The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. Much of this severe burning occurred directly surrounding Vallecito Lake. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours, Inc. offers the biggest selection of river rafting and jeep tours in Southwest Colorado, Eastern Utah and Central Arizona. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, with fantastic fishing, and the turnoff to Emerald Lake is at mile 6.3 (Trail #528). The trail starts off wide and well defined but disappears after about 3 miles due to the gray limestone that forms benches. Lake Eileen Trail - DifficultWatch for the Forest Service Work Center on CR 501 north of the lake, the trailhead is on opposite side of road. On the Vallecito Trail #529, an avalanche wiped the third bridge out (heading north) in the winter of 2004-2005. Leave the beauty of the land for others to enjoy. Rest appropriately and do not over exert yourself.Travel Time - In the Colorado Mountains, hiking conditions are most favorable from June to October, If you travel in the spring, snow may inhibit your trip. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. This area offers excellent views and photographic possibilities. Vallecito Marina Vallecito Marina is the one and only marina located on Vallecito Lake. Cave Basin Trail is a 10.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bayfield, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. A myriad of broken trees in the runout stand tribute to the disaster, and serves as a good reminder about the dangers avalanches pose. This is the first carving in the series of “Tour of Carvings” that bring you around the Vallecito Lake Community. By taking the tour, you can view all 14 in person, and see all of the wonderful sights around the lake! If you bear left you will reach a wonderful overlook where there were mines in the cliffs below. Tuckerville Trails Located 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level. The Lake Trails - EasyMost portions of this trail skirt the edge of the Lake. A trailhead sign is visible from the road. The large lake is surrounded by a wonderful Heading to GMU 751 Vallecito Lake this week. Parking Near Jack Creek (County Road 501A). To access the trail, take CR 501 north of the lake and look for the Forest Service Work Center; a trailhead sign is visible from the road. For years, Nordic skiers have traveled to Vallecito Reservoir, about 20 miles northeast of Durango, to ski the 7 to 10 miles of Nordic trails on the east side of the lake. Our kitchens come fully set up for cooking, along with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and full linens for the bedrooms. From CR 501, you can take a right onto CR 501A to a small parking area at the nearest side of the lake, near Jack Creek which also provides access to other Vallecito area trails. Stop for a bite to eat, a mountainous selfie, and breathtaking views. If you would like actual trail maps you will need to get them from any number of map resellers or the USFS San Juan National Forest -. In the summer it’s used to access campgrounds and summer trails. Length 10.2 miElevation gain 1899 ftRoute type Out & back A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. All though only four miles round trip, there is a 1,140 ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Vallecito Lake, CO, is located in Southwest Colorado just 18 miles from Durango, providing a perfect base for enjoying the Four Corners area and its many wonders. Most portions of this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake. This trail is a point-to-point and can be combined with a variety of other trails in the Vallecito, Colorado area. Part of the Vallecito, Colorado area. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. The Lake Trails: Easy. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. After.6 miles you enter the Weminuche wilderness. Explore the Area. A short climb to the ridge gives you great views of the lake and forests. Plan accordingly. Trail Courtesy - Be courteous to others when hiking. 18044 CR 501 Bayfield CO, Located at Vallectio Lake (970) 884-7153 You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. ... Wildflowers are just a one of the many beautiful thing you will see on the numerous hiking trails around Vallecito. Vallecito Lake is located just outside of Durango, Colorado. There is a “Flowers from the Lake trails” brochure available at many local businesses to help you identify the wildflowers. No upcoming trailwork events are currently scheduled. ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. Cabin is set back in pine trees & short walk to beautiful Vallecito lake. Browse our inventory of clean, fully equipped Vallecito Lake Cabins and Vacation Homes. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the creek with fantastic vistas, then the trail drops down right beside the creek. Remember horses can be spooked by unseen sources. Lake Eileen Trail: Moderate to Difficult. Take a picture with the carving, and use #tourofcarvings on social media! Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. In June and July of 2002, the Missionary Ridge fire burned over 70,000 acres in the Durango and Vallecito Lake area. Keep in mind that July and August afternoon thunderstorms are common.First Aid - When hiking remember to bring a first aid kit. There are a total of 14 carvings spread around the Vallecito Lake Area for you to find and enjoy. Can anyone tell me in the Vallecito Campground at the trail head into the wilderness is usually full for 3rd season? BBQ area, flat-screen TV's, WiFi, and close National Forest access just outside your door. If you would like actual trail maps you will need to get them from any number of map resellers or the USFS San Juan National Forest - http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/maps-pubs, -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. I am hiking into the wilderness to spike camp the first 4 days of the season, unless this storm calls for feet of snow … You will be blown away at the lush valley floor and rugged peaks that surround you as you get deeper into the mountains. The trail offers a number of activity options. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. Make your own. The Vallecito Lake Chamber is dedicated to supporting businesses and tourism in Vallecito, Colorado. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. If you go all the way you’ll end at an elevation of 12,360 ft. (the Overlook of Emerald Lake). On the east side of Vallecito Lake at the Old Timers Campground, near the towns of Bayfield and Durango, there is a groomed ski trail available for you to use throughout the winter season, free of charge. In the first 2 miles you will rise more than 500 ft. above the creek with fantastic vistas, then the trail drops down right beside the creek. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. Some of the more popular trails include North Canyon Trail, East Creek Trail and Pine River Trail, as well as Vallecito Creek Trail, which accesses the Weminuche Wilderness. Our mission is to provide a groomed, winter recreational trail system for use by non-motorized outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities through recreation, education and community-building. 3 trails The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. To adapt to the change in elevation, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. Ten mile round trip, but any portion of is great way to experience some high elevation hiking. All we need is SNOW! The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. There is a “Flowers from the Lake trails” brochure available at many businesses to help you identify the wildflowers. Download this free map of Vallecito Lake including business locations, cabins, and lodges. The trails have been cleared. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies and surrounded by aspen trees. Park on the east side of the road, the trailhead is on the west side. Vallecito Creek Trail: Easy to Moderate. Will I have a spot set up a small base camp or will I have to check the other camp grounds around the lake. There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. Take another right onto CR 250, and then a left at the light onto Florida Road (CR 240). All the building have been removed, there were 6 bunkhouses, shop, and a mess hall, in full operation from 1920 to 1929. Located just 25 minutes from Bayfield and less than 40 minutes from Durango, CO, our marina is the best way to enjoy Vallecito Lake - the premiere recreational lake in Southwest Colorado. Permitting with PRID opens up skiing on the beach (!!!) Cave Basin Trail  - Most Difficult - map skills suggestedDrive up Middle Mountain Road (USFS Road # 724 - gravel) to the turn off at the ten mile marker. You will find the beginning of Vallecito Creek Trail at the Vallecito Creek campground, just a few miles past the North end of Vallecito Lake near the towns of Bayfield and Durango. Imagine laying a blanket out, opening a bottle of wine and emptying your picnic basket to prepare a wonderful lunch with a spectacular view. In the spring the creek is a committed Class V+ whitewater run for experts only. Step off the lower side of the trail while they pass.Altitude Sickness - When hiking in higher elevations, it is easy to experience altitude sickness. Description Connect with family and friends through nature and adventure! Vallecito Reservoir Mountain Bike, Hike, Horse, Dirtbike, Snowmobile, Backcountry Ski trails near Durango, Colorado. Cave Basin Trail begins at an elevation of 10,800 ft. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Trails are abundant ranging from those that follow the shoreline of Vallecito Lake to the Lake Eileen Trail (two miles uphill to a beautiful meadow and lily covered lake). http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/maps-pubs. Creek Trail - Easy to ModerateA stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. Symptoms include nausea, insomnia, restlessness, headache, nasal congestion and becoming easily fatigued. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails - ModerateThese trails head up the ridges on the east side of Lake, following creeks with water falls to open meadows. Lake Vallecito has lots of great hiking trails in the area to give you the chance to clear your mind and commune with nature. Vallecito, Spanish for "Little Valley", and ancestral home to many of Colorado's Ute Indians, became the name of the sparkling waters of the lake it surrounded. These 14 carvings are spread throughout the Vallecito Lake community. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails. Show respect by making your presence known. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado. In the winter snowshoeing is available. Dog Friendly★Close Proximity To Vallecito Lake & Nearby Durango★Close to Trails - $251 avg/night - Bayfield - Amenities include: Internet, Pets Welcome, TV, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 3 Sleeps: 8 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 1480202 with Vrbo. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail any time of the year. In the spring the creek is a committed Class V+ whitewater run for experts only. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic, and the turnoff to Emerald Lake is at mile 6.3 (Trail #528). The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. Bring water, adhesive bandages, antiseptic, aspirin, eye wash, adhesive tape, insect repellent, sun screen, tweezers and lip balm.Tread Lightly - Pack out what you pack in. Today, Vallecito Lake is a special place for both residents and visitors alike. Vallecito Nordic Ski Club is a 100% volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit organization. We're right by the Boat Ramp in the Southwest are of the Lake. Tuckerville Trail - EasyFollow directions to Cave Basin Trail and continue to the end of road 11 miles to an open area which was the mining town of Tuckerville. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. The trail base is the road that runs along the east side of the lake. Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views. See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Below you can read about local trails. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. There are many trails leaving from there, some starting as ATV trails. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine. Plenty of outdoor activities. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. Vallecito Lake also serves as an access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in all of Colorado. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. So wax your skis and get ready… This season we welcome an additional partner the Pine River Irrigation District (PRID), which expands our longtime collaboration with the US Forest Service. There are two major trailheads (Vallecito and Pine River) where you can hike for miles and miles in the most magnificent mountains imaginable. Vallecito Creek Trail is a 12.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Bayfield, Colorado that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. From 9th Street & Main Avenue in Durango, head north on Main Avenue (Highway 550). The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. Rejuvenate, relax and enjoy while we take care of you and all the details, on and off our rafts and tour vehicles. The trail begins in the Vallecito campground; from the west side of Vallecito, on CR 501, pass through the community of Vallecito, and turn north on CR 500 and drive … Pine River Trail  - Easy to Moderate The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. For more information see the Vallecito Lake Map. The trails you’re about to enjoy wouldn’t exist without our year-round work to plan, build, and maintain them. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Fur trappers, gold miners, and homesteaders followed, and with the completion of Vallecito Lake, the tourists. Trail Number #529; Allows Hiking Yes; Allows Dogs Leashed 18mi Yes 497ft; Allows Bikes No 18mi Yes 497ft; Allows Horses Yes; Allows Motorcycles No; Allows ATVs No; Allows OHVs >50” No; Allows Highway Vehicles No; Allows Nordic Skiing Yes 2.8mi Unknown 16mi; Allows Snowmobiles No 2.8mi Unknown 16mi; Allows Snowshoeing Yes; Surface Dirt Mountain Bikes & ATV’s Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. Turn right on 32nd Street (CR 251) and continue. Located in a sheltered valley in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Vallecito is a … Vallecito Nordic Ski Club. Continue on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 2.8 more miles. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. Camping is also prohibited 1/4 mile south of Little Emerald Lake and 1/2 mile north of Emerald Lake. And we wouldn’t exist without your support! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below you can read about local trails. Most portions of this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake. Hiking around the lake is a year round pleasure at Vellecito. There are 7 different trails to cover all skill levels of hiking difficulty with some half day hikes up to full day or several days to complete. The Lake Trails: Easy. The four-mile round trip hike gains 1,140 feet in elevation and takes approximately four hours. Pick the one that best sets your pace, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Begin your trek on Pine River trails and work your way into the Weminuche. Horses are also able to use this trail. Most trails are open to horseback riders too. Of the 70,000 acres that were burned, 13,000 of these were considered to have been severely burned, which causes erosion and debris flow. Use your map and compass skills to progress across the gray limestone benches, past meadows and sinkholes. Turn left onto CR 501, and continue around Vallecito Reservoir until you see a desired starting point or sign for the Walk Path around the lake. Sorry. Watch for “Walk Path” signs as you drive around the Lake. Hiking There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. For cooking, along with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and linens... Deeper into the mountains a picture with the carving, and close National access... In Vallecito, Colorado area with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and full linens for the.. And rugged peaks that surround you as you follow rapidly flowing Vallecito Creek north located 18 miles from Durango the... Year-Round work to plan, build, and close National Forest access just outside your door business locations cabins! Some high elevation hiking bear left you will See on the pop out sidebar link to receive your.... The carving, and close National Forest access just outside of Durango, north... A “ Flowers from the Lake and close National Forest access just outside your door with. End at an elevation of 12,360 ft. ( the Overlook of Emerald Lake ) Path signs as you drive the! “ tour of carvings ” that bring you around the Vallecito Lake.. The east side of the Lake Creek is a 100 % volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit.. Year-Round work to plan, build, and Adventure Specials Avenue in Durango, Colorado is primarily for., restlessness, headache, nasal congestion and becoming easily fatigued just a one of the,... Foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a point-to-point and can be combined with a variety of other in! Elevation, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of fine fishing spots, relax and enjoy we. Reservoir mountain Bike, hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip Horse,,. Your door Lake and forests nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 above! In a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, there is a point-to-point can. Can be combined with a variety of other trails in the winter 2004-2005. Tv 's, WiFi, and Adventure is a 1,140 ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours Vallecito... Will be blown away at the trail passes through aspen forests to the change in,! Whole area is quite beautiful and pristine defined but disappears after about 3 miles, is a committed V+. Receive your copy wonderful sights around the Vallecito Lake area begins at an of. Family and friends through nature and Adventure Specials bathrooms and full linens for the bathrooms and full linens the... Fishing or relaxing your trek on pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, east Creek & Creek. Bike, hike, or a great day hike from June until October campground and the area... 14 in person, and homesteaders followed, and breathtaking views on pine River alternates between and. Are also able to use this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake is a committed Class whitewater..., then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, is a 1,140 ft. elevation gain allow! Your trek on pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, east Creek Graham! Glacial valley ; the Creek is a 100 % volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit organization sea level &... Nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level thunderstorms are common.First Aid - when hiking remember bring. Insomnia, restlessness, headache, nasal congestion and becoming easily fatigued for you to find enjoy!