Visit Vallecito Reservoir, Colorado

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Nearby Communities:
Bayfield
Ignacio
Durango
Pagosa Springs
Silverton

Nearby Attractions:
Navajo Resevoir
Mesa Verde
Earth Class Mail

Wet Fly Fishing Techniques
Fly Fishing for Fun

My life is in Ruins T-Shirt

Southwest art by Jerry McElroy

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Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above the sea, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in all of Colorado. It sits in the heart of the unspoiled San Juan National Forest. Only 23 miles northeast of Durango, Vallecito Lake offers a variety of accommodations and recreational opportunities.
Relax and enjoy lunch at the marina at Vallecito Resevoir.

Relax and take advantage of record-breaking fishing, boating, fantastic hiking trails and horseback riding in the summer. Fall brings spectacular colors and cool mountain evenings, just right for sleeping. There's also world-class hunting for elk and deer, all with fully equipped guide services. Enjoy miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails in winter. Year-round there are opportunities to discover breathtaking scenery, as well as yourself, at Vallecito Lake.

 

There are RV parks, campgrounds, a laundromat, cabins and lodges, and several restaurants in Vallecito.

It is a great destination for family reunions and weddings.

Vallecito Trails
One of the hiking trails along the waters edge.

Vallecito Fishing
Fishing Vallecito
Either from shore or boat, Lake Vallecito offers great fishing for Trout or Northern Pike. The record for the biggest Northern Pike caught in Colorado is from Lake Vallecito.



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Vallecito Dam and Resevoir sign
The dam for Vallecito was completed in 1941 to provide irrigation water and flood control for the Pine River Valley below. The road across the dam will get you to fishing areas, several private summer cabins, and several Forest Service campgrounds. Check with the Forest Service at 970-884-2512 or 970-247-4874 on the status of campgrounds and hiking trails in areas affected by the 2002 fire. But, as you can see from the photos on this page, despite the fire, Lake Vallecito offers numerous recreational opportunities and beautiful scenery.

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Vallecito Carving
Carving at Vallecito Resort

This is the first of 14 Chainsaw carvings created from trunks of trees killed in the Missionary Ridge Fire. The carvings are a memorial to the people and wild creatures affected by the fire, and the people who helped fight it. The carvings are at businesses and public places along the lake. A brochure is available at local tourist spots showing all the locations.

 
Vallecito Marina
One of several marinas on the lake.