Event Details

In the shadow of Bald Mountain lies the little-known Clark Canyon. A tiny spring at the head of the canyon nourishes a series of small aspen groves and provides water for a broad diversity of bird life. The steep canyon walls are covered in Jeffrey pine, many of which burned in the 2016 Clark Fire, and the rocky rim offers an impressive backdrop to this hidden gem. We will hike down into the canyon and all over this small basin while we search for a fun array of bird species. Lazuli Bunting and Black-headed Grosbeak will be singing among the aspens, while Western Tanager and Cassin's Finch course through the pines. The grassland habitat invites Western Kingbird and Vesper Sparrow, and woodpecker species may include Lewis's and Black-backed woodpeckers, along with the anticipated Hairy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker. Expect a moderately difficult two-mile hike as we zig-zag across uneven, untracked terrain. Note that there is no restroom in the canyon and little protection from the sun, so please be prepared. (est. driving miles: 50; hiking difficulty: strenuous)