If you are looking for an unwinding vacation that doesnt have to take you to the beach, you can refresh in one of Colorados lakes! Wake Surfing. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 50 min to complete. Approval to begin construction was granted in October 2001 and initial site work began in April 2002. City Hall 949 E 2nd Avenue Durango, CO 81301 Phone: 970-375-5000; Quick Links. Its a popular spot for escaping the summer heat. Not only was there a giant lake, the crew of the Btelgueuse had built a little village from all the bountiful ressources. . Lake Nighthorse is named in honor of former United States Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo.[5][6]. Vallecito Lake Fishing: Fishing is a year-round activity at Vallecito Winter . The reservoir has a total surface area of 2.96 sq mi or 7.68 sq km and is approximately 6.5 miles long and one-half mile wide, running north to south. Show more. October 21 November 13: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Only; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake Nighthorse was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata (ALP) Project. Installation, at the pumping plant site, of a portion of the 72-inch buried steel pipeline (Ridges Basin Inlet Conduit) was initiated and completed. The swim area is clean, clearly marked and life guards are on duty. Hence, it is considered less massive than the Blue Mesa Reservoir. 108th congress (2003-2004) 210, Durango, CO 81301 United States. The water was pretty cold so the girls were not able to play on the water toys as they got to cold attempting to swim out to the toys, but it was a pretty place. As you can imagine, this lake is an excellent destination for water activities such as stand up paddle . The water temp was listed as 70 degrees and felt great. Please review theColorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochureprior to fishing at Lake Nighthorse. Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon have been stocked since 2011. Not only deer and elk benefit from this seasonal closure, but also water fowl. Office Hours /QuickLinks.aspx. Its lovely waters are a wonderful area to go fishing. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Lake Nighthorse was established by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata Project. Lake Fishing 5/15/2022 through 11/15/2022 Ice Fishing 12/1/2022 through 3/1/2023 Loved that motor boats were not close by. 30 minutes prior to daily closure, the entrance gate will be closed to access, and boat exit inspections as well as watercraft launches will cease. Work continued on connections to existing distribution systems. In 1988, it was incorporated into the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. The lake also has 60 miles or 97 kilometers of shoreline that offer full-service marinas. 210, Durango, Colorado - (970) 375-7335 - Lake Nighthorse Live Cam. For information on where to purchase a fishing license, click here (Where to Buy Fishing Licenses PDF). I appreciate the dedication to the local water supply and the wildlife populations as they inspect all watercraft for invasive species. It is supplied by the Blue River, which drains into the Colorado River in Grand County to the north near Kremmling. Kokanee Salmon limit is 10 per day and 10 in possession. View the Valley's Event Calendar. It will open to motorized boats may 15th and has been stalking browns bows and kokes since 2011. The Colorado project features were transferred from construction status to operation and maintenance status in March 2013. Saturday, September 10, 2022. Water skiing and boating are common sports in this area. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. Lake Pueblo encompasses 7.18 sq mi or 4,600 acres of water surface area and over 40 sq km of land. Lake Nighthorse Recreational Operations (PDF), Boaters Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections brochure, Click here for the 2023 Boating Handbook with Regulations and Statutes, State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife Exempt Watercraft, click here (Where to Buy Fishing Licenses PDF), Public comment sent to rec@durangogov.org as of 3-18-21, Combined Questions and Answers received during these meetings. What restaurants are near Lake Nighthorse? Soon enough though we arrived at a clearing that surpassed all expectations we had. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorados greatest lake trout and Kokanee salmon fishery, managed by the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It can hold the most water volume of 129,700 acre-feet. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. Erection of an onsite Sky Ute Sand and Gravel concrete batch plant at the DPP site was completed and brought into production. *. Compassion, kindness and reverent respect for all living things are all core tenants of Mindful Living. It is one of just 26 places in the Colorado where the catch of the day might include Salmon, making it . Children 6 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The beach stretches for an incredible 96 kilometers. The water level in the lake is a balance between rainfall, groundwater flow and evaporation. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lake Nighthouse Recreation Area is Lake Nighthorse Trail, which has a 3.9 star rating from 71 reviews. Nymphs are the standard trick, but a slow and deep fish streamer wouldn't be a bad idea either. It measures 1.28 sq mi or 3.306 sq km. It measures 1.28 sq mi or 3.306 sq km. As part of theAnimas-La Plata Water Project, Lake Nighthorse provides water storage for tribal and water right claim-holders along theAnimas River. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Typical government-run operation: Build it with our tax dollars, then close it to the public for most of the year, and when open have only limited hours and charge the taxpayer to get in. There is a spit of land that extends into the lake near the first boat launch and pier, where you could walk onto the land, set up shop with some chairs or a tent for the day, and swim from the hilly, somewhat woodsy terrain. 2023 season passes can be purchased beginning January 1, 2023 in person at the Durango Community Recreation Center located at 2700 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301. Its an ideal mountain lake for fishing and hiking. From rafting and kayaking to Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Water Safety on the Rivers, Lakes, and Beaches, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochure, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Facts. This is the new HydroData portal for Lake Nighthorse this new web-based data interface tool will update current and historical reservoir operations. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. Lake Nighthorse covers Sacred Ridge, a former multiple habitation archaeological site. Parking. Aquatic Nuisance Species Boat Inspections are mandatory at Lake Nighthorse. Because it is a designated state wildlife area, only adults 18 years old and older with a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license are permitted to use its services. This opinion allowed construction of the project to begin. The lake is full and the surface area is approximately 1,500 acres at maximum elevation and the reservoir area includes a total of approximately 5,500 acres. Airport. The lake is full and the surface area is approximately 1,500 acres at maximum elevation and the reservoir area includes a total of approximately 5,500 acres. Fish entrails go in the trash, not the lake. He is one of Walt's obsessions, first . Land around Lake Nighthorse that is off limits to recreation have been posted with no trespass signs and all visitors receive a brochure with rules for recreating at the lake. Colorado is also a home to rich wildlife and diverse complex ecosystems as it boasts numerous types of nature-filled destinations like mountains, hot springs, dunes, and more. In fact, Carter has fished it, and hooked into a 24 inch monster! You can rent paddleboards. The Bureau of Reclamation began construction in 2003, with the reservoir filling to capacity on June 29, 2011 at a total cost of $500 million. Lake Nighthorse stores water for municipal use for the San Juan Water Commission as well as other water users, including Navajo Nation and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Tribe. The recreation area is managed by the City of Durango, to learn more about the recreation opportunities available at Lake Nighthorse visit durangogov.org/LakeNighthorse. Animas-La Plata Project, Lake Nighthorse in progress of being filled. 303-866-3441 x3232. Ridges Basin Dam was topped out at an elevation of 6,893 feet. Worth spending an afternoon kayaking from one end to the other. Meanwhile the fish stocked had time to grow, and eat, and get used to not seeing humans. The Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area is now open. They have free ones for you to use if u dont have one. Colorado has a lot to be proud of regarding this reservoir. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. As a family of four girls and additional family in tow, this was a wonderful break in our vacation. I drove up there in a snowstorm and it was beautiful. The Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 provide for implementation and completion of the project. It's advertised as a great fishing destination, but it's closed during prime fishing hours. The reservoir site is two miles from downtown Durango and provides a significant recreational amenity to the area. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As part of the Animas-La Plata Water Project, Lake Nighthorse provides water storage for tribal and water right claim-holders along the Animas River. 4CRS Rentals (both at the lake and in-store) will be your premiere rental source for fishing kayaks, canoes, touring kayaks, stand up paddle boards (SUPs), sail boats, and all the equipment you need to get out an enjoy a day on the water! Nighthorse Run Ma. Covering 4.91 sq mi or 12.73 sq km, Sanchez Reservoir is a lesser-known reservoir in Costilla County, located about ten miles south of San Luis, Colorado, the states oldest inhabited town. The purpose of the engagement process is not to reconsider allowable recreational uses but to discuss opportunities for adjusting the balance of existing recreational uses. Afterward, you can sit around a lakeside bonfire under the stars. Professional fishing guides are also available to take you to some fantastic fishing locations. One beach was undergoing a remodel so its getting even better. Still, some portions of the reservoir connect to Archuleta County in Colorado, making the lake one of the largest that extends to Colorado. The night before was a full moon, which allows fish to eat all night and not hungry in the day. Jeffrey Beall / Creative Commons License. IN ORDER TO RE-ENTER LAKE NIGHTHORSE, ALL MOTORIZED BOATS AND NON-EXEMPT WATERCRAFT ARE ENCOURAGED TO OBTAIN AN EXIT INSPECTION WHERE A GREEN SEAL AND RECEIPT WILL BE ISSUED. Loved that motor boats were not close by. Swim beach & Wibit rules posted on site, including: no pets, fishing, glass containers, alcohol and/or drugs, or grilling allowed. In 1988, it was incorporated into the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. Please put fish entrails in the garbage, not the lake. Lake Nighthorse is absolutely beautiful. 2005 - Construction was initiated on the DPP structure. October 17, 2022 August 29, 2022 by Brent Pollock. All fishing at Lake Nighthorse requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license for individuals 16 years of age and older. Netflix. Several secluded beach areas to hangout. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Vallecito Lake, CO 81122. Located 2 miles southwest of Durango, Colorado, Lake Nighthorse is a great place to enjoy a picnic, swim, take a boat ride, and fish. The city of Durango holds water rights in Lake Nighthorse and is now exploring how to access that water and get it to Terminal Reservoir on the northeast side of Durango. 2003 - Update of Project Construction Cost Estimate reveals increase of project cost from approximately $338 million to $500 million. The Bureau of Reclamation began construction in 2003, with the reservoir filling to capacity on June 29, 2011 at a total cost of $500 million. However, its water volume can only reach 340,771 acre-feet at full capacity. Seasonal closure of Lake Nighthorse is federally required to protect critical winter wildlife habitat. With a total surface area of 24.37 sq mi or 63.13 sq km, the Navajo Reservoir beats the Blue Mesa Reservoir by size. 3. Lake Nighthorse Lake Nighthorse offers plenty of fishing opportunities. *NEW for 2023: Extended hours through September 4th, To ensure quality recreational experiences at Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area, here is a list of City of Durango and Bureau of Reclamation rules and regulations: Lake Nighthorse Recreational Operations (PDF). 1990 - Based on new biological information, the U.S. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities for visitors in the lake. Supported Browsers 2023 Vermont Systems, Inc. 3.1.10.17.01. Lake & River Activities. This article will explore the 15 largest lakes in Colorado. My Fly Boxes! Large lake with inflatables for all to use. Photos (44) Directions. 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