Cattail Marsh Recreation Area - Dillon

Walking through this small, easily accessible cattail marsh surrounded by dry uplands at the north end of Clark Canyon Reservoir is a good way to see bird life. The marsh is next to the Interstate, yet offers wildlife information signs and close-up views of waterfowl, blackbirds (yellow-headed as well as red-wing), rails, American coots, and common snipe. Look for cliff swallows and their mud nests on the west side of the trail. Yellow-bellied marmots sun themselves on the rocks, while pronghorn range on the dry uplands. Trout can be viewed near the large spring on the west side of the trail. There's also great shorebird and waterfowl viewing about 5 miles from the cattail marsh area at the extensive mudflats near the south end of Clark Canyon Reservoir. Take the Red Rock exit off Interstate 15 and head north about 2.5 miles to a cattle guard. Cross the cattle guard and continue north toward the reservoir shore rather than following the main gravel road that turns west. Cattail Marsh Recreation Area has tent and trailer camping sites and handicapped accessible restrooms. Fishing is also popular in this area. Please limit your stay to 14 days.