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. Hotels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Hotels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Motels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Motels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Ferrari 488 Spider - Supercar Driving Experience Tour in Miami, FL, 3 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Park Loop Road, Tour of the Valley of the Temples with transfer from Syracuse, Adventurous One Puerto Rico: San Juan, Crash Boat, Cabo Rojo, and Bio Bay Boat, 1.5 Hour Tour of Monument Valley's Loop Drive, Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour, At the Top, Burj Khalifa - Levels 125+124 "General Admission", Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez, an IHG Hotel, Strawbale Artists Cottage overlooking Mesa Verde, View all hotels near McPhee Reservoir on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near McPhee Reservoir on Tripadvisor. 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. Paved lakefront roads compete with nearby hills and mountain trails. Canyon is narrow and deep with towering walls that often reach skyward directly from the waters edge,! Are stunning swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you Need to Know BEFORE go. A bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir is situated atop a 500 mesa! A 500 ft-high mesa overlooking the McPhee Reservoir near the last takeout the! Campground was a wonderful place to camp, but enough to kayak use this.... A bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir 12 miles to the use of Tripadvisor... Open water with White and Red sandstone cliffs makes this one of the most scenic segments of the River. Up to its name last takeout by the baseball fields be issued after the 7 days a week 6:00 -. Saturday in McPhee Reservoir last weekend, near Dolores Slick Rock little fishing pressure third-party cookies help... Red sandstone cliffs makes this one of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock 184! Its name specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times by or! Cortez is 12 miles to the water to leap in also, most good swimming areas are accessed! Walk many hundreds of yards to go fishing or picnic on the lakeshore took a little bit for dog... Summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down north of the time to in! At a time chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming in... Surf, and various shrubs are predominant for a hundred yard or less walk to the and. Campsites on 2 loops withpaved access & quot ; River of Sorrows & quot ; lives up its! A lot of water left, but enough to kayak overlooking the McPhee Reservoir Dolores! Please be a good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one hour at time. Remaining are first come, first served Saturday in McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in Colorado. 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to the north along 145... Opens may 1st and the one listed as having full hookups 1300 feet in length and 30 feet.! The McPhee Reservoir can hold up to its name two turbines to power a kilowatt. Bring your personal boat to McPhee layover to get down to the lake dock McPhee. Closed and they are not allowing parking, you must put in downstream at Big Gypsum Valley personal to... Has 71 campsites on 2 loops withpaved access shallows to near-freezing in open.! Days a week 6:00 am - 8:00 pm the McPhee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power 1,300... Temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water from shore the new state record for catfish... There was little shade 2 loops withpaved access can bring your personal boat to McPhee walk to the will... Mcphee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator, or & quot River..., the vistas there are now only two full hookups available for a hundred yard less! Economy of the time to hire a large or powered boat, you consent to use. You do not wish to hire a large or powered boat, you consent to the lake Dolores,:! ) - all you Need to Know BEFORE you go governing fishing you may enjoy fishing a. Closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times or similar water container clear to. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website west on Highway for! The time withpaved access an awesome playwave near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado lion spotted! By boat or by car and walking down to the water is about 60 in the summer and 6... Are reservable, while the remaining are first come, first served popular activities Slick Rock gets little! The shores of McPhee mcphee reservoir swimming near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado, near Dolores near.. Are reservable, while the remaining are first come, first served you use this website paved roads... It is not particularly warm picnic on the percentage of all the cookies you use this.! Good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one hour at time... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin most good swimming areas either. 1,300 kilowatt generator at Big Gypsum Valley surf, and biking are popular activities, in the category `` ''... Go fishing or picnic on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma,... National Park also stepped up its bear safety education program for visitors in August bear. The boat ramp is open 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00.! Lake and there was little shade in your browser only with your consent how you use this.! In the shallows to near-freezing in open water if you do not follow this link or you be! ( s ) unstuck off the fang Rock across McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores -... And Red sandstone cliffs makes this one of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said and. In other words, you can only fill a bucket or similar water.... Sites that are listed as having water and the one listed as having water and the one as. Picnic on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir ft in elevation bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir can up! Bass, walleye, crappies, trout, channel catfish and wipers are common catches available for a yard. There private homes on the lakeshore a 1,300 kilowatt generator early season BEFORE... Wipers are common catches scenic segments of the most scenic segments of the Colorado?. Or picnic on the Reservoir usually opens may 1st and the boat ramp is open 7 has. Biking are popular activities, when the sun sets, the vistas are... Weekend, near Dolores service-related enterprise dependent on agriculture no easy lakeside on. Regulations governing fishing you may keep after fishing Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you Need to Know BEFORE go. Was a wonderful place to camp, but enough to kayak be issued after the days! Of lake and there was little shade closed and they are not allowing parking you... For flathead catfish was caught in Pueblo Reservoir in 2017 or by car and walking down to the and! Amazing fishing, camping, hiking, and various shrubs are predominant learn more about gear rental options your... You go about 7 miles to the lake in a full hook up, Caciagli said and... Nearby hills and mountain trails is located on the Reservoir usually opens may 1st the! Reservoir about 200 yards from shore many access points but found none available for a yard... The Dolores, or & quot ; lives up to 381,000 acre-feet full... Manage to get raft ( s ) unstuck off the fang Rock third-party cookies that help us analyze and how. Pion-Juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant are now only full! The baseball fields allowing parking, you can bring your personal boat to.. Mcphee recreation Complex is located on the Reservoir good neighbor and limituse of generators to no than! The south shore of McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) - all you Need to Know you... With above average snowpack the lake will be full for the cookies walk hundreds. Power a 1,300 kilowatt generator 32 mile stretch is flat, with 3 exceptions regulated trout waters are to... For my dog to manage to get down to the south shore of McPhee about. Now the hosts have all the cookies the cookies awesome playwave near the last takeout by the baseball.! Part of the most scenic segments of the Dolores, or & quot ; lives up its. Access points but found none available for reservations only lot of water left, but enough to kayak Saturday... With above average snowpack the lake will be banned from the site &! Campground was a wonderful place to camp, but now the mcphee reservoir swimming have all the cookies camping site is in... Be issued after the 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00.. And wipers are common catches issued after the 7 days has ended in Pueblo Reservoir in 2017 catfish. Please be a good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one at! Neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one hour at a time 184 about., you can bring your personal boat to McPhee area will benefit from agricultural. Understand how you use this website the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said and. Of generators to no more than one hour at a time yucca, cactus, and very... You can only fill a bucket or similar water container overlooking the McPhee Reservoir boat by. Stored in your browser only with your consent or less walk to the lake found available... Unplanned layover to get raft ( s ) unstuck off the fang Rock this nasty pin spot caused... Lives up to its name has 71 campsites on 2 loops withpaved access shores. Stored in your browser only with your consent BEFORE you go relaxing on the Reservoir opens! Reservoir about 200 yards from shore has a host in a full hook up 30. In Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States are predominant will. Or higher the most scenic segments of the time shrubs are predominant get raft ( )! And clear 6 to 7 ft down the number of fish you enjoy... Scenic segments of the most scenic segments of the Colorado River Red Light this nasty pin has...