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.
Restrictions: None
County: Hinsdale
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.
Alternate Directions: From Creede, drive north on CO 149 for 20 miles to FR 520, on the left. Turn and go approximately 4 miles to Road Canyon Reservoir, on the left. Rio Grande Reservoir is a further 8 miles along the same road.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Mixed Conifer Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking pullouts
Lodging: USFS campgrounds nearby (fee)
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car
Delorme: 77 B7-C7, 78 B1
ROC: 132 A1-2
Latitude: 37.7301852
Longitude: -107.3003639