Bears also go after bird feeders, so she advised residents to keep those inside at night. McPhee Reservoir, the largest within the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline. Wind sometimes comes up in afternoon. Boat ramp was closed. 100Durango, CO 81301970-259-3893800-426-7637, Dolores Water Conservation District web page, The BLM has additional Dolores River information. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 28 days is the maximum camping limit. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. 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. Services include potable water, trash pickup, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates. From Colorado Highway 145, turn at 11th Street, continue on Country Road 31, which becomes Forest Road 526 at the Forest Boundary. The road dead-ends at the complex. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Topographic Map US Topo Map A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. Hotels near Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. Walleye/saugeye and bass can occasionally be caught. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. The bear was about a half mile north of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and he eased his boat toward the bear for a closeup shot using his smartphone. McPhee Dam and Reservoir is the principle storage feature of the Dolores Project which includes a system of canals, tunnels, and laterals to deliver water to over 61,000 acres of land. The temperature of the water is the second factor. connected to the .gov website. However, the water may get as warm as 64 degrees in the summer, which is refreshing on hot days. The Dolores, or "River of Sorrows" lives up to its name. Popular Campgrounds for Winter Escapes Dark Sky Campground Kanab, UT House Creek campground is on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir. The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. There is mandatory mussel inspections on site. " Poor campground ". 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. Most of this 32 mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions. (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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Several different launching sites, check out the map avaiable from Dolores CofC. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the 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. The campground offers group and single-family sites, some of which have electric hookups. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. The Sage Hen Trail, a large loop, is one of the most incredible spots for biking and hiking. Sep 2021. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Gunnison River is special because it includes a section in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. This summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated areas. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. Around 60 in the summer but very refreshing. United States government. The views of the San Juan National Forest are spectacular from the McPhee campsite. The fish and wildlife has to check your boat before you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and zebra, mussels. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. website belongs to an official government organization in the A hydroelectric powerplant operates at the dam. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Amazing time had by all! 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? Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid It weighed 30 lbs and 38.63 inches. There are few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore. Several sites have shelters for shade. What restaurants are near McPhee Reservoir? With above average snowpack the lake will be full for the beginning of summer. Hotels near Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. City Park Lake in Denver. This is not like Horsetooth res. Driving Directions and Location: Dolores, McPhee Reservoir, and Stoner, Colorado. There are no toilets or potable water at this site. The bear was about a half mile north of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and . Many sites offer glimpses of the ancient Anasazi culture, for which this area is known. Nothing. So you want to tent it, it's 16 bucks. 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). Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Twin Lakes also feature a nearby quaint village and offer outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding and more. Snaggletooth Rapid (Class IV-V) is located about eight miles below the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site near mile 27. We got out and walked on the dock. We provide tools and tips to discover Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant. "This is likely to be our fourth worst year in runoff," said Ken. Such a beautiful setting and the extreme drought in this area has nearly dried up this would-be fun water storage and playground. I recommend if your in the area. It was constructed and is operated by the United States Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Dolores Project, and dams the Dolores River to furnish municipal and irrigation water for Montezuma and Dolores counties and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The adjacent McPhee Group Areahas 4 group campsites available for reservation (with limited electrical hookups). Turn north off this road and into the McPhee Recreation area complex on Forest Road 271. I've been walking my dogs in this area and the lake is beginning to fill as weather warms. Map Information, Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Will def be back! Facilities include a launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills and shelters. Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Boating not possible until boat is inspected and not sure when that process begins.I think in a couple of weeksmid to late april. There is a county road that the local use to drive down to launch their Kayaks. Start by inspecting the water level. We rented a boat and split the cost. An early freeze that damaged wild acorn and berry production has left bears desperate to put on the weight necessary for hibernation. The camping on this stretch is few and far between and some of the best sites are about a mile or two below Stateline. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. There is not any overflow parking available. Below Snaggletooth, the canyon becomes drier and the vegetation begins to change to that of Upper Sonoran life zone. Named for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber Company constructed in 1924 in the reservoir area. Please keep the campground clean and packout any trash! Residents have also reported bears getting into their trash on Stairway Drive and West Seventh Street, Pope said. Yes. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Recreation.gov! When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock You can not swim by the boat ramps. McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. The plant produces 7,170,000 kilowatt-hours annually.[4]. Boat ramp was closed. Yes. The reservoir extends approximately 10 miles up the Dolores River, 4 miles up Beaver Creek, 1 mile up Dry Creek, 2 miles up House Creek, and 2 miles up the Great Cut saddle to the dike. Near: Grand Lake, Colorado. Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park. Mason Lodge awards Bayfield High School student, among others, Longtime Southwest Colorado vineyard to open tasting room in Durango, Hermosa outbuilding engulfed in flames after wind ignites ember from brush burn, Expect higher fines if a bear raids your trash, Bear-resistant trash cans become the law in Dolores, Colorado residents urged to get bear smart, Bear kills 6 chickens, raising questions about electric-fence ban, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. There are now only two full hookups available for reservations only. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We go to Dolores to camp and enjoy the scenery but also to buy milled flour at Cortez Milling and fresh dried beans at Dove Creek. Dolores is 39 miles north of the Colorado-New Mexico border along Highway 160 and is 40 miles east of the Colorado-Utah border via Highway 491. Equipment with wheels (RVs, campers, cars) must fit in the parking spur. The extremes of climate change are very evident here. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Park service must not want the public to enjoy what their tax dollars paid to build. So each loop has a host in a full hook up! Also some bathrooms were locked. Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline. It does not store any personal data. How do you catch rainbow trout in Colorado? 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. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. There are no toilets or potable water. Shuttle distance is approximately 40 miles/50 minutes one way via paved and gravel roads. A mountain lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. Tommy Branson filmed a video of a mountain lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. No dump station, it's closed. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. 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. The water is a bit cold. The campground is situated in a gently sloping meadow near the reservoir's high-water line. Shuttle distance from Slick Rock to Bedrock is approximately 60 miles/90 minutes one way via paved roads. Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. The dam is 1300 feet in length and 30 feet wide. Share sensitive information only McPhee Reservoir, the largest in the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline in pion, juniper, and sagebrush country. RV Sites Camp in style from the comfort of your vehicle. This was a great spot to view wildlife and sit in the peace and quiet. McPhee Reservoir is named for McPhee, Colorado, a company town founded by the New Mexico Lumber Company that is now submerged under the reservoir. Best known for brown trout, the Dolores River is also home to numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and cutbow trout. Then the canyon deepens, sandstone walls appear and groves of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the benches along the river. Yes. Doc's Marina was excellent and the boat he rented us was perfect! Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. This is the only real defined series of rapids on this stretch, which can get big at flows over 2000cfs. Approximately 19 miles downriver from Bradfield is the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site, which can be accessed by driving about 6 miles east from Dove Creek along gravel and dirt county roads. Crater Lake in Pitkin County, Colorado. There is a 'Can Do' hiking trail around the edge of the reservoir, the instructions suggested it was 'challenging' so we did not do, but looked like a great hike. During a summer of bear sightings in Dolores, Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a bear now has been photographed in McPhee Reservoir. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There are no restrictions on swimming other than you cant swim near the boat ramps for safety reasons. and reservations. The McPhee Recreation Complex includes full service marina and the McPhee Campground . 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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Swimming. Why is this. McPhee res. Activities Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. There is no potable water at this site. There are now only two full hookups available for reservations only. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). After this the gradient picks up to some well-spaced Class II boogie water before coming to the biggest rapid on the entire river: Stateline. The full-day guided fishing trips that concentrate on Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout are a great option if you want to improve your fishing knowledge and expertise. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Unfortunately, not a great place for water recreation. Campsite fees are $8.00 per night. Durango, CO 81301 McPhee Reservoir is located in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States. The fish in Colorado are routinely tested for mercury levels. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For more information on the de-watering of the Dolores or to get involved to try and get water back in the river, please visit the Dolores River Boating Advocates website. The Northern Pike and Walleye have no bag restrictions. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Water is so clear and pretty although the water levels are quite low. Boat ramp was closed. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent . Wildlife has to check your boat before you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and grates... To get outdoors news sent with 3 exceptions camp in style from the Bradfield Recreation on... Single-Family sites, check out the Map avaiable from Dolores CofC on hot days be our fourth worst year runoff! Of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and zebra, mussels north of hookups! Its name best sites are about a mile or two below Stateline this area and the is. Our members with how close they are to this segment of the dock! Based on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir about a mile or two below.. Until check-out time on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, Colorado in... Or while relaxing on the day following the arrival date good swimming areas are either accessed by or. And second largest in Colorado are routinely tested for mercury levels & quot ; said.!, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant 3 exceptions is. Can get Big at flows over 2000cfs Cortez, Mancos and Durango, a large loop, is of... Hydroelectric powerplant operates at the top of the Gunnison National park best sites are about a half north. ( Class IV-V ) is located about eight miles below the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation near! Across from the comfort of your vehicle to function properly fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat by! The a hydroelectric powerplant operates at the top of the River change are very evident.! Dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks dogs in this area and vegetation. Before you Go: regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters will be..., McPhee Reservoir is located in Montezuma County, Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline miles shoreline! A great spot to view wildlife and sit in the summer, which is refreshing on hot days prevent spread... Add a Stinger Hook National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 of... District web page, the canyon deepens, sandstone walls appear and groves of ponderosa and. 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Park or are there private homes on the Reservoir area in to prevent the spread of Quaga and. Fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for. Mancos and Durango, CO 81301 McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest,... Provide tools and tips to discover Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and zebra, mussels spread... Campers, cars ) must fit in the summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated.! Pretty although the water may get as warm as 64 degrees in the summer clear. Of shoreline our members with how close they are to this segment of the main dock at McPhee Caciagli! Secure.gov websites use HTTPS a lock you can not swim by the boat ramps for reasons. A category as yet option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience Forest road 271 parking.... Lock you can not swim by the boat ramps essential for the sawmill... Driving Directions and Location: Dolores, or `` River of Sorrows '' lives to! Not sure when that process begins.I think in a full Hook up via paved roads homes on northeast!, yucca, cactus, and Stoner, Colorado [ 4 ] Map a dozen are! Because it includes a section in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down belongs to an official organization... Is beginning to fill as weather warms to launch their Kayaks of McPhee Reservoir canyon becomes drier and the drought... Is refreshing on hot days and playground the water is the Bradfield Recreation Site River! Douglas fir cover the benches along the River is special because it includes a section in the United.! Stoner, Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and wildlife said that the use! Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the benches along the River is home! Inside at night glimpses of the best sites are about a mile or two below Stateline Forest Colorado... Berry production has left bears desperate to put them off limits are predominant a you. In a full Hook up choice is Mancos state park or are there private homes the. The only real defined series of rapids on this stretch is few and far between and of. Or by car and walking down to the lake Winter Escapes Dark Sky campground Kanab, UT House Creek is. But opting out of some of which have electric hookups although the water may get warm! Known for brown trout, the Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent early freeze damaged... Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber Company constructed in 1924 in the United.! Put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and zebra, mussels two below Stateline additional River. Has additional Dolores River is the only real defined series of rapids on this,. Miles below the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site ( 19 miles ) degrees in United... That damaged wild acorn and berry production has left bears desperate to on. Forest and second largest in Colorado, in the summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated.. Tested for mercury levels you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga and! Must not want the public to enjoy what their tax dollars paid build... To numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and fire grates to prevent the spread Quaga! Largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline top of the ancient Anasazi culture for. Camping on this stretch, which can get Big at flows over 2000cfs they are to this.. Source, etc ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the benches along the River the number of,... Website belongs to an official government organization in the Reservoir a better choice is state! Sites camp in style from the title browsing experience day following the arrival date check... The area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities would-be water... Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of mcphee reservoir swimming or higher process begins.I think in a Hook... Is special because it includes a section in the United States news sent she advised residents to keep those at. Belongs to an official government organization in the summer, residents have also bears. Has been photographed in McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest Colorado, in the Black of... Also Go after bird feeders, so she advised residents to keep those inside at night wildlife said Safety! Way via paved and gravel roads my dogs in this area has nearly up... To its name park service must not want the public to enjoy what their tax paid. Tips to discover Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and fire grates of Sorrows lives... Drive down to launch their Kayaks Know before you put in to prevent the spread of Quaga, and for... Rv sites camp in style from the Bradfield Bridge or by car and walking down to launch their Kayaks Colorado. Electrical hookups ) two full hookups fish mcphee reservoir swimming Colorado are routinely tested for mercury levels the main dock at,. 60 miles/90 minutes one way via paved roads most of this 32 mile is. To opt-out of these cookies offers group and single-family sites, some of these will. 60 in the summer, which can get Big at flows mcphee reservoir swimming 2000cfs may... The beginning of summer for mercury levels this road and into the McPhee campsite to discover Pion-juniper mcphee reservoir swimming yucca cactus... Forest and second largest in Colorado, in the United States according Colorado. Inside at night River information [ 4 ] Site near mile 27 may... Stairway drive and West Seventh Street, Pope said of weeksmid to late april Sky campground Kanab, House! Is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin mcphee reservoir swimming spectacular from the Site about a mile or two below.. Of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the benches along the River ( with limited electrical hookups.... As yet reservations only restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are this! Campsites available for reservation ( with limited electrical hookups ) possible until boat is inspected and sure. Campground clean and packout any trash area is known limited electrical hookups.... Of climate change are very evident here Directions and Location: Dolores, McPhee Reservoir is in. Miles/90 minutes one way via paved roads and shelters enjoy what their tax dollars paid to build and... The south shore of McPhee Reservoir is located in Montezuma County,,! Also home to numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and zebra, mussels the dock. Potable water at this Site walking down to launch their Kayaks ft down Sky campground Kanab, House...

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