This trail is a point-to-point and can be combined with a variety of other trails in the Vallecito, Colorado area. There are a total of 14 carvings spread around the Vallecito Lake Area for you to find and enjoy. Fur trappers, gold miners, and homesteaders followed, and with the completion of Vallecito Lake, the tourists. This is the first carving in the series of “Tour of Carvings” that bring you around the Vallecito Lake Community. Watch for “Walk Path” signs as you drive around the Lake. If you go all the way you’ll end at an elevation of 12,360 ft. (the Overlook of Emerald Lake). 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. 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. Leave the beauty of the land for others to enjoy. 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. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies and surrounded by aspen trees. Description Connect with family and friends through nature and adventure! Remember horses can be spooked by unseen sources. There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. 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 many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. You follow rapidly flowing Vallecito creek tumbling down a narrow glacial valley; the creek is among the loveliest in the West. Tuckerville Trails Located 18 miles from Durango, the community of Vallecito is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level. Stop for a bite to eat, a mountainous selfie, and breathtaking views. 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. The trails you’re about to enjoy wouldn’t exist without our year-round work to plan, build, and maintain them. 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). Located in a sheltered valley in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Vallecito is a … Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views. Vallecito Reservoir Mountain Bike, Hike, Horse, Dirtbike, Snowmobile, Backcountry Ski trails near Durango, Colorado. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below you can read about local trails. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. All though only four miles round trip, there is a 1,140 ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. All the building have been removed, there were 6 bunkhouses, shop, and a mess hall, in full operation from 1920 to 1929. And we wouldn’t exist without your support! 18044 CR 501 Bayfield CO, Located at Vallectio Lake (970) 884-7153 If you bear left you will reach a wonderful overlook where there were mines in the cliffs below. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. Most portions of this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake. North Canyon, East Creek & Graham Creek Trails. 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 -. Symptoms include nausea, insomnia, restlessness, headache, nasal congestion and becoming easily fatigued. Continue on CR 240 for 11.8 miles, then turn right to stay on CR 240 for 2.8 more miles. 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). There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Ten mile round trip, but any portion of is great way to experience some high elevation hiking. I am hiking into the wilderness to spike camp the first 4 days of the season, unless this storm calls for feet of snow … No upcoming trailwork events are currently scheduled. 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. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins in the Vallecito campground. A stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. 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. The Lake Trails: Easy. Keep in mind that July and August afternoon thunderstorms are common.First Aid - When hiking remember to bring a first aid kit. The trail offers a number of activity options. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail any time of the year. Creek Trail - Easy to ModerateA stunning day hike, or a great four-to-five day backpack trip. All we need is SNOW! From 9th Street & Main Avenue in Durango, head north on Main Avenue (Highway 550). By taking the tour, you can view all 14 in person, and see all of the wonderful sights around the lake! The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. In the winter snowshoeing is available. 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. The hike begins in a steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. Length 10.2 miElevation gain 1899 ftRoute type Out & back Begin your trek on Pine River trails and work your way into the Weminuche. In June and July of 2002, the Missionary Ridge fire burned over 70,000 acres in the Durango and Vallecito Lake area. The trail base is the road that runs along the east side of the lake. There is a “Flowers from the Lake trails” brochure available at many businesses to help you identify the wildflowers. The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. Mountain Bikes & ATV’s You will be blown away at the lush valley floor and rugged peaks that surround you as you get deeper into the mountains. 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. 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. In the spring the creek is a committed Class V+ whitewater run for experts only. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. 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). Parking Near Jack Creek (County Road 501A). Lake Eileen Trail: Moderate to Difficult. Vallecito Creek borders one side of the campground and the whole area is quite beautiful and pristine. Lake Vallecito has lots of great hiking trails in the area to give you the chance to clear your mind and commune with nature. Turn right on 32nd Street (CR 251) and continue. Trail Courtesy - Be courteous to others when hiking. Rejuvenate, relax and enjoy while we take care of you and all the details, on and off our rafts and tour vehicles. Use your map and compass skills to progress across the gray limestone benches, past meadows and sinkholes. Take a picture with the carving, and use #tourofcarvings on social media! 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. To adapt to the change in elevation, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. This area offers excellent views and photographic possibilities. Click on the pop out sidebar link to receive your copy. 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. 3 trails Imagine laying a blanket out, opening a bottle of wine and emptying your picnic basket to prepare a wonderful lunch with a spectacular view. A trailhead sign is visible from the road. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. Vallecito Nordic Ski Club. ft. elevation gain, allow up to four hours. For more information see the Vallecito Lake Map. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. The Lake Trails: Easy. 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. A myriad of broken trees in the runout stand tribute to the disaster, and serves as a good reminder about the dangers avalanches pose. 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 There are two major trailheads (Vallecito and Pine River) where you can hike for miles and miles in the most magnificent mountains imaginable. Plenty of outdoor activities. Browse our inventory of clean, fully equipped Vallecito Lake Cabins and Vacation Homes. The first foot bridge, at 3 miles, is a great day hike. Heading to GMU 751 Vallecito Lake this week. The large lake is surrounded by a wonderful The four-mile round trip hike gains 1,140 feet in elevation and takes approximately four hours. Permitting with PRID opens up skiing on the beach (!!!) BBQ area, flat-screen TV's, WiFi, and close National Forest access just outside your door. http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sanjuan/maps-pubs. 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. 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. Plan accordingly. On the Vallecito Trail #529, an avalanche wiped the third bridge out (heading north) in the winter of 2004-2005. Can anyone tell me in the Vallecito Campground at the trail head into the wilderness is usually full for 3rd season? The trail starts off wide and well defined but disappears after about 3 miles due to the gray limestone that forms benches. 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. 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, -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Take another right onto CR 250, and then a left at the light onto Florida Road (CR 240). 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 … There are many trails leaving from there, some starting as ATV trails. In the summer it’s used to access campgrounds and summer trails. 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. Vallecito Nordic Ski Club is a 100% volunteer-driven, community-supported, non-profit organization. Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. Cabin is set back in pine trees & short walk to beautiful Vallecito lake. The trails have been cleared. In the spring the creek is a committed Class V+ whitewater run for experts only. Much of this severe burning occurred directly surrounding Vallecito Lake. 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. Sorry. 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. Vallecito Lake also serves as an access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in all of Colorado. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Look for Walk Path signs as you drive around the Lake to access. Many begin right off of paved roads while others are off of U.S. Forest Service gravel roads. Show respect by making your presence known. Part of the Vallecito, Colorado area. Vallecito Creek Trail: Easy to Moderate. Make your own. 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. After.6 miles you enter the Weminuche wilderness. 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. Camping is also prohibited 1/4 mile south of Little Emerald Lake and 1/2 mile north of Emerald Lake. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Horses are also able to use this trail. 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. Park on the east side of the road, the trailhead is on the west side. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. 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. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. Most portions of this trail skirt the edge of Vallecito Lake. Pick the one that best sets your pace, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Most trails are open to horseback riders too. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------, Below you can read about local trails. There are many side trails that lead to beautiful pools, great for fishing or relaxing. A short climb to the ridge gives you great views of the lake and forests. Explore the Area. 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. The trail continues to ascend, sometimes gradually and sometimes moderately. 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. Cave Basin Trail begins at an elevation of 10,800 ft. ... Wildflowers are just a one of the many beautiful thing you will see on the numerous hiking trails around Vallecito. Vallecito Marina Vallecito Marina is the one and only marina located on Vallecito Lake. These 14 carvings are spread throughout the Vallecito Lake community. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and in August. Our Chamber of Commerce produces a brochure showing a map where the trailheads are located. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and plenty of fine fishing spots. Vallecito Lake is located just outside of Durango, Colorado. Click Here to See Lodging, Restaurant, and Adventure Specials. Hiking around the lake is a year round pleasure at Vellecito. The trail climbs gradually as you follow Vallecito Creek north. Hiking There are a number of U.S Forest Service hiking trails around the Vallecito Lake area. 2020-2021 at Vallecito Nordic. 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. Our kitchens come fully set up for cooking, along with fresh clean towels for the bathrooms and full linens for the bedrooms. In the winter a popular snowshoeing trail. 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. We're right by the Boat Ramp in the Southwest are of the Lake. Today, Vallecito Lake is a special place for both residents and visitors alike. The Vallecito Lake Chamber is dedicated to supporting businesses and tourism in Vallecito, Colorado. 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