This topographically complex region includes the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains to the west and the Southern Rocky Mountains to the east, separated by the rugged tableland of the Colorado Plateau. Various coniferous forest types (often lodgepole pine) interspersed with aspen dominate higher elevations. These are replaced by pinyon-juniper woodlands on the lower plateaus. Important birds also segregate into elevational bands with Brown-capped Rosy Finch and White-tailed Ptarmigan in alpine tundra, Williamson's Sapsucker in conifers, Virginia's Warbler and Lewis' Woodpecker in montane shrub sites, and most of the world's breeding Gray Vireos in pinyon-juniper. High arid plains and dry upland short-grass prairies provide critical breeding areas for Mountain Plover. San Luis Valley wetlands and surrounding uplands support one of the highest densities of nesting waterfowl in North America, and provide migration habitat for Sandhill Cranes and other wetland species.

ABC-designated Globally Important Bird Areas in this BCR

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

Arapaho National Forest

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison National Forest

Gunnison Sage Grouse Area

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Rocky Mountain National Park