Rio Grande Reservoir and Road Canyon Reservoir

· Silver Thread

Rio Grande Reservoir and Road Canyon Reservoir

Aliases: Road Canyon Reservoir

The small Road Canyon Reservoir often hosts migrating diving ducks such as Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and Lesser Scaup. Rio Grande Reservoir is the largest lake in Hinsdale County and part of the headwaters of the same Rio Grande that eventually flows between Texas and Mexico. Although it is not a great place to look for ducks, it is a beautiful body of water with an impressive backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Large herds of elk can sometimes be seen in the meadows near the lake.

County: Hinsdale

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Mixed Conifer Forest

Directions: From CO 149, about 0.2 miles east of the Hinsdale/Mineral County line, turn west onto FR 520. The county line is about 1/4 mile from this intersection, marked by a fenceline to the left. Road Canyon Reservoir is four miles from CO 149 along FR 520, on the left. At 2.8 miles, bear left with FR 520 instead of going straight at mile 2.8. Rio Grande Reservoir is 11.5 miles from CO 149 along FR 520.

Delorme: 77 B7-C7, 78 B1
Roads of Colorado: 132 A1-2

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: None

Parking: Gravel parking pullouts
Lodging: USFS campgrounds nearby (fee)

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Latitude: 37.7301852
Longitude: -107.3003639

Amenities

RestroomsNo
Drinking FountainNo
Gravel TrailsNo
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterNo
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveYes
Camping
Picnic
HuntingYes
FishingYes
2015-03-16T15:02:09-06:00

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