Vallecito (vaya-see-toe) Lake is an expansive reservoir in Southwest Colorado, offering many year-round activities. Here’s a little bit more about this popular Durango area amenity below.
Where is Vallecito Lake?
Nestled in the San Juan National Forest in Southwest Colorado, Vallecito Lake is just 13 miles north of Bayfield, CO. Accessed via County Road 501, you can also venture here directly from Durango by traveling 18 miles northeast along County Road 240 (Florida Road). Vallecito sits at the end of a small valley, creating a secluded mountain getaway. The roads are paved and fairly accessible year round; while they are plowed, they can become icy during the winter months.
Is Vallecito Lake Man Made?
Yes, Vallecito is a man-made reservoir that was originally dammed in 1941. However, the water sources are natural and include Lost Creek, Grimes Creek, and Vallecito Creek from the north and the Los Pinos River - commonly known as the Pine River - which flows naturally into the lake from the east and continues south to Navajo Lake.
What To Do at Vallecito Lake?
There are 2,720 acres of total surface area with nearly 1,000 surrounding acres for additional recreation opportunities. The Vallecito Marina is open seasonally and provides conveniences, especially for boat (motorized & non-motorized allowed) owners. The marina offers a ramp, buoy and slip rentals, picnic grounds, and the Vallecito Marina Shop is stocked with the essentials. Boat rentals are available too, making summer days on the water easy and fun!
There are hiking trails that begin in the Vallecito area including the North Canyon Trail, East Creek Trail, Endlich Mesa Trail, Lake Eileen Trail, Vallecito Creek Trail, Pine River Trail, and more. Graham Creek, Middle Mountain, North Canyon and Pine Point Campgrounds offer lakeside campsites with additional options in the vicinity. Fishing is a popular pastime here with options to fish from the shore or boat, as well as ice fishing in the winter months. Species like trout, walleye, pike, and salmon are common catches here.
Since Vallecito experiences all four seasons, there is plenty to do during each. Summer is the most popular with camping, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Spring and fall showcase the incredible scenery with wildflowers and golden aspens, respectively. In the winter, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and other cold-weather adventures await.
Real Estate Around Vallecito Lake
Discover true Colorado mountain living with many options from lakeside cabins to luxurious creekside homes. There are some vacant lots still open and ready for you to build your dream home. Depending on HOA covenants or other regulations, vacation rentals can be lucrative investment opportunities. Nearby, Enchanted Forest, Pine River Ranch, and Forest Lakes are neighborhoods with more real estate possibilities while staying within close proximity to the lake. Because of the variety of homes in the area, the average and median sales prices vary; at the end of 2024 they were $623,333 and $565,000, respectively. Your dollar will stretch farther in the Vallecito area vs. in-town Durango. Although there are a few general stores, restaurants, an event center, and a gas station, this area is more remote with additional conveniences in Bayfield and Durango. Start your Vallecito property search here.
For more information about Vallecito Reservoir recreation and lifestyle, please reach out to The Durango Team at The Wells Group!
Learn about other Southwest Colorado lakes here.
