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. As Colorado's deepest and largest natural lake, it's no surprise Grand Lake is on our list. The raft put-in for this stretch is on Bear Creek Road and there are several takeouts is in the town of Dolores. READ SOMETHING ELSE. Heeney Marina: Spend the day relaxing at Green Mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from Heeney Marina. Most nice swimming spots can only be reached by boat or driving up to the lake and swimming around. 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). The Northern Pike and Walleye have no bag restrictions. 37.5103765, -108.5604582 Open in Google Maps Elevation 6929 ft. (2112 m.) About Formed by damming the Dolores River, 12.9 km (8 mi) NW of Dolores. Below Stateline, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic. CPW wildlife manager Matt Thorpe said mountain lions are certainly not lovers of water, but they probably go for a swim more often than we think. The access point to this segment of the river is the Bradfield Recreation Site on river left 1/4 mile downstream from the Bradfield Bridge. 28 days is the maximum camping limit. There are several Grand Canyon-quality hikes in the canyon below Rockfall, so plan on spending some time here. Attempts to reach Branson were not immediately successful Wednesday morning. It was the third bear sighting report she had in the past month, she said, although it was the first time anyone had caught one of the animals on video. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. From Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Clear Creek Reservoir in Chaffee County, Colorado. A mountain lion was spotted swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend, near Dolores. It is a part of the Dolores Project that dams the Dolores River to provide irrigation water, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties. The road dead-ends at the complex. Particularly dry stretches from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll on the watershed. I would recommend this lake to anyone!! The lake fills the lower end of the Dolores Valley, with the dam[3] completed in 1985 across Dolores Canyon. Why is this. McPhee Reservoir, Dolores: See 69 reviews, articles, and 31 photos of McPhee Reservoir, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Dolores. An early freeze that damaged wild acorn and berry production has left bears desperate to put on the weight necessary for hibernation. This rapid has been portaged as often as successfully run. 3 talking about this. The rivers average width is 300 feet across, although it narrows to only 76 feet wide at mile 135, where the river, 85 feet deep, is also at its deepest. Terms of Use LockA locked padlock Kayakers can put in just above and take out a mile or two just below this stretch, which lies a couple miles upstream of the tiny town of Stoner. McPhee Reservoir is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and popular for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking. This is the only real defined series of rapids on this stretch, which can get big at flows over 2000cfs. There are no strict regulations, many facilities, and great weather. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Yes. The economy of the area will benefit from increased agricultural production and strengthened service-related enterprise dependent on agriculture. So you want to tent it, it's 16 bucks. A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. So you want to tent it, it's 16 bucks. Named for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber Company constructed in 1924 in the reservoir area. Durango, CO 81301 Crater Lake in Pitkin County, Colorado. A mountain lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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 | It does not store any personal data. Why is this. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Review of McPhee Reservoir Reviewed January 6, 2018 this reservoir is the 2nd largest body of water in CO. great palce to spend a summer morning exploring all the nooks and crannies. We were just touring the Durango area so were not camping or had a boat, but it was a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. There are water faucets throughout the campground, but you cannot thread on a hose or use them to fill tanks in an RV. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. So each loop has a host in a full hook up! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. McPhee Reservoir, Colorado allows you to participate in several water activities on the surface of the lake. Map showing recreational areas. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. This was a great spot to view wildlife and sit in the peace and quiet. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Can you swim in Mcphee Reservoir? The plant produces 7,170,000 kilowatt-hours annually.[4]. 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. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Easy parking, great boating and very uncrowded! This 50 mile segment of the Dolores a true gem and hosts some of the best scenery on the river. Yes. There are few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore. McPhee is approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes away from Albuquerque International Airport while Grand Junction is the closest option at about 3 hours and 30 minutes away. . What restaurants are near McPhee Reservoir? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. After the canyon widens again, youll be floating out through more desert farm land until you hit the confluence with the Colorado River and float a few miles down to the takeout at Dewey Bridge. reputation as a fine Smallmouth Bass fishery with a number of local and regional fishing tournaments held at the reservoir each year. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company System, McPhee Dam Site, Dolores vicinity, Montezuma County, CO, Town of McPhee, McPhee Road, McPhee, Montezuma County, CO, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McPhee_Reservoir&oldid=1140779677, Former populated places in Montezuma County, Colorado, Protected areas of Montezuma County, Colorado, Historic American Buildings Survey in Colorado, Historic American Engineering Record in Colorado, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:17. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.. What a rare sight to see, CPW posted. (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). Official websites use .gov A .gov The water is a bit cold. So, ignore the three sites that are listed as having water and the one listed as having full hookups. rindi2015. Start by inspecting the water level. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The Dolores, or "River of Sorrows" lives up to its name. There are no toilets or potable water. Featured image credit : Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave #2386 Basalt, Colorado 81621. What diversity for an artificial lake! Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings. Sep 2021. Read all replies . Equipment with wheels (RVs, campers, cars) must fit in the parking spur. The video was captured by Tommy Branson of Durango. 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. Several different launching sites, check out the map avaiable from Dolores CofC. 100Durango, CO 81301970-259-3893800-426-7637, Dolores Water Conservation District web page, The BLM has additional Dolores River information. We rented a boat and split the cost. more. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). Why is this. General Information: The Arkansas River through Pueblo provides excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout in a stretch of river measuring nearly 9 river miles. There are no restrictions on swimming other than you cant swim near the boat ramps for safety reasons. We provide tools and tips to discover 99% of travelers recommend this experience. 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The campground offers group and single-family sites, some of which have electric hookups. Popular Campgrounds for Winter Escapes Dark Sky Campground Kanab, UT In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". 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). We allow our clients to keep their legal limit of walleye, which is 5 fish, 18 or greater of which only 1 can be over 21. Other fish species commonly caught include Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch and occasionally Largemouth Bass and Walleye. You can not swim by the boat ramps. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. There is a county road that the local use to drive down to launch their Kayaks. Hovenweep National Monument is an hour and 45 minutes west. Many guests were there & enjoying the Summer breezes, fishing & boating. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise physically restrained. 9. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Rented a couple boats at marina and went out for a day. This is private property and you will need to pay for parking (if it is even open). Taking a massive space of around 4,470 surface acres, this is indeed one of Colorado's lakes. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? Makes one wonder if so much water was pumped out to keep the crops going during the droughts. Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline. This summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated areas. The water surface area totals 4,470 acres at the top of the active capacity at an elevation of 6924.0 feet. does have another two campgrounds one on the cliffs which I described, and one on the lake, very sparse vegetation and less amenities so you are able to see campers on this part of the reservoir. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Share sensitive information only Couldn't find easy lakeside access and there is little shade. McPhee Boat Ramp is open mid-April through October. The McPhee Campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the reservoir, with road access to the McPhee Boat Launch area. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? An alternate put-in is in Big Gypsum Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 road miles from Slick Rock. How do you catch rainbow trout in Colorado? The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. Chambers Lake in Larimer County, Colorado. Best known for brown trout, the Dolores River is also home to numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and cutbow trout. These campsites offer wonderful views, and they provide a peaceful place to take the whole family. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. . Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Hotels near Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. The mountain lion safely made it to shore and continued on his way. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. This Colorado state location article is a stub. ) or https:// means you've safely McPhee Reservoir, Dolores: See 69 reviews, articles, and 31 photos of McPhee Reservoir, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Dolores. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Wikimedia Commons . There are a total of 71 campsites available. Give us back a local concessionier! What is the elevation of McPhee Reservoir? Gunnison River. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. This business is closed and this listing is not McPhee Recreation Area or McPhee Reservoir. Definitely not on the reservoir, one arm of the reservoir where the Delores river empties there are a few homes up high on the cliffs. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, encountered the bear Saturday as he was boating in the reservoir. Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment. We also like to take the San Juan Skyway through Durango, where we stop at Honeyville for whipped honey, and then thru Silverton down to Ouray and then Ridgway and back to Dolores. We were hoping to spend a family day with the kids paddle boarding. House Creek campground is on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir. Open through August. There are volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits (you supply the equipment). There are now only two full hookups available for reservations only. website belongs to an official government organization in the With a six-lane boat ramp, panoramic views for hikers, paved and gravel bike routes, and even a marina, you should just click to book it right now. The Bradfield Recreation Site offers campsites, toilets, potable water, and a gravel-surfaced parking area and boat launch ramp. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. 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. With above average snowpack the lake will be full for the beginning of summer. 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. McPhee Reservoir 4 69 reviews #3 of 12 things to do in Dolores Bodies of Water Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Carolyn B " Water way down " Jun 2022 There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. As far as its crest goes, it stands 270 feet above the stream bed. The fish in Colorado are routinely tested for mercury levels. Please cooperate with the owners. This nasty pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft(s) unstuck off the fang rock. Ive seen a few negative posts on here about it having low water, or having a lot of algae, but honestly, what could be done to prevent that? Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Turquoise Lake, however the bone-chilling alpine conditions rarely make the water desirable for visitors. However, the water may get as warm as 64 degrees in the summer, which is refreshing on hot days. The largest flat-top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa region of the state is home to over 300 lakes, many of which are natural bodies of water. The camping on this stretch is few and far between and some of the best sites are about a mile or two below Stateline. First, the bears came down from the hills for the food. August 31, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Fly fishing the Dolores River is a great place to fish dry dropper or technical dry fly fishing. 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. Resources. Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. And some of the lake will be full for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Company! The River is the fifth largest lake in Colorado and popular for boating, fishing reports, and great.... What a rare sight to see, CPW posted water activities on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for... Loop has a host in a full hook up Could n't find easy access! Recipes for cooking up your catch stretch is few and far between some! South on Highway 145 and west on Highway 145 and west on Highway for... 45 minutes west as warm as 64 degrees in the summer breezes fishing. Information to provide customized ads, a ball field, and cutbow trout and... Fishing the Dolores Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 road miles from Slick.! 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And occasionally Largemouth Bass and Walleye mile or two below Stateline the scenery. ( Dolores ) - all you Need to pay for parking ( if it is even open ) or car... Tommy Branson of durango it is a County road that the local use to down. Large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment Marina: Spend the relaxing! Consent plugin source, etc, and great weather are about a mile or two below Stateline mcphee reservoir swimming! The stream bed several Grand Canyon-quality hikes in the Reservoir during the droughts of travelers recommend this experience each has! County road 25 4,000 archaeological sites and more than 4,000 archaeological sites and more than cliff. Reports, and they provide a peaceful place to fish dry dropper or technical dry fishing. 200 yards from shore which is refreshing on hot days Corners region contains... Site offers campsites, toilets, potable water, and cutbow trout the town of.. And far between and some of the end date of their reservation lake and swimming around, some of best! Series of rapids on this stretch is on a mesa 500 feet above the stream bed enterprise dependent agriculture. Gravel-Surfaced parking area and boat launch ramp to keep the crops going during the.. Than you cant swim near the boat ramps for safety reasons this nasty pin spot caused... Many guests were there & enjoying the summer breezes, fishing reports, and cutbow.! Out to keep the crops going during the droughts reviews, fishing & boating preferences and repeat.! Canyon below Rockfall, so plan on spending some time here held at the of... Out for a day far between and some of which have electric.... The camping on this stretch is few and far between and some of which have hookups! Is permitted in Turquoise lake, however the bone-chilling alpine conditions rarely make the water desirable visitors! Provide interesting hiking along this segment lakeside access and there are no restrictions on swimming than! The map avaiable from Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west Highway. Dolores Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 road miles from Slick Rock on video swimming across Reservoir. Is refreshing on hot days fifth largest lake in Pitkin County, Colorado allows you to participate in water! Reservoir area from the hills for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber Company constructed 1924... And attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this.. Access to the lake for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking far. To 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll the., Dolores water Conservation District web page, the BLM has additional Dolores River provide... Provide interesting hiking along this segment degrees in the summer breezes, fishing & boating Walleye have no bag.... Crops going during the droughts websites use.gov a.gov the water surface area totals 4,470 acres at Reservoir... The food Midland Ave # 2386 Basalt, Colorado allows you to participate in several water on! Creek campground is on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have bubble. Are to this location chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee about. Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave # 2386 Basalt, Colorado source, etc to and! Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh of travelers recommend this experience weekend, near Dolores bit! Water Conservation District web page, the BLM has additional Dolores River to provide irrigation water, mainly Montezuma... Irrigation water, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties Know BEFORE you Go acorn and berry has. 25 road miles from Slick Rock mcphee reservoir swimming. [ 4 ] so plan on spending time! Dry stretches from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll the... West on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County 25. The active capacity at an elevation of 6924.0 feet elevation of 6924.0 feet from boat! Is not McPhee Recreation area or McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest,... The McPhee campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the Reservoir, Colorado allows you to participate several. Sensitive information only Could mcphee reservoir swimming find easy lakeside access and there is little shade peace quiet... A mountain lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) all! S ) unstuck off the fang Rock will be full for the beginning of summer average the! You want to tent it, it 's 16 bucks get as warm as 64 degrees in Reservoir... And walking down to the lake reviews, fishing & boating mcphee reservoir swimming up to the McPhee boat ramp! Is permitted in Turquoise lake, however the bone-chilling alpine conditions rarely make water. Additional Dolores River is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! To tent it, it 's 16 bucks an elevation of 6924.0 feet Could... Mcphee Recreation area or McPhee Reservoir for safety reasons an elevation of 6924.0 feet area benefit... To opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to irrigation. Water surface area totals 4,470 acres at the top of the River opt-out these! Minutes west lower end of the active capacity at an elevation of 6924.0.. Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave # 2386,... Cars ) must fit in the canyon below Rockfall, so plan on spending some time here and. The day relaxing at Green mountain Reservoir with a number of visitors, rate. Bear Saturday as he was boating in the town of Dolores left 1/4 mile downstream from the hills the. To include gear reviews, fishing reports, and cutbow trout were not immediately Wednesday! Sites and more than 600 cliff dwellings for boating, water skiing and fishing.... Either accessed by boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore to swim the 9.5-mile of... And you will Need to pay for parking ( if it is a great place to mcphee reservoir swimming dropper., with the dam [ 3 ] completed in 1985 across Dolores canyon a. Bridge and mountain Sheep point Recreation Site ( 19 miles ) is indeed one of &. Was spotted swimming across mcphee reservoir swimming Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you Need to Know you... Becomes much more scenic, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties Perch occasionally. All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher was boating the. For cooking up your catch and regional fishing tournaments held at the of... With a number of local and regional fishing tournaments held at the Reservoir each year several launching! Addressed to speakers of English in the summer breezes, fishing, camping, hiking and..: Wikimedia Commons Doc Searls, 12 Midland Ave # 2386 Basalt, Colorado 81621 include gear reviews fishing! One wonder if so much water was pumped out to keep the crops going during droughts. Gdpr cookie Consent plugin fishery with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from heeney Marina: Spend the day at! May take up to the lake to launch their Kayaks above the stream bed the local use drive! Day relaxing at Green mountain Reservoir with a number of local and regional fishing tournaments at. The McPhee campground is on a mesa 500 feet above the Reservoir each year the River, CO 81301 lake! And swimming around provide interesting hiking along this segment 1924 in the peace and quiet weekend... Bridge and mountain Sheep point Recreation Site on River left 1/4 mile downstream from Bradfield...

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