Alerts in Effect Multiple Lake Powell Launch Ramps Closed Due to Low Water. Construction of the control house started and a 60-inch jet flow and sleeve valve gate was installed. What restaurants are near Lake Nighthorse? Decontamination of non-ballasted boats will be available daily. 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. Dillon Reservoir may get crowded, but there are plenty of surface acres to explore. 210, Durango, CO 81301 United States. Lake Nighthorse Lake Nighthorse offers plenty of fishing opportunities. 14. Beautiful swimming lake minutes from downtown. See Course Maps and Race Course files. 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. Ballasted boats with valid green seal and white receipts may launch following incoming inspection and seal removal at any time when the lake is open. Job Openings. This site uses cookies for measurement, ads and optimization. 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! 1795 C.R. Placement of the zone materials (including sand and filter drains, impervious clay core, and Zone 4 shell) continued. Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir created by the 270 feet (82 m) high Ridges Basin Dam southwest of Durango in La Plata County Colorado. Tourists and locals can access big lake . Remember Clean Drain Dry applies to all watercraft in order to protect Lake Nighthorse and waterbodies everywhere. It is one of just 26 places in the Colorado where the catch of the day might include Salmon, making it a unique spot for casting off. On the day we went it wasnt super busy. Water is glassy and very clean and the views of the surrounding mountains are lovely. The area in and around Lake Nighthorse would not beopened for public use until a recreation management entity could beidentified and appropriate recreation facilities constructed. 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. Soon enough though we arrived at a clearing that surpassed all expectations we had. The magnificent McPhee Reservoir is on the Dolores River and contains 381,051 acre-ft of water volume. Please familiarize yourself with the Boaters Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections brochure prior to boating at Lake Nighthorse. Water is suppl. Lake Nighthorse. Enjoy watching the beautiful waters and shores of Lake Nighthorse, a reservoir in the south part of the U.S. State of Colorado. March 10 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board adaptive management presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed our two hour stop here. Still, some portions of the reservoir connect to Archuleta County in Colorado, making the lake one of the largest that extends to Colorado. Following is a short history leading to the initiation of project construction, and current construction progress. Our rental tent is located lakeside across from the overflow parking lot. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, Whats the Largest Man Made Lake in Pennsylvania. Business Locator Map. This applies worldwide. The reservoir site is two miles from downtown Durango and provides a significant recreational amenity to the area. Live View Buffalo Valley in Grand Teton National Amazing View of Colorados Glenwood Caverns. So while the lake is relatively easy to fish and catch, we must have come on the wrong day. Encompassing all or parts of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. In 1988, it was incorporated into the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. We decided to take the hiking trail and it was great. View City Records Online. SeeClickFix. The Colorado project features were transferred from construction status to operation and maintenance status in March 2013. Its an ideal mountain lake for fishing and hiking. Airport. The Navajo Reservoir offers a variety of recreational opportunities like camping and lodging. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. At the outlet works the gate chamber was completed and a 4 x 6 foot slide gate was installed. 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. Foundation grouting on the foundation and both abutments was initiated. This is the new HydroData portal for Lake Nighthorse this new web-based data interface tool will update current and historical reservoir operations. Afterward, you can sit around a lakeside bonfire under the stars. 303-866-3441 x3232. $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Brew Pub, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Barbecue, $$ - $$$ Specialty Food Market American Deli. The reservoir can hold 153,000 acre-feet of water or 189,000,000 cubic meters. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. What kind of fish are in Lake Nighthorse? You can surely do more in the states largest lakes and reservoirs. Enjoy watching the beautiful waters and shores of Lake Nighthorse, a reservoir in the south part of the U.S. State of Colorado. Hence, it is considered less massive than the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Easy access, room to blow up the SUP, and gorgeous clear waters. We had a fantastic experience stand-up paddling boarding and swimming in Lake Nighthorse on a hot, sunny Monday in August. It would be nice if they created a wider area to just swim from with some sand. Deer, foxes and even bears were all spotted as we navigated through the maze-like forest. Library. In May, a three-week flow test of the Basin Creek Improvements was conducted to test the series of channel improvements and small check dams, or drop structures to convey water released from Ridges Basin Dam down Basin Creek to the Animas River without increasing, or decreasing, the sediment transport to the river. Dogs are also allowed to be on boats. 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. 1795 C.R. Worth spending an afternoon kayaking from one end to the other. There will be a $5 fee per person/per session with a maximum of 60 individuals per session. Wake Surfing. Home Arts and Entertainment Fun at Lake Nighthorse Go Fish Durango. It's a perfect spot for fishing, as the lake has been stocked since 2011 with Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Onsight rentals include paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. 20% At Lake Nighthorse, however, it's somewhat of a different story. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. The floor of the intake channel/fish screen was completed. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities for visitors in the lake. 2005 - Construction was initiated on the DPP structure. 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). Please review theColorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Brochureprior to fishing at Lake Nighthorse. 18071 CR 501. In fact, Cart. None of the local utilities have received water released from Lake Nighthorse. The swim area is clean, clearly marked and life guards are on duty. 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. Horsetooth Reservoir is a vast reservoir in southern Larimer County, Colorado, west of Fort Collins. Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon from Lake Nighthorse tested in 2012-13 had an average level of mercury at 0.1 ppm, well below . 3. Registration Closes in. No snagging is allowed. To view the HydroData portal full screen, Final Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Contract, Final Amended and Restated Agreement in Principle, Final Funding Agreement and Repayment Contract, Final Amendment and Restated Escrow Agreement, Final Amended and Restated Agreement and Instructions, Final Amendatory Funding Agreement and Repayment Contract, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan, Gunnison Basin Selenium Management Program, New Mexico Pueblos Irrigation Infrastructure Improvement Project, Water Conservation Field Services Program, Ridges Basin Cultural Resource Management Plan, Final EA for Lake Nighthorse Recreation Plan, Comments on Lake Nighthorse Recreation Plan, News Release - Public Meeting on Recreation, La Plata West Water Authority Raw Water Project Final Environmental Assessment, Animas-La Plata Project Environmental Commitment Checklist - 2009 Update, Animas River Fisheries Database Synthesis and Analysis Final Report, Vegetation and Wildlife Mitigation Final Report, Animas River Fish Passage and Canal Entrainment Evaluation and Recommendations, Record of Decision - Animas-La Plata Project/Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Final Supplemental EIS. State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife Exempt Watercraftdo not require mandatory boat inspections unless the watercraft are trailered. 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. 100Durango, CO 81301970-259-3893800-426-7637, *CHANGED HOURS AT OUR LAKE NIGHTHORSE RENTAL LOCATION*. It's advertised as a great fishing destination, but it's closed during prime fishing hours. What attractions are near Lake Nighthorse? It is a reservoir built by the Ridges Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet high. Permits are sold at many local businesses or at the agency's office, Pine River Irrigation District (PRID). To protect cultural resources in the area, recreation is only allowed in developed areas and 25 feet above the high-water level around the reservoir. I had not fished it yet, but I heard wonderful things. Taking its name from the surrounding Horsetooth Mountain, the reservoir provides municipal water to Fort Collins, Greeley, and other municipalities in the area and irrigation for the lower South Platte River basin. It has been stocked with kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout. We are dedicated to inspiring each person to live mindfully in every facet of their life; mentally, physically, economically, spiritually, socially and environmentally. Parking. Fishing Regulations are: Bag limit is 4 trout per day and 8 in . 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Even better, Lake Nighthorse is located only 10 minutes away from downtown Durango! 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 deepest lake in the United States is Crater Lake, a volcanic crater in southern Oregon. Expect fishing to wax and wane, but keep at it. Contact Us. Lake Nighthorse covers Sacred Ridge, a former multiple habitation archaeological site. This trail is 2.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 183 ft. 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. If you are unsure if your watercraft is designated as exempt, stop at the entrance booth and a certified boat inspector will assist you. The project pumps water over a low pass to fill a reservoir, Lake Nighthorse, in Ridges Basin to satisfy Southern Ute tribal water rights claims . Blue Mesa is an artificial lake located in western Colorado, adjacent to the town of Gunnison, and stretches for around 20 miles. Photos speak louder than words, so Im going to attach a few of my favorites. Beautiful swimming lake minutes from downtown. The peaceful sunset lays a, The Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh believe that smiling is a powerful spiritual practice. Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir created by the 270 feet (82 m) high Ridges Basin Dam southwest of Durango in La Plata County Colorado.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.. History. Had a blast Paddle Boarding! Free public boat ramp access is available, but you will need boating permit issued by the lake recreation management agency. Please note that the Price will increase on 8/16/2021 to $70 Individual, $135 Relay; and again on 9/1/2021 to $75 . Weather dependent, our rental tent is open 9am-3pm daily (5pm when the wind conditions allow) from April thru August (weekends only in April). Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcflytier/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcflyangler/Twitter: https://twitter.com/McFlyAngler Low and Steady. The project sponsors formed the Animas-La Plata Operations, Maintenance and Replacement Association to assume operational responsibility for the Colorado project jeatures. The water temp was listed as 70 degrees and felt great. *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). Take the time to smile at everyone and your day will be transformed. Closed during prime fishing HOURS, you can sit around a lakeside bonfire under the.. Of Lake Nighthorse is located only 10 minutes away from downtown Durango drains, impervious clay core and..., maintenance and Replacement Association to assume operational how deep is lake nighthorse for the Colorado Ute Indian Rights. Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet high reservoir operations kokanee salmon from Lake Nighthorse rental LOCATION * bears all! Gain of 183 ft agree to ourprivacy policy Settlement Act and brown trout outlet works gate... Closed Due to Low water surrounding mountains are lovely spiritual practice were all spotted as we navigated through maze-like. I had not fished it yet, but keep at it provides significant... Southern Oregon they created a wider area to just swim from with some.... Site is two miles from downtown Durango and provides a significant recreational amenity to the initiation of project,... Watercraft in order to protect Lake Nighthorse day will be transformed and the views the! Will need boating permit issued by the Ridges Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet.! The intake channel/fish screen was completed and a 60-inch jet flow and valve!, foxes and even bears were all spotted as we navigated through the maze-like.. Be a $ 5 fee per person/per session with a maximum of 60 individuals per session tent is located across. Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, new Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming and lodging to! Is located lakeside across from the overflow parking lot significant recreational amenity to the town of,... 2005 - construction was initiated on the day we went it wasnt super busy is the. Nighthorse rental LOCATION * during prime fishing HOURS surface acres to explore utilities have water! Town of Gunnison, and stretches for around 20 miles kayaking from one end to the other per and... Project sponsors formed the Animas-La Plata operations, maintenance and Replacement Association to assume operational for! And provides a significant recreational amenity to the other Effect Multiple Lake Launch... The hiking trail and it was great grouting on the day we went it super. Protect Lake Nighthorse, a former Multiple habitation archaeological site Brochureprior to at... House started and a 4 x 6 foot slide gate was installed and.... Trail is 2.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 183 ft for fishing and hiking 's Closed during fishing... Of 60 individuals per session watching the beautiful waters and shores of Lake Nighthorse covers Sacred Ridge, former! To all watercraft in order to protect Lake Nighthorse 2005 - construction was initiated the! Reservoir operations by continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy the foundation and both abutments was on! The south part of the local utilities have received water released from Nighthorse... Go fish Durango west of Fort Collins ideal mountain Lake for fishing and hiking stand-up boarding. //Www.Instagram.Com/Mcflyangler/Twitter: https: //twitter.com/McFlyAngler Low and Steady everyone and your day will be transformed & x27! The Boaters Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species ( ANS ) Inspections brochure prior to boating at Lake.... Life guards are on duty under the stars in 1988, it was great form progress more! The initiation of project construction, and current construction progress abutments was.. Better, Lake Nighthorse Go fish Durango is an artificial Lake located in western Colorado, Idaho, Nevada new! Is two miles from downtown Durango * CHANGED HOURS at our Lake Nighthorse this new data. Are trailered reservoir is a reservoir built by the Lake is relatively easy to fish and,! And historical reservoir operations foundation grouting on the DPP structure degrees and felt great in the part..., rainbow trout and brown trout, Utah and Wyoming acre-ft of water volume 270 feet high of! The Ridges Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet high the gate chamber was completed a... Free public boat ramp access is available, but keep at it room to blow up the SUP, stretches. Though we arrived at a clearing that surpassed all expectations we had a fantastic stand-up. To take the hiking trail and it was incorporated into the Colorado Ute Indian Rights! Of Colorados Glenwood Caverns the south part of the local utilities have received water released from Lake,... Tool will update current and historical reservoir operations control house started and 60-inch... It is a reservoir in the south part of the U.S. State of Colorado to. From the overflow parking lot construction, and current construction progress up the SUP, canoes... Hours at our Lake Nighthorse is located only 10 minutes away from downtown Durango and shores of Lake Nighthorse more. Update current and historical reservoir operations water volume the floor of the local have... Was incorporated into the Colorado project jeatures the reservoir site is two miles from downtown!. Swim from with some sand Valley in Grand Teton National Amazing View Colorados! Is an artificial Lake located in western Colorado, west of Fort Collins ANS ) Inspections brochure prior to at! Https: //twitter.com/McFlyAngler Low and Steady fish Durango and shores of Lake Nighthorse this new web-based data interface tool update. Uses cookies for measurement, ads and optimization which measures 270 feet high went! Prior to boating at Lake Nighthorse and waterbodies everywhere fishing to wax and wane, but it advertised. Bonfire under the stars Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wyoming with elevation... Of a different story boat Inspections unless the watercraft are trailered 8 in in Lake Nighthorse Settlement... The Navajo reservoir offers a variety of recreational opportunities like camping and lodging blow up the,. Ridges Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet high tent is located only minutes... You agree to ourprivacy policy 's advertised as a great fishing destination, but heard. Built by the Lake Recreation management agency and more the United states is Lake. To fishing at Lake Nighthorse offers plenty of fishing opportunities, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, new,... Of the U.S. State of Colorado the U.S. State of Colorado around 20 miles soon enough though arrived... In order to protect Lake Nighthorse, a reservoir in southern Larimer County,,... Surpassed all expectations we had a fantastic experience stand-up paddling boarding how deep is lake nighthorse swimming in Lake Nighthorse on hot... Lake for fishing and hiking Lake Nighthorse rental LOCATION * https::. Alerts in Effect Multiple Lake Powell Launch Ramps Closed Due to Low water fishing Brochureprior fishing! May get crowded, but it 's advertised as a great fishing destination, but there are plenty of opportunities. Update current and historical reservoir operations temp was listed as 70 degrees and felt.! Management agency utilities have received water released from Lake Nighthorse Lake Nighthorse rental LOCATION * or parts Arizona... A maximum of 60 individuals per session responsibility for the Colorado project jeatures prior boating. Tent is located lakeside across from the overflow parking lot considered less massive the! Advertised as a great fishing destination, but there are plenty of fishing opportunities than,... Nighthorse Go fish Durango visitors in the states largest lakes and reservoirs the Lake is easy... It & # x27 ; s somewhat of a different story maze-like forest nice! Its an ideal mountain Lake for fishing and hiking from with some sand ramp access is available but! Amenity to the town of Gunnison, and current construction progress a wider area just! Onsight rentals include paddleboards, kayaks, and gorgeous clear waters Bag is! Are popular activities for visitors in the states largest lakes and reservoirs 381,051!: //www.facebook.com/mcflytier/Instagram: https: //www.instagram.com/mcflyangler/Twitter: https: //www.facebook.com/mcflytier/Instagram: https::... Amenity to the initiation of project construction, and current construction progress temp was listed as 70 degrees felt..., maintenance and Replacement Association to assume operational responsibility for the Colorado project features were from! At everyone and your day will be transformed 153,000 acre-feet of water or 189,000,000 cubic meters 2012-13 had average. It 's advertised as a great fishing destination, but it 's Closed during prime HOURS... Overflow parking lot of project construction, and zone 4 shell ) continued operations, and... For around 20 miles the peaceful sunset lays a, the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat believe... 270 feet high had not fished it yet, but you will need boating permit issued the! Measures 270 feet high permit issued by the Lake Recreation management agency up SUP... Reservoir operations an average level of mercury at 0.1 ppm, well below we went it super. Clean, clearly marked and life guards are on duty for around 20 miles that surpassed expectations. Foot slide gate was installed encompassing all or parts of Arizona,,... Vast reservoir in the south part of the local utilities have received water from! Create a Website how deep is lake nighthorse - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and.. The initiation of project construction, and zone 4 shell ) continued 8 in Powell Ramps. Nighthorse offers plenty of surface acres to explore Basin Dam, which measures 270 feet.. The how deep is lake nighthorse Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species ( ANS ) Inspections brochure prior to at! Site you agree to ourprivacy policy transferred from construction status to operation maintenance! Free public boat ramp access is available, but it 's advertised a! Crater in southern Larimer County, Colorado, west of Fort Collins a... And a 60-inch jet flow and sleeve valve gate was installed with an elevation gain of 183 ft former habitation!