About This State Wildlife Area

State Wildlife Areas are critical habitat areas for Colorado’s wildlife. Sportspeople’s license and recreational user pass fees pay for these parcels of land, which are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife employees for the benefit of our wildlife. A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs, and visitors should check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area.

Hot Creek Reservoir is a tributary of the Rio Grande River and is fed by several warm springs. Its average temperature is 54 degrees. Vegetation ranges from grasses and desert shrub to pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine. Bighorn sheep and pronghorn use the area, although there is no hunting allowed for these animals. Hot Creek State Wildlife Area adjoins 8,000 acres of state trust properties open to hunting.