How to spend a day on the water in SW Colorado
When you stay at O-Bar-O, you’ll be able to enjoy your very own cozy cabin, nestled in the heart of the San Juan National Forest. Our location is quiet, quaint, and boasts peaceful seclusion, while still being a short distance from downtown Durango, hiking trails, and lakes.
2018 – 19 provided a long, snow-filled winter. And now that summer has arrived, the warmer temperatures have led to snowmelt, which means great conditions for our local lakes. The water is high and the activities are plentiful this year!
We have good news for those who love a day on the water: O-Bar-O has two beautiful lakes within a stone’s throw from our property. Lemon Reservoir is a quick 5 miles down the road, and the larger Vallecito Reservoir is only 10 miles away. These pristine areas offer great mountain views, fantastic recreational opportunities, and will provide for a lovely day in the great outdoors.
Lemon Reservoir
Spend a day on the water in the Upper Florida Valley at the beautiful Lemon Reservoir. There’s something for everyone in the family to do, between fishing, hiking, biking, or boating.
Fly fishing is popular at this lake, boasting the opportunity to catch brown trout, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Be sure to pack your gear!
This is also a perfect area to try paddle boarding or kayaking! There are plenty of shops in town that offer affordable daily rentals, such as 4 Corner River Sports or Durango River Trippers. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Lemon provides good conditions for sailing and windsurfing as well. There is a boat launch at the north end of the reservoir for various water sports.
Trails around the lake are plentiful and good for hiking and biking. After you’ve tired out, we recommend picnicking at the day-use area and enjoying time among the pines and water.
Vallecito Reservoir
The drive to Vallecito is a few minutes longer, but there is plenty to do at this large recreation area. Take in the sights of the Pine River Valley and enjoy a day on one of the largest bodies of water in Colorado.
Near the lake, there are plenty of hiking trails of various difficulties. Choose from seeing abandoned mining towns, waterfalls, alpine meadows, lakes and more.
Fishing opportunities are abound at Vallecito as well. Fishing near the reservoir, you can catch rainbow, brown trout, and northern pike. Those looking for more of an adventure can hike to different locations with their angling gear for a secluded, tranquil day in nature.
Boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all great options for the day as well. Vallecito is so expansive that you are sure to have a portion of the water all to yourself.
Feel free to pack a lunch or dine at one of the local eateries when you’re feeling hungry. Pura Vida Cafe, Furtrappers Steak House, and The Rusty Shovel Saloon are all fantastic spots to top off your lake day.