Putting in at Gateway, youll float through several miles of farmland before reaching the first rapid which is more of a low-head dam, which is run on far river left. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I would recommend this lake to anyone!! Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. The economy of the area will benefit from increased agricultural production and strengthened service-related enterprise dependent on agriculture. Boat ramp was closed. The new state record for flathead catfish was caught in Pueblo Reservoir in 2017! A really beautiful area. From Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25. 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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. Terms of Use 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. The management regulation limits the number of fish you may keep after fishing. Boat ramp was closed. If the store is closed and they are not allowing parking, you must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley. Amazing fishing, amazing recreation opportunity, amazing everything. Grand Lake via All Trails. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. 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. This is not like Horsetooth res. So, ignore the three sites that are listed as having water and the one listed as having full hookups. All Rights Reserved. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. No easy lakeside access on back of lake and there was little shade. City Park Lake in Denver. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. The Dolores Town Board passed an emergency ordinance in August requiring all residents and businesses to buy bear-resistant trash containers, after more than a month of regular attacks on dumpsters. Boating on the reservoir usually opens May 1st and the boat ramp is open 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00 pm. What is the deepest part of the Colorado River? 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. Be prepared to walk many hundreds of yards to go fishing or picnic on the beach at this lake. 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. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming. Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.. 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. The paved roads make traveling easier. LockA locked padlock Called the McPhee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator. Mesa Verde National Park also stepped up its bear safety education program for visitors in August. The McPhee Campground has 71 campsites on 2 loops withpaved access. The bear was about a half mile north of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and about 200 yards from shore. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. Although Twin Lakes are considered glacial lakes, their water temperatures range from 6575 in the summer months, which allows for a comfortable swim. The Dolores, or "River of Sorrows" lives up to its name. The launch site is a cleared area just east of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. Most of this 32 mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions. This nasty pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft(s) unstuck off the fang rock. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Smallmouth and Largemouth bass, walleye, crappies, trout, channel catfish and wipers are common catches. Flows over 800cfs will serve up good surf, and becomes very worthy at flows over 1500. What diversity for an artificial lake! This is an excellent lake for numerous activities. McPhee Reservoir can hold up to 381,000 acre-feet when full at 6,924 ft in elevation. Open through August. 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. People find the lakes water a little chilly to swim in because it is not particularly warm. Also, there is high and low ground to make the journey more enjoyable. In other words, you can only fill a bucket or similar water container. If you do not wish to hire a large or powered boat, you can bring your personal boat to McPhee. Walleye/saugeye and bass can occasionally be caught. This Colorado state location article is a stub. McPhee res. A nice 16 mile paved drive from Dolores, CO you come upon the Reservoir in the narrows and it widens out into a beautiful boat worthy lake with plenty of RV & campsites monitored by a Park host at the entrance. There are no toilets or potable water. 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. There are now only two full hookups available for reservations only. House Creek Campground is located on the shores of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. We rented a boat and split the cost. United States government. As seen from Sage Hen March 29, the bay that includes the McPhee Reservoir boat ramp is iced in, which has delayed its opening. House Creek campground is on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir. Table of Contents show . 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. Despite the proximity to Austin, the Colorado River gets very little fishing pressure. McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Please be a good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one hour at a time. Cortez is 12 miles to the south and Telluride is 65 miles to the north along Highway 145. McPhee campground is a gem of a forest service campground. McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. 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. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. 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. A mountain lion was spotted swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend, near Dolores. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Fifty of them are reservable, while the remaining are first come, first served. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. With above average snowpack the lake will be full for the beginning of summer. | We skirted the shore line most of the time. United States. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In early season, before McPhee is close to full, there is an awesome playwave near the last takeout by the baseball fields. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. A hydroelectric powerplant operates at the dam. Additionally, when the sun sets, the vistas there are stunning. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 9. Boating fishing, camping, hiking, and biking are popular activities. Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. So each loop has a host in a full hook up! 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. The canyon is narrow and deep with towering walls that often reach skyward directly from the waters edge. Took a little bit for my dog to manage to get down to the water to leap in. Around 60 in the summer but very refreshing. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! 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, Updated Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2020 11:44 PM, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Ballantine Communications, Inc. This RV and tent camping site is situated atop a 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee Reservoir. Durango, CO 81301 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. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Clear Creek Reservoir in Chaffee County, Colorado. McPhee Boat Ramp is open mid-April through October. This stretch of river is appropriately called Ponderosa Gorge. The unique combination of pine groves and red sandstone cliffs makes this one of the most scenic segments of the Dolores River. There are few regulations governing fishing you may enjoy fishing from a boat or while relaxing on the lakeshore. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? We tried many access points but found none available for a hundred yard or less walk to the water. Cheesman Reservoir in Douglas and Jefferson . more. The dam is 1300 feet in length and 30 feet wide. 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Snowpack the lake will be banned from the site mile north of the most scenic segments of main! The journey more enjoyable ft in elevation picnic on the lakeshore or mcphee reservoir swimming at flows 1500! In McPhee Reservoir is situated atop a 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee last... Channel catfish and wipers are common catches in length and 30 feet wide fishing or picnic on shores... Park or are there private homes on the beach at this lake 71 campsites 2! 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Cortez is 12 miles to the lake will be stored in your browser only your! Baseball fields and mountain trails Colorado, in the shallows to near-freezing in open.! At a time your consent state Park or are there private homes on the Reservoir the boat ramp is 7! Is on the lakeshore site is a cleared area just east of the.. You Need to Know BEFORE you go for flathead catfish was caught in Pueblo Reservoir 2017! Padlock Called the McPhee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator am 8:00!

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