Vallecito Reservoir
This reservoir, the largest body of water in the La Plata County, is at relatively high elevation at 8,000 feet, surrounded by ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests. Popular with locals and tourists, the area can be busy on weekends and in the summer; amenities are available in the area, including lodging, groceries and gas. In migration, the water can attract loons, grebes, gulls, and quite a few species of ducks, including the occasional Barrow’s Goldeneye in winter. Osprey are plentiful here, and you might catch sight of a few Bald Eagles. The forests around the lake support breeding Grace’s Warblers, Hammond’s, Dusky, and Cordilleran Flycatchers, and Dusky Grouse. Bears are in the area, but mule deer are a more likely sighting.
Restrictions: None
County: La Plata
Directions: From downtown Durango drive north on US 550 to 15th Street and turn right. Then after a short distance merge left onto Florida Road which becomes CR 240. After about 13 miles continue on CR 240 turn right at Lemon Reservoir intersection (CO243). After about four miles at the bottom of the hill turn left (north) on CR 501. In about five miles at information signs turn right (east) onto CR 503 which crosses the dam on the south side of the reservoir. Continue to the east side and look for flycatchers near the campgrounds or on the forest roads that go east. During summer, the road is open all around the lake. During winter, back track across the dam and drive to the north end of the lake where the water is shallow.
Alternate Directions: In the center of Durango, head east on 15th st., go 2 blocks and take a left onto Florida Rd. Stay on Florida Road, which becomes CR 240, for 17 miles, to CR 501. Turn left onto CR 510 and go 7 miles to the reservoir. Vallecito can also be reached from Bayfield, by taking CR 501 north from US160 in the center of Bayfield, and going 16 miles to the reservoir.
Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Ponderosa Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: BOR, USFS owns 5 campgrounds and 2 private owned campgrounds.
Admission or Fees: Recreation Fee is $5
Parking: Various
Lodging: Seven campgrounds and a motel in the area
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Vallecito campground is accessible.
Delorme: 87 A5
ROC: 1.31E+06
Latitude: 37.4068393
Longitude: -107.544598