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Rito Hondo State Wildlife Area and Continental Reservoir

Aliases: Continental Reservoir

Rito Hondo State Wildlife Area contains a small lake, that can be covered with diving ducks in spring and fall. To the west is Continental Reservoir, a larger body of water that can also host waterfowl. The birding isn’t as good at Continental Reservoir, but you might see ospreys fishing and the scenery is better.  Along the entrance road between the lakes, keep an eye out for moose along North Clear Creek, golden-mantled ground-squirrel and yellow-bellied marmot. Rito Hondo has restrooms and a basic campground.

County: Hinsdale

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Spruce-Fir Forest, Sagebrush

Directions: From Lake City, go south on CO 149 for 23.5 miles to the intersection CR 11 (6.5 miles north of the Mineral/Hinsdale county line), and go NW on FR 513 bearing right at the fork, for three miles to Rito Hondo Reservoir. Bearing left at the fork will take you to Continental Reservoir, 5 miles from CO 149.

Delorme: 78 A1-B1
Roads of Colorado: 116 A4-B4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: /a valid Hunting license, Fishing license, or State Wildlife Area Pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any State Wildlife Area or State Trust Land.

Restrictions: Please abide by all CPW rules and regulations.

Parking: Unpaved parking area
Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from a car.

Latitude: 37.89332
Longitude: -107.17902

» Visit the website for Rito Hondo State Wildlife Area and Continental Reservoir