apache Canyon. Great Horned, Long-eared, and Saw-whet owls are also possible in the area.