Vega State Park and Reservoir

· Grand Mesa

Vega State Park and Reservoir

This large mountain reservoir on the east end of the Grand Mesa isn’t particularly good for waterbirds, but is surrounded by montane shrubland and aspen forests that make for a good visit. It is also a nice cool place to relax during the summer months. There are several Purple Martin colonies near here, and the martins can sometimes be seen over the lake or in the large aspen stands not far to the south. Ospreys have recently begun breeding on the artificial nesting platforms near the lake. In the montane shrubland look for Virginia’s Warbler, Dusky Flycatcher, Green-tailed Towhee, and Western Scrub-Jay, while the aspen woodland has birds such as Down Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Dusky Grouse (if you’re lucky), Mountain Bluebird, and Violet-green Swallow. If you’re here during spring or fall migration you may see a few waterbirds on the lake, and if you visit during the winter months look for winter finches. Elk, mule deer, and yellow-bellied marmot are all common in and around the park.

County: Mesa

Attractions: Horse corrals adjacent to the cabins on USFS property, call Vega Visitor center to reserve.

Habitat: Reservoir, Aspen Grove, Scrub Oak Forest

Directions: Situated on the north flank of Grand Mesa, 11 miles east of Collbran via Colorado Highway 330 and Mesa County Road 64.5. Vega has camping, a nature trail, picnic areas, and a loop drive around the reservoir. Call 970-487-3407 or e-mail vega.park@state.co.us.

Delorme: 44 C3
Roads of Colorado: 83 D1

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: State Parks Pass

Restrictions: Please observe quite hours from 10 pm to 6 am.

Parking: Parking areas
Lodging: Camping and cabins

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Handicap accessible facilities and camping; some car birding

Elevation: 8040

Latitude: 39.21563
Longitude: -107.81463

» Visit the website for Vega State Park and Reservoir

Amenities

RestroomsYes
Drinking FountainYes
Gravel TrailsYes
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindNo
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterYes
Gift ShopYes
PrimitiveNo
CampingYes
PicnicYes
HuntingYes
FishingYes
2020-07-23T14:54:13-06:00

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