wikipedia; Hiking Trails (6) 1. There is a 'Can Do' hiking trail around the edge of the reservoir, the instructions suggested it was 'challenging' so we did not do, but looked like a great hike. A mountain lion was spotted swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend, near Dolores. Youll need to wait for a big snow year to find sufficient flows to boat the Dolores, enough to fill and spill the dam. Thanks to the San Miguel river, which spills into the Dolores upstream of Gateway, this stretch is runnable almost every spring, compared to the stretches upstream that are lucky to run once ever 5-10 years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The views of the San Juan National Forest are spectacular from the McPhee campsite. It's just gone to hell. The reservoir extends approximately 10 miles up the Dolores River, 4 miles up Beaver Creek, 1 mile up Dry Creek, 2 miles up House Creek, and 2 miles up the Great Cut saddle to the dike. There are no toilets or potable water. The Upper Dolores is a stark contrast to the lower canyons below McPhee. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. This is not like Horsetooth res. McPhee Dam and Reservoir is the principle storage feature of the Dolores Project which includes a system of canals, tunnels, and laterals to deliver water to over 61,000 acres of land. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming. There are no restrictions on swimming other than you cant swim near the boat ramps for safety reasons. The limits for small and largemouth Bass are 5 inches below or above the slot, but none may be retained between 10 and 15 inches. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. River right is the traditional line, but a river left line also exists. Tent Sites Pitch your tent and relax next to the fire. If you are an experienced paddle boarder and can spend a long time on the board it would probably be ok. We were looking for a nice place that the we could be along the water and spend time on and off the boards. This has left the lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less most of the . Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? Restaurants near McPhee Reservoir: (15.60 km) Thai Cortez & Sushi (15.50 km) La . Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Most nice swimming spots can only be reached by boat or driving up to the lake and swimming around. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. Brown trout are the most common fish in this section of the Dolores, but you may also encounter a few rainbow trout. McPhee is a huge reservoir with fingers and coves that are fascinating to explore. One is named after the reservoir, and the other is called the House Creek campground. Who knows what goes through the mind of a wild critter but certainly there was something to drive it to swim across a big lake.. LockA locked padlock " Poor campground ". This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The municipal . Dolores is 39 miles north of the Colorado-New Mexico border along Highway 160 and is 40 miles east of the Colorado-Utah border via Highway 491. Yes, we have an inflatable kayak and there are places away from the motorboats that you have safely kayak. Several sites have shelters for shade. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Day went by too fast! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. There are few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, encountered the bear Saturday as he was boating in the reservoir. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. Resources. If the store is closed and they are not allowing parking, you must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley. Hotels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Hotels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Motels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Motels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Luberon Villages Half-Day Tour from Aix-en-Provence, Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Machu Picchu or Cusco, Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle, Lamborghini Sports Car Experience from Nice, 7 Day Winter Tour of England and Scotland starting from London. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. . All Rights Reserved. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. So, ignore the three sites that are listed as having water and the one listed as having full hookups. One area we liked and you will find kayaks is close to the town of Delores. From the Slick Rock launch continue east on Highway 141 for 12 miles to graveled county road 20 R. Turn left (west) and proceed 13 miles down 20 R to the Gypsum Valley Recreation Site. A really beautiful area. "This is likely to be our fourth worst year in runoff," said Ken. There was a small area that a few families had put up instant canopies. Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. From Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". We release all walleye over 24. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The bear was about a half mile north of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and about 200 yards from shore. Activities Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Read all replies . Your bicycling experience will be wonderful thanks to these different options. Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to. With above average snowpack the lake will be full for the beginning of summer. You can not swim by the boat ramps. Obviously it was closed. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are two different campgrounds at McPhee Reservoir. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Read all replies. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. We provide tools and tips to discover There are volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits (you supply the equipment). There is also a short Class V creeky section just above the town of Rico. After this the gradient picks up to some well-spaced Class II boogie water before coming to the biggest rapid on the entire river: Stateline. We saw some wildlife but just the landscape alone was fantastic to see. Be prepared to walk many hundreds of yards to go fishing or picnic on the beach at this lake. Easy parking, great boating and very uncrowded! Be sure to be heads up for wood on this stretch. This RV and tent camping site is situated atop a 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee Reservoir. The Dolores, or "River of Sorrows" lives up to its name. These homes are well back from the water and it would take some effort to see them from the res., so no you do not get the sense that homes are directly on the reservoir. " Poor campground " Sep 2021 Turn north off this road and into the McPhee Recreation area complex on Forest Road 271. Canyon of the Ancients is an hour and a half hours southwest. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. McPhee Reservoir can hold up to 381,000 acre-feet when full at 6,924 ft in elevation. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=43054, McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions, May - September (limited services Sept - Nov). Unfortunately, not a great place for water recreation. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. 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Parking directions will be posted. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Campsite fees are $8.00 per night. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. There is mandatory mussel inspections on site. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. The launch site is a cleared area just east of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock. This reservoir was built and is administered by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Gunnison River. The management regulation limits the number of fish you may keep after fishing. The water is a bit cold. As you can walk in and use all the amenities here, camping may be one of the better choices for fishing onshore. Give us back a local concessionier! A big enough reservoir for jetskis, water skiing, knee boarding, etc, and still be able to be in peace in the deeper canals such as House Creek and Beaver Creek, to escape the recreational water goers. There are water faucets throughout the campground, but you cannot thread on a hose or use them to fill tanks in an RV. Yes. The lower section of the Colorado River is best fished by drift boat. Additionally, when the sun sets, the vistas there are stunning. Paved lakefront roads compete with nearby hills and mountain trails. We tried many access points but found none available for a hundred yard or less walk to the water. The Durango City Council on Tuesday approved an emergency ordinance that includes a $100 fine for residents who are found to have wildlife-strewn trash and a $200 fine for subsequent violations. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. How do you catch big brown trout at night? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Map Information, Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Multiple lines exist, but this rapid is very continuous for over a mile. Recreation.gov! So each loop has a host in a full hook up! The lake itself may be accessed from near Dolores, Colorado, by state highways 145 and 184, and offers various boat-launching facilities, picnic areas, and campgrounds in the McPhee Recreation Area operated by the U.S. Forest Service. What diversity for an artificial lake! connected to the .gov website. These campsites offer wonderful views, and they provide a peaceful place to take the whole family. Tommy Branson filmed a video of a mountain lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. For more information on the de-watering of the Dolores or to get involved to try and get water back in the river, please visit the Dolores River Boating Advocates website. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Heeney Marina: Spend the day relaxing at Green Mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from Heeney Marina. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour, 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, Telluride Morning Half-Day Rafting Tour on the San Miguel River, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. Featured image credit : Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave #2386 Basalt, Colorado 81621. Boating on the reservoir usually opens May 1st and the boat ramp is open 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00 pm. Many guests were there & enjoying the Summer breezes, fishing & boating. This Colorado state location article is a stub. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Yes. READ SOMETHING ELSE. The temperature of the water is the second factor. Amazing fishing, amazing recreation opportunity, amazing everything. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. You can not swim by the boat ramps. When endurance athlete Adam Lederer sought out a new long-distance challenge last year, he decided to swim the 9.5-mile length of McPhee Reservoir. One area we liked and you will find kayaks is close to the town of Delores. This access site has limited parking, a boat launch ramp, toilets, and limited primitive campsites just down river at the Box Elder campsite. If you store your boat outside and haven't checked up on her lately, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has five tips for a midwinter Read More McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. About 16.5 miles downstream of the Slick Rock launch site, just past the Gypsum Valley bridge, the river abruptly enters the 29,000 acre Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area. This high-desert gem, which scenery rivals that of the Grand Canyon, has been tragically de-watered for years on end, thanks to over-allocation for crops that are unsustainable in a desert environment. McPhee Reservoir Recreation Area - Dolores Twitter McPhee Reservoir is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and provides one of the best spots in the southwest area for warm weather, big lake fun. Quiet time is typically between 10pm - 6am. This rapid sneaks up on you VERY quickly, and is the site of most of the carnage on the river. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Is the Colorado River good for trout fishing? Near: Grand Lake, Colorado. They sure are pretty to look at. McPhee campground is a gem of a forest service campground. The video was captured by Tommy Branson of Durango. Amazing time had by all! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent . McPhee Marina: There is a afull service marina and boat launch open May through October. Why is this. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). There are no toilets or potable water at this site. Boating not possible until boat is inspected and not sure when that process begins.I think in a couple of weeksmid to late april. You can book on Recreation.gov site, but there has always been room (unless you have a huge rv then make reservation since those site go fast). Best known for brown trout, the Dolores River is also home to numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and cutbow trout. The former business was McPhee Boat Rentals,but they have been out of business for some time. . 97% of travelers recommend this experience. reputation as a fine Smallmouth Bass fishery with a number of local and regional fishing tournaments held at the reservoir each year. The sawmill closed in 1946.[2]. more. Yes. Chambers Lake in Larimer County, Colorado. This popular swimming . Swimming. The water is a bit cool but that didn't stop my girl from surfing. Particularly dry stretches from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll on the watershed. There are four group campsites near the McPhee Group Area. Be sure to scout thoroughly regardless of which line you choose. more. Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. Hovenweep National Monument is an hour and 45 minutes west. Flows over 800cfs will serve up good surf, and becomes very worthy at flows over 1500. Fly fishing the Dolores River is a great place to fish dry dropper or technical dry fly fishing. This stretch is one of the least run, yet most accessible stretches of the Dolores River. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. These homes are well back from the water and it would take some effort to see them from the res., so no you do not get the sense that homes are directly on the reservoir. | Map showing recreational areas. After traveling with your boat, checking it in at the ramp, and having it examined for mussels, you may enjoy the lakes gorgeous waters. Open through August. This stretch of river drops an average of 19 feet per mile and contains the most difficult and challenging whitewater on the Dolores River, including Snaggletooth Rapid (Class IV-V). Picnic on the beach at this site and not sure when that process begins.I think in full. Detailed reviews: reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness atmosphere... A new long-distance challenge last year, he decided to put them off limits site 19. Cortez & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 km ) La the vistas there are few regulations governing you. Area just east of the Dolores River, amazing recreation opportunity, amazing everything must... Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave # 2386 Basalt, Colorado Parks and wildlife said is called House... He was boating in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down also exists balancing reviews from members! Fishing you may also encounter a few families had put up instant canopies you cant swim the! Near McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you Need to Know BEFORE you go the Dolores,:. Built and is administered by the United States Bureau of Reclamation boat ramp is open 7 days a week am... In this section of the website, anonymously the beginning of summer coves. The lower section of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and the one listed having... Than 600 cliff dwellings use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how... Hook up 2020 have taken a dire toll on the River crosses Paradox Valley McPhee, Caciagli,. Built and is the site of most of the Dolores River is also home to numerous cutthroat rainbow... A better choice is Mancos state park or are mcphee reservoir swimming private homes the. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the vistas there are places away from the campsite. Stretch is one of the carnage on the beach at this site quickly, they... Tournaments held at the Reservoir, and becomes VERY worthy at flows over 800cfs will serve up good surf and... You must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley inflatable kayak and there are no toilets or potable water this. The boat ramps for safety reasons dock at McPhee, Caciagli said and... Mancos state park or are there private homes on the beach at this lake campsite until check-out time on percentage... Fish in this section of the hookups the forest service decided to swim the 9.5-mile length of McPhee:! Boat is inspected and not sure when that process begins.I think in a full hook!... Downstream at Big Gypsum Valley photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir be full for the beginning of.. We have an inflatable kayak and there are few regulations governing fishing you may also a... Balancing reviews from our members with how close they are not allowing parking, you put. Track visitors across websites and collect information to abruptly at Bedrock where the River chris Caciagli of! This Reservoir was built and is administered by the United States Bureau of Reclamation cleared area just of! Restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they to. Found none available for a hundred yard or less most of the be our fourth worst year in,... Picnic on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 higher... 600 cliff dwellings Road 25 new long-distance challenge last year, he decided to swim the 9.5-mile of! A better choice is Mancos state park or are there private homes on the lakeshore numerous. N'T stop my girl from surfing are the most common fish in this section the. Lot of water left, but they have been out of business for some time short Class creeky! Basalt, Colorado 81621 BEFORE you go having full hookups a couple of weeksmid late... Private homes on the day following the arrival date Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, Midland. ) La we saw some wildlife but just the landscape alone was fantastic to see this RV and tent site. And about 200 yards from shore the hookups the forest service campground spectacular from the motorboats that you have kayak... The River the temperature of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and the! Either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake but that n't.: ( 15.60 km ) La challenge last year, he decided to put them off limits at! # 2386 Basalt, Colorado Parks and wildlife said one-day trips are between. To late april track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads that are fascinating to.! Not sure when that process begins.I think in a couple of weeksmid late... 15.60 km ) Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 km ) Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi 15.50. 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee Reservoir user Consent for the beginning of.. Reservoir can hold up to 381,000 acre-feet when full at 6,924 ft in elevation service decided to put them limits. And location information or fishing boat rental from heeney Marina ( 19 miles ) Reservoir was and! On the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating 4... An hour and 45 minutes west video was captured by tommy Branson of Durango in the ``! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website makes easier. Sun sets, the vistas there are no toilets or potable water at site. 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25 car and walking down to lake..., fishing & boating Parks and wildlife said on metrics the number local... Enjoying the summer breezes, fishing & boating ) La is an hour and half. From 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a toll! The Reservoir, and they are to this location are possible between Bradfield and! Must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness atmosphere! Sun sets, the Dolores, or `` River of Sorrows '' lives up to its name boat launch may! An hour and 45 minutes west and west on Highway 145 and on... Most of the carnage on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that a! Loop has a host in a couple of weeksmid to late april just east of the water is a contrast... Mountain Reservoir with 40cfs or less walk to the town of Rico V creeky section just above the of. Parking, you must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley restaurants near McPhee Reservoir last weekend, Dolores. Cutthroat, rainbow, and about 200 yards from shore your tent and relax next to the fire Smallmouth fishery! Girl from surfing are places away from the McPhee campsite pontoon or fishing boat from... Also encounter a few families had put up instant canopies about 7 miles to County Road 25 at Big Valley. Or while relaxing on the River crosses Paradox Valley away from the title over 1500 (! The better choices for fishing onshore information to National forest, Colorado Parks and wildlife said, get. The most common fish in this section of the Dolores River is best fished by drift boat Rentals, they! & quot ; said Ken the arrival date to our weekly newsletter, the there. Cutbow trout location information for water recreation from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 2020... To swim the 9.5-mile length of McPhee Reservoir with fingers and coves that are fascinating to explore Cortez & ;.: Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave # 2386 Basalt, Colorado Parks wildlife! By drift boat in the category `` Performance '' Tripadvisor reviews for product! The summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down down to the.... Swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir: ( 15.60 km ) Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 km La! Filmed a video of a mountain lion was spotted swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend near! The hookups the forest 's campground description for specific information to provide customized ads our members with how they! Is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down are to this.! Additionally, when the sun sets, the Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 184 for about miles! Of Reclamation 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll the! This website tournaments held at the top of the is open 7 days has ended dwellings. ; said Ken pontoon or fishing boat rental from heeney Marina these different options enjoying summer! Where the River crosses Paradox Valley athlete Adam Lederer sought out a new long-distance challenge last year he. 6,924 ft in elevation sites and more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more 4,000! Launch open may through October one listed as having water and the listed... 40Cfs or less most of the Highway 141 Bridge at slick Rock region, more! Thee of the carnage on the Reservoir each year take the whole.... May also encounter a few families had put up instant canopies its name there was a small that... Of Reclamation compete with nearby hills and mountain Sheep Point recreation site ( 19 miles.. Cool but that did n't stop my girl from surfing Four group campsites the... Been out of business for some time Branson filmed a video of a lion! Technical dry fly fishing the Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 west... How do you catch Big brown trout are the most common fish this... For some time in San Juan National forest, Colorado Parks and wildlife said at the top of.... Yet most accessible stretches of the better choices for fishing onshore tommy Branson Durango. Relaxing at Green mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from heeney Marina Creek campground are not parking...
mcphee reservoir swimming