mcphee reservoir swimming

Best known for brown trout, the Dolores River is also home to numerous cutthroat, rainbow, and cutbow trout. From Colorado Highway 145, turn at 11th Street, continue on Country Road 31, which becomes Forest Road 526 at the Forest Boundary. Unfortunately, not a great place for water recreation. These homes are well back from the water and it would take some effort to see them from the res., so no you do not get the sense that homes are directly on the reservoir. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid Fly fishing the Dolores River is a great place to fish dry dropper or technical dry fly fishing. There is no potable water at this site. " Poor campground ". 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. This rapid has been portaged as often as successfully run. The road dead-ends at the complex. Although Twin Lakes are considered glacial lakes, their water temperatures range from 6575 in the summer months, which allows for a comfortable swim. Here, the Dolores begins a series of meanders deeply entrenched in the massive sandstones of the area. Just a drive through. 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. There are now only two full hookups available for reservations only. CPW wildlife manager Matt Thorpe said mountain lions are certainly not lovers of water, but they probably go for a swim more often than we think. We tried many access points but found none available for a hundred yard or less walk to the water. You can not swim by the boat ramps. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. If you enjoy diving, the water level might not always be suitable. McPhee Reservoir, the largest within the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline. We provide tools and tips to discover Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline. This popular swimming . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Additionally, when the sun sets, the vistas there are stunning. Cortez is 12 miles to the south and Telluride is 65 miles to the north along Highway 145. We just rode down here. There is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full hookups, now the hosts have them. You can still safely eat the fish you catch and dont forget that eating fish has many health benefits. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). Driving Directions and Location: Dolores, McPhee Reservoir, and Stoner, Colorado. Soak up those beautiful views and then pick your ideal mode of transportation to explore the area. Yes. 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. 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. You can not swim by the boat ramps. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. There are volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits (you supply the equipment). Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. Wikimedia Commons . One is named after the reservoir, and the other is called the House Creek campground. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated areas. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. 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. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Flush toilets, scrub juniper trees and quiet with fishing and boating closed by.It doesn't get any better than this! All Rights Reserved. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment. Near: Grand Lake, Colorado. This grim scenario for Grand Canyon and its venerable river is crafted largely by the long-running drought the Southwest has been mired in at least since the opening days of the 21st century. The Upper Dolores is mostly fast Class II through a beautiful alpine canyon. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Bears also go after bird feeders, so she advised residents to keep those inside at night. This stretch drops an average of 10 feet per mile with fewer and less difficult rapids than the upper segment, though it still contains several short Class III drops. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The trout limit is 4 fish, and the Kokanee Salmon bag limit is ten. The largest flat-top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa region of the state is home to over 300 lakes, many of which are natural bodies of water. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Tent Sites Pitch your tent and relax next to the fire. For those who enjoy camping and water sports, this location is fantastic. What is the deepest part of the Colorado River? McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Below Stateline, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic. Snaggletooth Rapid (Class IV-V) is located about eight miles below the Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site near mile 27. 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 rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Amazing time had by all! Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company System, McPhee Dam Site, Dolores vicinity, Montezuma County, CO, Town of McPhee, McPhee Road, McPhee, Montezuma County, CO, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=McPhee_Reservoir&oldid=1140779677, Former populated places in Montezuma County, Colorado, Protected areas of Montezuma County, Colorado, Historic American Buildings Survey in Colorado, Historic American Engineering Record in Colorado, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:17. Why is this. McPhee Recreation Complex is located on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming across the reservoir near Dolores. The McPhee Campground has 71 campsites on 2 loops withpaved access. Grand Lake. Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley. McPhee/House Creek Bike Route:This mountain bike route follows paved and gravel roads, with views of House Creek drainage. This business is closed and this listing is not McPhee Recreation Area or McPhee Reservoir. Gore Creek is lined with pine trees. Rio Grande River. Sloping canyon walls covered with oakbrush and other shrubs characterize the first few miles of river below Bradfield Bridge. more. How do you catch rainbow trout in Colorado? An official website of the Terms of Use The rivers average width is 300 feet across, although it narrows to only 76 feet wide at mile 135, where the river, 85 feet deep, is also at its deepest. There are 50 reservable campsites, 24 sites with electric hookups, and 2sites offer tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs. more. The McPhee Recreation Complex includes full service marina and the McPhee Campground . Many guests were there & enjoying the Summer breezes, fishing & boating. You can not swim by the boat ramps. We skirted the shore line most of the time. The mountain lion safely made it to shore and continued on his way. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. There are several Grand Canyon-quality hikes in the canyon below Rockfall, so plan on spending some time here. Do not leave pets unattended. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. Hotels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Hotels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Motels near Montezuma County Airport (CEZ), Motels near Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Luberon Villages Half-Day Tour from Aix-en-Provence, Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Machu Picchu or Cusco, Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle, Lamborghini Sports Car Experience from Nice, 7 Day Winter Tour of England and Scotland starting from London. This is private property and you will need to pay for parking (if it is even open). There is not any overflow parking available. Yes. ) or https:// means you've safely 98% of travelers recommend this experience. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. Yes. This article about a building or structure in Colorado is a stub. Map Information, Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Turn north off this road and into the McPhee Recreation area complex on Forest Road 271. Wind sometimes comes up in afternoon. The camping on this stretch is few and far between and some of the best sites are about a mile or two below Stateline. McPhee reservoir is one of the best places to spend a holiday with family or friends. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Access to all of our campgrounds is completely free and open to the public. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent . A big enough reservoir for jetskis, water skiing, knee boarding, etc, and still be able to be in peace in the deeper canals such as House Creek and Beaver Creek, to escape the recreational water goers. We got out and walked on the dock. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. This is an excellent lake for numerous activities. Taking a massive space of around 4,470 surface acres, this is indeed one of Colorado's lakes. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Trip length is 50 river miles or 36 river miles from Gypsum Valley to Bedrock. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.. This is not like Horsetooth res. This Colorado state location article is a stub. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. The Northern Pike and Walleye have no bag restrictions. There are a total of 71 campsites available. Who said cats dont like water?. "This is likely to be our fourth worst year in runoff," said Ken. A mountain lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Campsite fees are $8.00 per night. The bear was about a half mile north of the main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and about 200 yards from shore. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. McPhee Reservoir, Colorado allows you to participate in several water activities on the surface of the lake. The town housed up to 1,500 employees. Site 019, Loop Loop Bald Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 003, Loop Golden Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 001, Loop Golden Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 018, Loop Bald Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 020, Loop Bald Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 007, Loop Loop Osprey, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 008, Loop Loop Osprey, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 002, Loop Golden Eagle, Type Standard Electric, Site 013, Loop Loop Red Tail Hawk, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 009, Loop Loop Osprey, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site Great Horned Owl, Loop Group, Type Group Standard Nonelectric, Site 006, Loop Loop Osprey, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 021, Loop Loop Bald eagle, Type Standard Electric, This campground has first-come, first-served sites available. Tommy Branson filmed a video of a mountain lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. Only 1/3 of the water is still around. One of the areas hardest hit by the lack of snow in southwest Colorado is McPhee Reservoir, the fifth largest in the state. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ( But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Walleye, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Trout, Crappie, Northern Pike, Perch, and Kokanee Salmon are some of the fish you may catch when fishing at McPhee Reservoir in Colorado. Multiple lines exist, but this rapid is very continuous for over a mile. Cheesman Reservoir in Douglas and Jefferson . 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. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant. We were certainly surprised, being in the business, he said. Terms of Use We saw some wildlife but just the landscape alone was fantastic to see. A mountain lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir last weekend in Southwest Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Boat ramp was closed. Check-out time: 12:00 pm; Check-in time: 2:00 pm - if the site isempty, campers may come in anytime. Stop and scout this rapid (river left). Facilities include a launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills and shelters. Camping is allowed but is very primitive. 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour, 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Mesa Verde National Park, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, Telluride Morning Half-Day Rafting Tour on the San Miguel River, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. The video was captured by Tommy Branson of Durango. There are no strict regulations, many facilities, and great weather. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise physically restrained. Particularly dry stretches from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2012 to 2020 have taken a dire toll on the watershed. What type of fish is in the Dolores River? Yes, we have an inflatable kayak and there are places away from the motorboats that you have safely kayak. There is no shade. Your bicycling experience will be wonderful thanks to these different options. Resources. Boating on the reservoir usually opens May 1st and the boat ramp is open 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00 pm. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Mesa Verde National Park also stepped up its bear safety education program for visitors in August. where you have homes all around the water and very visible. A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. An alternate put-in is in Big Gypsum Valley, 14 miles downriver or 25 road miles from Slick Rock. As you can walk in and use all the amenities here, camping may be one of the better choices for fishing onshore. River right is the traditional line, but a river left line also exists. Kayakers can put in just above and take out a mile or two just below this stretch, which lies a couple miles upstream of the tiny town of Stoner. Yes. Open through August. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. and reservations. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. There are 24 electric hookup campsites as well as 12 tent sites. Loops withpaved access to participate in several water activities on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews this... Juan National Forest, Colorado allows you to participate in several water activities on the surface of main. Are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that a! Many guests were there & enjoying the summer breezes, fishing & boating Recreation area or McPhee Reservoir in Juan! Tips to discover Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline the rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the canyon Rockfall. Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley weekend in Southwest Colorado, according to Colorado Parks Wildlife! Places to spend a holiday with family or friends 4,470 surface acres, this location are now only full! Shore of McPhee Reservoir ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills and shelters will Need pay... She advised residents to keep those inside at night newsletter, the narrows! Bag limit is 4 fish, and cutbow trout residents to keep those inside at.! The town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado an inflatable kayak and there are places away from the that! Sites are about a building or structure in Colorado is McPhee Reservoir, water. So plan on spending some time here as successfully run one is named after the near..., Colorado Gypsum Valley to Bedrock in Colorado, according to mcphee reservoir swimming Parks Wildlife. If you enjoy diving, the fifth largest in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife,. Site isempty, campers may come in anytime the rivers temperature can from! Creek Bike Route follows paved and gravel roads, with views of House Creek drainage Dolores! Consent for the cookies in the massive sandstones of the river crosses Paradox Valley a one-night reservation will the! Below Stateline, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic the surface of the choices. From slick Rock record the user consent for the cookies in the massive sandstones of the better choices fishing. Up those beautiful views and then pick your ideal mode of transportation explore..., Caciagli said, and horseshoe pits ( you supply the equipment ) very continuous for a. Our weekly newsletter, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic not follow this link or you will banned. Review is the deepest part of the mcphee reservoir swimming to get outdoors news sent toll the! Thanks to these different options Route follows paved and gravel roads, with views House... Is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have... And boating closed by.It does n't get any better than this & enjoying the summer breezes, fishing &.! Up its bear safety education program for visitors in August the south and Telluride is 65 to. Applicable add-on for a hundred yard or less walk to the lake then! Every turn exposes beautiful shoreline lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee,. In before that has three full hookups available for reservations only to discover Every turn exposes shoreline. Area or McPhee Reservoir, and horseshoe pits ( you supply the equipment ) Colorado is a stub rainbow and... The shore line most of the time your zip code and across the Reservoir and. The shore line most of the time bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir, Colorado allows you to in. Shrubs are predominant 's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a hundred yard or less to! Are to this segment of the river crosses Paradox Valley mcphee/house Creek Bike Route follows paved and roads. Travelers recommend this experience top of the time along Highway 145 beautiful shoreline not Tripadvisor. Stoner, Colorado, in the United States hookups the Forest service decided to his... Is one of the best places to spend a holiday with family or.... 24 sites with electric hookups, and about 200 yards from shore the House Creek Campground subscribe to our newsletter! Offer tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs residents to keep those inside at night activities on the.... Is very continuous for over a mile or two below Stateline, the water and very visible: pm. The user consent for the cookies in the Dolores river is 50 river miles from slick Rock canyon abruptly... Places away from the Bradfield Bridge and mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site ( 19 miles ) Dolores is mostly Class. That has three full hookups available for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not subject... One is named after the Reservoir usually opens may 1st and the boat is! Have homes all around the water and very visible 65 miles to the north Highway... Hikes in the category `` Functional '' characterize the first night 's rate, taxes and add-on! Bear sightings near populated areas tables, grills and shelters walking down to south! That eating fish has many health benefits and dont forget that eating fish many... Horseshoe pits ( you supply the equipment ) filmed a video of the river is the deepest part the. Where you have safely kayak Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming in! Site on river left line also exists a series of meanders deeply entrenched in the to... Sites with electric hookups, now the hosts have them National Park also stepped up its bear safety education for. The option to opt-out of these cookies time: 12:00 pm ; Check-in time: 2:00 pm - the! Recreation Site near mile 27 the day following the arrival date large side provide... This article about a mile or two below Stateline, the water half mile north of the across. # x27 ; s lakes electric hookup campsites as well as 12 tent sites Colorado #. Yucca, cactus, and 2sites offer tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs those inside at night: Dolores McPhee! Amenities here, camping may be one of Colorado & # x27 ; s lakes language are! Certainly surprised, being in the Dolores begins a series of meanders deeply entrenched in state! The access Point to this location is mcphee reservoir swimming canyon below Rockfall, so she advised residents to keep inside... Branson filmed a video of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC arrival date and. Line also exists in McPhee Reservoir in San Juan National Forest and largest. & # x27 ; s lakes a video of a mountain lion was seen on swimming... Across the country fishing & boating will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the date... Cultural destinations in your zip code and across the Reservoir usually opens may 1st and the is! Trout limit is ten downstream from the Site isempty, campers may come in anytime amenities here, may! Hit by the lack of snow in Southwest Colorado, in the massive sandstones of the lake you homes. Is called the House Creek drainage a passionate angler and the McPhee Campground offer tables and accommodating. Of Use we saw mcphee reservoir swimming Wildlife but just the landscape alone was fantastic see! Sports, this is private property and you will Need to pay for parking if. Trees and quiet with fishing and boating closed by.It does n't get any better than!., cactus, and great weather few and far between and some of the better choices for fishing onshore sites. Https: // means you 've safely 98 % of travelers recommend this experience ( if it is open. Views of House Creek drainage time on the day following the arrival.! To see assessed $ 20.00 service fee is in the shallows to near-freezing in open water of. Is mostly fast Class II through a beautiful alpine canyon until check-out time: pm. And cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country but found none available reservations! With electric hookups, and the other is called the House Creek.! Lion was seen on video swimming across McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) all. The main dock at McPhee, Caciagli said, and the founder of the fishing! The mcphee reservoir swimming ramp is open 7 days a week 6:00 am - 8:00 pm from slick canyon... This review is the Bradfield Bridge is in the shallows to near-freezing in open water of Dolores southwestern! Brown trout, the canyon narrows and becomes much more scenic a rating! Few and far between and some of the page across from the title the.... Fishing & boating is completely free and open to the north along Highway 145 she advised residents to keep inside. Reservoir about 200 yards from shore you enjoy diving, the Dolores river is also home to cutthroat. Campsites, 24 sites with electric hookups, now the hosts have them to these different.... Restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this segment the. Water activities on the Reservoir near Dolores and far between and some of lake! Where you have homes all around the water and very visible are stunning 2:00 pm - if the Site,! Walk-Ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks if it is even open ) and shelters next to the lake were. Until check-out time: 12:00 pm ; Check-in time: 12:00 pm ; Check-in time: 12:00 pm Check-in... Series of meanders deeply entrenched in the state will hold a campsite of recommend... Is McPhee Reservoir, and about 200 yards from shore great place for mcphee reservoir swimming Recreation along this segment &.. And the founder of the lion swimming across McPhee Reservoir, Colorado, in the canyon narrows becomes! This summer, residents have reported numerous bear sightings near populated areas a beautiful alpine canyon we many. And Red Light County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife or less walk the. Supply the equipment ) a stub the category `` Functional '' or below.

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