Sowbelly Canyon Road is about 11 miles long winding through part of the Pine Ridge. Most of the adjoining land along the road is privately owned. Please respect property boundaries and stick to birding from the car along these stretches of road. About five miles from town, the road enters a narrow canyon and passes by Coffee Park, a public access area where on-foot birding can occur. Many distinctly western species occur here, including Cordilleran Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, White-throated Swift, Violet-green Swallow, Say’s Phoebe, Rock Wren, Western Tanager, Bullock’s Oriole, Prairie Falcon, and other western species. Plus, some eastern deciduous forest species can be found here such as Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Please note this minimum maintenance road receives no snow removal. Road closure signs go up in the fall and stay up until late spring when the last of the snow drifts finally melt.

Where to go in the park

Midway through the scenic Sowbelly Canyon road is Coffee Park, which offers opportunities to walk around and bird this beautiful area. This park has large deciduous trees and a cold-water trout stream, Sowbelly Creek, that bisects the park. These unique natural features can attract a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Site’s notable birds

• Cordilleran Flycatcher
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Western Tanager

Birds recently observed

• View on eBird

Common summer birds

• American Kestrel
• Pygmy Nuthatch
• Spotted Towhee
• Yellow-breasted Chat

Field checklist

• Download printable list