Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. The area offers a variety of activities for those who love nature and the outdoors. Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Rio Blanco Lake, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The area is also great for hiking, with many trails that wind through the scenic landscape. In addition, Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is a perfect place for wildlife watching, as the area is home to a variety of animals, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Whether you want to relax in the beauty of nature or get active in the great outdoors, Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area has something for everyone.

The Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The area was originally home to the Ute people, who used it as a hunting ground. In the late 1800s, homesteaders began moving into the area, and ranchers soon followed. The area became known for its abundant game, including deer, elk, and antelope. In the early 1900s, the Colorado Game and Fish Commission began stocking the lake with fish, and it soon became a popular fishing destination. In 1975, the state of Colorado purchased the land around the lake and established the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area. Today, the area is a popular spot for camping, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

The best time to visit Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild and the wildlife is active. Spring is also the time when the trees and flowers start to bloom, making it a beautiful time to explore the area.

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. The Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area can be a great place to visit year-round, but conditions can change quickly in the high country. Be sure to dress appropriately for the expected weather and pack extra layers in case of unforeseen changes.
2. Come prepared with your camping gear. Tent camping is allowed in designated areas within the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area, but you will need to bring your own gear. Be sure to bring a proper tent, as well as a sleeping bag and pad that are rated for cold-weather camping.
3. Pack plenty of food and water. There are no services available within the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area, so you will need to bring everything you need with you. Make sure to pack enough food and water for the entire length of your stay, as well as any snacks or drinks you might want while hiking or exploring the area.
4. Bring a map of the area. The Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is a large area, and it can be easy to get turned around if you don't have a good map of the area. Be sure to pick up a map before you go, or download a digital copy to your phone or other device.
5. Respect private property boundaries. The Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is adjacent to a number of private properties. Please respect these boundaries and refrain from trespassing.

1. There are two main bodies of water within the wildlife area: Rio Blanco Lake and White River Lake.
2. The wildlife area consists of nearly 3,000 acres of land and water and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
3. Hunting is also permitted in the wildlife area, and there are a variety of game species that can be found here, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
4. Camping is permitted in the wildlife area, but there are no developed campgrounds on site.
5. There are more than 100 miles of trails in the state wildlife area, providing ample opportunity for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
6. The area is also popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
7. In addition to its scenic beauty, the Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area also has historical significance. It was the site of a Ute Indian village before it was flooded by the dam.
8. The state wildlife area is managed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for the benefit of wildlife and people alike.  

With so much to see and do, it's hard to say how long you would need to explore Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area. However, a few hours should be enough to get a taste of what this unique place has to offer.

With so much to see and do, it's hard to say how long you would need to explore Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area. However, a few hours should be enough to get a taste of what this unique place has to offer.

There is no entrance fee to explore Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. However, there are some camping and fishing fees charged by the state.

The Wildlife Area is open year-round, with different hours depending on the season. In the summer, the hours are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while in the winter they are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.