About the Lake
Vallecito Lake, sheltered in a mountain valley 8,000 feet above the sea, is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado. The San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness, over 2.5 million acres of public land, surround Vallecito Lake. Access to the lake is free of charge.
Summer time at Vallecito Lake, only 18 miles northeast of Durango, offers a variety of restaurants, stores, accommodations, RV Parks, campgrounds, all types of recreational opportunities (see Lake Activities), marinas, fishing, boating, fantastic hiking, ATV rentals and horseback riding.
Vallecito Lake area is a perfect destination for summer fishing vacations, summer and fall fly fishing, or winter ice fishing. Great location to land a record-breaking fish! You will find Rainbow, German Brown and Cutthroat Trout, Northern Pike and Kokanee Salmon.
Fall brings spectacular colors and cool mountain evenings. It is a great vacation destination to enjoy Fall Foliage tours all over the Four Corners area. The area also offers world-class hunting fpr Elk, Deer, Bear and Turkey.
During the Winter season, you and your family can enjoy miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails. What better place to enjoy the holiday season than in a true Winter Wonderland.
Because the lake is located at the heart of the Four Corners, it is a perfect vacation destination with access to all the major attractions and activities the area has to offer, including the Durango and Silverton Train, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango Mountain Resort, and Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Nearby Durango also offers a wide range of entertainment and activities such as art gallery walks, concerts, special indoor and outdoor events, and excellent dining. The outdoor activities in the area include rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing and much more.