Vallecito Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Vallecito Lake is a beautiful place to spend a day or two exploring. There are plenty of things to do in the area, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The lake itself is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. For those looking for a little more adventure, there are several options for hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding area. And for those who really want to get away from it all, there are plenty of spots for camping and backpacking. No matter what your interests are, Vallecito Lake has something to offer everyone.

Vallecito Lake is a picturesque body of water located in San Juan County, Colorado. The lake is situated in a beautiful mountain setting and is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and camping. However, Vallecito Lake has a long and fascinating history that extends far beyond its current status as a recreational oasis.

The area around Vallecito Lake has been inhabited for centuries. The first known inhabitants were the Ute people, who utilized the valley as a hunting ground. The Ute people were eventually replaced by the Navajo, who also used the valley as a hunting ground. Around the turn of the 20th century, homesteaders began to move into the area and establish farms and ranches. One of these homesteaders was Charles Baker, who built a cabin near the present-day site of the lake. Baker christened his cabin "Vallecito," which means "little valley" in Spanish. The name "Vallecito Lake" eventually came to refer to the entire body of water.

In the early 1900s, Vallecito Lake was primarily used for irrigation purposes. However, this changed in 1915 when the Los Pinos Dam was built across the Pine River. The dam resulted in the creation of Vallecito Reservoir, which quickly became a popular spot for fishing and boating. Today, Vallecito Lake is one of Colorado's most beloved recreation areas. Thanks to its rich history and beautiful setting, it's easy to see why!

The best time to visit Vallecito Lake is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time of year, the lake is full of fish, and the hiking trails are open. If you're looking for a more active vacation, June to September is the best time to visit Vallecito Lake. 

1. Pack your swimsuit! Vallecito Lake is a great place to take a dip, paddle around in a canoe, or just relax on the shore.
2. Don't forget your hiking gear. There are plenty of trails to explore in the area, and you'll want to be prepared for any terrain.
3. Make sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent - the sun can be strong at high altitudes, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance.
4. Remember that cell phone service can be spotty in rural areas - it's always good to have a backup plan if you need to get in touch with someone.
5. If you're camping overnight, make sure to bring enough firewood for your stay - there is no wood available for purchase at Vallecito Lake.
6. Clean up after yourself - leave your campsite better than you found it! This includes disposing of trash properly and respecting signage aboutleave no trace principles .
7.  Come prepared for inclement weather - even in summer, there can be afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.
8. Please respect private property - stick to public trails and campgrounds while you're exploring.

1. Valdexito Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Colorado and has a surface area of 3,000 acres.The average depth of the lake is 30 feet, but it can reach depths of up to 60 feet in some areas.
2. In 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a camp at Valdexito Lake to provide employment for young men during the Great Depression.
3. Vallecito Reservoir, which supplies water to Durango, is located just upstream from Vallecito Lake.
4. In addition to beavers, other wildlife that can be found near the lake include elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
5.  The area around the lake was used as a filming location for several movies, including “The Revenant” and “The Hateful Eight”. 
6. The climate in the area is temperate, with average summer temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit.
    

There's no set amount of time needed to explore Vallecito Lake - it all depends on your interests and how much you want to see. However, we recommend budgeting at least a full day to really appreciate all this beautiful area has to offer. 

The most direct route is from the town of Silverton, which is about 30 miles (48 km) away. From Silverton, take County Road 2 south for about 6 miles (9.7 km) to the turnoff for County Road 24. Follow County Road 24 for about 19 miles (31 km) to Forest Road 522. Turn onto Forest Road 522 and follow it for about 3 miles (4.8 km) to the lake. Another option is to take County Road 110 from Durango, which leads to Vallecito Reservoir. 

While there is no entrance fee to explore the area, there are some costs associated with activities such as camping and fishing.

The lake is open year-round, and the surrounding and during the summer months, the campground is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last call for overnight camping at 9:00 PM. In the winter, the hours are shortened to allow for snowplowing and other maintenance activities. The campground is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.