As a family of four girls and additional family in tow, this was a wonderful break in our vacation. He is active member of the tribal committee, despite the fact that he barely meets the bloods requirement to be considered Cheyenne. It was not very crowded at all, and very easy to get in, pay our $8 vehicle fee, unload two SUPs by the first boat launch, park and get in the water minutes later. High above the heat and away from the crowds, Vallecito Lake provides a natural base for exploring the Four Corners and its many wonders. Kayaking/Rafting. Approximately three million cubic yards of embankment zoned fill material were placed bringing the dam elevation to an average height of 6,783 feet. Rentals will be on a first-come first-serve basis at our Nighthorse location. Look no further than Durango, Colorado! 303-866-3441 x3232. 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! It sits east of Pueblo in Hasty, and it gets its water from the Arkansas River. 2009 - The first fill of Lake Nighthorse commenced May 4, 2009. One of Colorado's newest man-made lakes to open to the public, decades in the making, it first welcomed water enthusiasts on April 1, 2018. Lake Granby is known for its abundant supply of lake trout and salmon. Beautiful swimming lake minutes from downtown. The lake is VERY nice, clean, pretty clear, and the water was perfect for swimming from our SUPs. Show more. Definitely a great place to go for a picnic! The lake viewed from the overlook on County Road 210, "US Bureau of Reclamation Project Status", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_Nighthorse&oldid=1111956375, Bodies of water of La Plata County, Colorado, Buildings and structures in La Plata County, Colorado, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 23 September 2022, at 22:10. By closing Lake Nighthorse to recreation during winter months, deer and elk that migrate to these lower elevations in winter do not have to actively move - burning stored fat as calories - to avoid humans. There are various ways to enjoy the view of the lakes waters, from trekking down to driving around the national park. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In September 2008, the first two major contracts were awarded for work on the Navajo Nation Municipal Pipeline marking the start of construction on the fourth major component of the project. Tourists and locals can access big lake . Fishing Regulations are: Lake Nighthorse was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata (ALP) Project. The swim area is clean, clearly marked and life guards are on duty. In-person reservations will open each day at the swim beach building at 9:30 a.m. Each individual must wear a City-provided Wibit life jacket. The reservoir can hold 153,000 acre-feet of water or 189,000,000 cubic meters. The reservoir site is two miles from downtown Durango and provides a significant recreational amenity to the area. Lake Nighthorse has been in discussion for nearly a century and was authorized by Congress in 1968, but has just opened to the public. First authorized by the U.S. Congress on September 30, 1968 (Public Law 90-537), the Animas-La Plata . 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. 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. While you're in Durango "Let's Go Fish" 970-759-8059. . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Phone: (970) 247-1573. I recommend a stop here, even if you only have a couple of hours. Hikers, anglers, and sightseers enjoy the naturally formed glacial lakes. It is a reservoir built by the Ridges Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet high. 2013 - The Colorado project features were transferred from construction status to operation and maintenance status in March 2013. But Lake . Lake Nighthorse restrictions do not allow jet skis, open-air exhaust boats, or boats with plumbed toilets and sinks at any time. This is one of Colorados largest lakes, with a surface area of approximately 4,470 acres. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a draft biological opinion concluding that the project would jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado pikeminnow. Swim beach and paddle boards/kayaks for rent or launch your own. Ridges Basin Dam construction continued. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. This applies worldwide. As it has numerous campsites dotted along its shores, the lake also makes a perfect place for a holiday vacation. The Animas-La Plata Project, located in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, has been the subject of substantial public interest and environmental review since it was authorized. The magnificent McPhee Reservoir is on the Dolores River and contains 381,051 acre-ft of water volume. Fish entrails go in the trash, not the lake. In 1988, it was incorporated into the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. The Wibit gigantic water playground features slides, climbing walls and other obstacles for endless hours of play for kids and adults, too. Underwater View of Anacapa Island in the Channel Live Underwater Cam in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Monterrey Bay Aviary Cam Explore.org LIVECAM. Expect fishing to wax and wane, but keep at it. There also seems to be a trail which we will hike on another visit. The lake stores about 123,000 acre-feet of water. However, its water volume can only reach 340,771 acre-feet at full capacity. The lake is a narrow reservoir that begins not far to the west of Blue Mesa. You'll find a number of other ways to enjoy the amazing lake. Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir created by the 270 feet (82 m) high Ridges Basin Dam southwest of Durango in La Plata County Colorado. Looking to get your feet wet? 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. The Navajo Reservoir is mainly located in San Juan County in New Mexico. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Lake Nighthorse was established by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Animas La Plata Project. 2002 - Construction began with installation of the Inlet Conduit Sleeve. Preliminary design for the Navajo Nation Municipal Pipeline continued. Life jackets must be worn by all using the inflatables. 9:00 am. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. more, 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, 6-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, Just Do It Durango Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game, Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Durango Wildlife Museum and Fish Hatchery. Dogs are allowed around the lake, as long as they're on a leash and don't get in the water. How to Enjoy Lake Nighthorse. I only wish my states lakes had been proactive like they are here. If you have an electric motoror atrailer of any kind, the watercraft, trailer and/or motor must be inspected. Thank you for reading! Imagine a slow flow yoga practice from atop your board underneath the breathtaking cliffs of the Ridges Basin or just gentling paddling through the lake's clear blue waters. Wake Surfing. Swim beach & Wibit rules posted on site, including: no pets, fishing, glass containers, alcohol and/or drugs, or grilling allowed. The beach stretches for an incredible 96 kilometers. It encompasses 14.34 sq mi or 37.15 sq km and is the largest known lake by volume within the confines of the state. Located in Southeastern Colorado, the John Martin Reservoir has a total surface area of 26.5 sq mi or 68.8 sq km, surpassing Blue Mesa by size. However, the Navajo Reservoir doesnt sit within Colorado. So this lake is history in the making. Animas-La Plata Project (Lake Nighthorse) The Animas-La Plata Project (ALP), located in La Plata and Montezuma Counties in southwestern Colorado and in San Juan County in northwestern New Mexico, was authorized by the Colorado River Basin Project Act of September 30, 1968 (Public Law 84-485). It is supplied by the Blue River, which drains into the Colorado River in Grand County to the north near Kremmling. It will open to motorized boats may 15th and has been stalking browns bows and kokes since 2011. While the historical record for surface temperature is around 75 degrees, water tends to stay under 50 degrees. 210, Durango, CO 81301 United States. Saturday, September 10, 2022. Beautiful lake/reservoir for swimming, SUP-ing, kayaking and more! The 4K HD live stream Webcam shows you all around this 1,500-acre lake, which opened in 2018. It just touches a part of the state. 18071 CR 501. 1795 C.R. EVENT (current) . 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. Approval to begin construction was granted in October 2001 and initial site work began in April 2002. View City Records Online. So we went. Type. 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. All 11 of the group enjoyed this gem. *We do not take reservations at our Lake Nighthorse location. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities for visitors in the lake. 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. The Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area is now open. Turquoise Lake, barely 5 miles west of Leadvilles Historic District, is a sight to behold. Lake Nighthorse operates recreational use in compliance with the State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) regulations for aquatic nuisance species boat inspections. 581 Reviews. Enjoy watching the beautiful waters and shores of Lake Nighthorse, a reservoir in the south part of the U.S. State of Colorado. Ultimately, the city canceled its requests. Had a blast Paddle Boarding! Lake Nighthorse (Durango) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. 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. Fishing Regulations are: Bag limit is 4 trout per day and 8 in . The lake is a narrow reservoir that begins not far to the west of Blue Mesa. Following is a short history leading to the initiation of project construction, and current construction progress. A breakthrough to the delays came with the Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments in December 2000 (Public Law 106554). My Fly Boxes! 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. Point of Contact. The Colorado project features were transferred from construction status to operation and maintenance status in March 2013. Construction of Basin Creek Drop Structures was initiated. Other species in the lake include White and Flannelmouth suckers, Fathead Minnows, Johnny Darters, and Crayfish. The Pueblo Dam impounded Lake Pueblo, also known as Pueblo Reservoir, whose primary purpose is to provide water for industrial and agricultural purposes. Morrow Point Reservoir, a lake inside the Curecanti National Recreation Area, is frequently overshadowed by the considerably larger Blue Mesa Reservoir. Official - Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area. You can recognize schools on a depth finder because there will suddenly be a lot of fish at a particular depth. The materials processing plant continued in full production until winter shutdown. All fishing at Lake Nighthorse requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license for individuals 16 years of age and older. 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. Lake Nighthorse is named in honor of former United States SenatorBen Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo. or motorboat) in the water and then swim from your boat. Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir created by the 270 feet high Ridges Basin Dam Southwest of Durango in La Plata County Colorado. Many other reservoirs may be bigger than Blue Mesas surface area but it is the largest solo pride of the state. Covering a total surface area of 2.32 sq mi or 6.03 sq km, Lake Nighthorse provides enough water storage for water rights claim-holders in the Animas River. We were there on a Monday and could tell that it would likely be MUCH more crowded and chaotic on a weekend. They provide life jackets to play on the water activities. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world with a depth of 1642m. They're typically from 20-80 feet, but really they can be found all over the water column. I have a special needs daughter, so I was very happy to have a life vest for her to use. The floor of the intake channel/fish screen was completed. The reservoir site is two miles from downtown Durango and provides a significant recreational amenity to the area. A beautiful lake just outside of downtown Durango. In fact, Cart. In the pleasant year-round atmosphere, guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities around the lake, such as sailing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, prime fishing, or motor-boating. The water level in the lake is a balance between rainfall, groundwater flow and evaporation. 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. The Longmire Character Who Changed Everything. 2006 - Construction continued on the DPPApproximately 20,000 cubic yards of concrete were placed through the end of 2006 at the intake fish screen, plant, and air chamber structures. Home. Water skiing and boating are common sports in this area. San Juan National Forest. 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. Photos (44) Directions. The outlet works tunnel and gate chamber was excavated and concrete invert tunnel lining was initiated. 1980 - The Bureau of Reclamation released a Final Environmental Statement on the project. Ridges Basin Dam was topped out at an elevation of 6,893 feet. Weather dependent, our rental tent is open 9am-3pm daily (5pm when the wind conditions allow) from April thru August (weekends only in April). Large lake with inflatables for all to use. Sprint Triathlon - 750 Meter Swim, 12.5 Mile Bike (road), 3.1 Mile Run. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. 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. Lake Nighthouse Recreation Area. Lake Nighthorse reaches depths of almost 180 feet and the Kokanee aren't shy about diving deep. The reservoir site is two miles from downtown Durango and is poised to provide a . Work on completion of the transfer . 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