All the building have been removed, there were 6 bunkhouses, shop, and a mess hall, in full operation from 1920 to 1929. 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. 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. There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. There are many trails leaving from there, some starting as ATV trails. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. Much of this severe burning occurred directly surrounding Vallecito Lake. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. The Lake Trails: Easy. If you bear left you will reach a wonderful overlook where there were mines in the cliffs below. 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 Lake Trails: Easy. Pine River Trail - Easy to Moderate The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. Download this free map of Vallecito Lake including business locations, cabins, and lodges. In the spring the creek is a committed Class V+ whitewater run for experts only. Symptoms include nausea, insomnia, restlessness, headache, nasal congestion and becoming easily fatigued. Imagine laying a blanket out, opening a bottle of wine and emptying your picnic basket to prepare a wonderful lunch with a spectacular view. I am hiking into the wilderness to spike camp the first 4 days of the season, unless this storm calls for feet of snow … There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. The large lake is surrounded by a wonderful Begin your trek on Pine River trails and work your way into the Weminuche. Use your map and compass skills to progress across the gray limestone benches, past meadows and sinkholes. 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). Make your own. Located in a sheltered valley in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Vallecito is a … Part of the Vallecito, Colorado area. All we need is SNOW! 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. ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. Park on the east side of the road, the trailhead is on the west side. From 9th Street & Main Avenue in Durango, head north on Main Avenue (Highway 550). There is a “Flowers from the Lake trails” brochure available at many businesses to help you identify the wildflowers. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies and surrounded by aspen trees. Continue on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 2.8 more miles. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. Vallecito Lake also serves as an access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in all of Colorado. 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. A myriad of broken trees in the runout stand tribute to the disaster, and serves as a good reminder about the dangers avalanches pose. Cave Basin Trail begins at an elevation of 10,800 ft. Vallecito Creek Trail: Easy to Moderate. Rejuvenate, relax and enjoy while we take care of you and all the details, on and off our rafts and tour vehicles. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. 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. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. 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. All though only four miles round trip, there is a 1,140 ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Description Connect with family and friends through nature and adventure! 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. Trail Courtesy - Be courteous to others when hiking. Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. Today, Vallecito Lake is a special place for both residents and visitors alike. Pick the one that best sets your pace, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Cabin is set back in pine trees & short walk to beautiful Vallecito lake. The Vallecito Lake Chamber is dedicated to supporting businesses and tourism in Vallecito, Colorado. Parking Near Jack Creek (County Road 501A). BBQ area, flat-screen TV's, WiFi, and close National Forest access just outside your door. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. We're right by the Boat Ramp in the Southwest are of the Lake. ... Wildflowers are just a one of the many beautiful thing you will see on the numerous hiking trails around Vallecito. Mountain Bikes & ATV’s 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. No upcoming trailwork events are currently scheduled. This is the first carving in the series of “Tour of Carvings” that bring you around the Vallecito Lake Community. Heading to GMU 751 Vallecito Lake this week. Show respect by making your presence known. Hiking around the lake is a year round pleasure at Vellecito. Take another right onto CR 250, and then a left at the light onto Florida Road (CR 240). This trail is a point-to-point and can be combined with a variety of other trails in the Vallecito, Colorado area. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails. Our kitchens come fully set up for cooking, along with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and full linens for the bedrooms. To adapt to the change in elevation, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail any time of the year. 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. 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, -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Permitting with PRID opens up skiing on the beach (!!!) 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. Vallecito Lake is located just outside of Durango, Colorado. 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. See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. In the winter snowshoeing is available. Horses are also able to use this trail. Creek Trail - Easy to ModerateA stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below you can read about local trails. 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