Animas River

Flowing Through the Heart of Durango

The Animas River runs directly through downtown Durango and is one of the area’s most iconic and accessible recreation corridors. Unlike the lakes, the Animas is a moving river system, offering opportunities for rafting, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and riverside recreation.

Popular In-Town Access Points

• Oxbow Park – Scenic access point north side of Durango

• 33rd Street (Limited Parking)- North side of Durango. Heavily used area for commercial guides.

• 29th Street at Memorial Park – Popular for casual floats and fishing access

• Recreation Center (tubing put in) Easy public access; common put-in for short floats and tubing. *Free Parking for tubers and pump station to fill tubes

• 9th Street at Schneider Park – Frequently used take-out point

• Santa Rita Park/Animas Whitewater Park – Central hub for kayakers and spectators

• Cundiff Park

• High Bridge- Take-out point for rafters

• Dallabetta Park

Best Uses by Season

Spring (May–June)

Spring is the peak snowmelt. This means the water will be fast, cold, and high water. This is best for experienced kayakers and commercial rafting. Not recommended for tubing or beginners

Summer (Late June–August)

Summer is the most popular time for tubing, kayaking, and fishing. The water levels are lower but still cold.

Fall

The fall is quieter on the river with lower rapids. This is excellent for fly fishing and tubing. The water levels are low and still cold. 

Key Safety Guidelines

• Always wear a life jacket when floating, tubing, or boating

• Water temperatures remain cold even in mid-summer

• Avoid floating during high spring runoff

• Alcohol increases risk — many accidents involve impairment

• Children and pets should always wear flotation devices

Tubing Safety

• Only tube during low, late-summer flows

• Scout rapids and obstacles in advance

• Use durable river tubes (not pool inflatables)

• Wear footwear to protect feet from rocks

Kayaking & Rafting

• Check river flow data before launching

• Know your skill level and avoid unfamiliar rapids

• Helmets are recommended during higher flows

 

 

Lake Nighthorse

Recreation Right in Durango

Located just about two miles southwest of downtown Durango, Lake Nighthorse is one of the region’s most popular lakes for multi-activity outdoor fun.

Features

• Roughly 1,500 acres of clear mountain water.
• Seasonal access for swimming, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and more (typically spring through fall).
• Rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft are available onsite.

What to Expect

Expect calm morning waters ideal for fishing or SUP, scenic views of surrounding cliffs, and recreation opportunities suitable for all ages. It’s easy to spend a half or full day here relaxing on the shore, swimming off a float, or cruising on a boat.

Best Uses

• Boating & Watercraft: Motorized boats are permitted; explore beyond the swim beach.
• Fishing: Stocked with trout and kokanee salmon — great for anglers.
• Swimming & Family Time: Sandy beaches and swimming zones make this a summer favorite.

Use Fees

• Day use: Approx. $10 per vehicle / $5 per pedestrian or cyclist
• Aqua park: Additional per-session fee (seasonal)
• Fishing license required for ages 16+

Click here for more information.

 

 

Vallecito Reservoir

Classic Colorado Lakeside Adventure

About 18 miles northeast of Durango, Vallecito Reservoir (also called Vallecito Lake) is a large mountain lake surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, offering expansive opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.

Features

• Powerboats are allowed on the water, and rental options include fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and SUPs through a marina on site.
• Home to a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, and northern pike.
• Multiple picnic areas, sandy swim spots, and scenic shoreline make it ideal for families.

• Extensive campgrounds are available along the lake, including Pine Point and Middle Mountain sites.

What to Expect

Vallecito’s clear, cool water and panoramic views are perfect for day trips or extended stays. The lake’s size supports a mix of fast-paced watersports and quieter paddling or fishing outings.

Best Uses

• Boating & Waterskiing: Large open water makes it ideal for motorized boating.
• Fishing & Ice Fishing: Excellent year-round fishery with seasonal ice fishing in winter.
• Picnicking & Camping: Plenty of scenic areas to relax lakeside.

Use Fees

• Day use: Approx. $6 per vehicle
• Boat/recreation permit $12 a day, required for all motorized watercraft
• Non-Motorized Watercraft do not require a separate boat permit but must have the standard recreation permit. 
• Permit Purchase: Available at the Vallecito Resort or the ANS station at the marina.
• Camping: Nightly campground fees apply
• Fishing license required for ages 16+

Click here for more information.

 

 

Lemon Reservoir

Quiet Mountain Water

Less than 20 miles from Durango, Lemon Reservoir is a scenic alpine lake surrounded by forest and mountain views.

Features

• Approximate 612 surface acres with about 10 miles of shoreline.
• Stocked with trout and kokanee salmon for fishing.
• Smaller and more intimate than Vallecito — perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

Best Uses

• Fishing: A top choice for anglers looking for trout in a serene setting.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Calm waters support non-motorized boating and paddling.
• Picnicking & Wildlife Viewing: Quiet coves and undeveloped shoreline attract wildlife.

Use Fees

• No general day-use fee
• Camping fees apply at nearby campgrounds
• Fishing license required for ages 16+

 

 

Haviland Lake

Forest-Backed Mountain Retreat

Located about 18 miles north of Durango in the San Juan National Forest, Haviland Lake is a quieter, scenic mountain lake that’s perfect for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping — all wrapped in forested slopes and views of the Hermosa Cliffs. It’s a great destination if you’re craving peace, wildlife, or a classic Colorado wilderness experience.

Features & Setting

• 80-acre no-wake lake surrounded by ponderosa pine and high-mountain terrain.
• Haviland Lake Campground sits right on the shore, offering 43 sites (many with lake views), picnic areas, fire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets.
• The lake lies at about 8,700 ft elevation, giving it cool summer temps and stunning alpine scenery.
• A network of hiking and multi-use trails circles the lake and extends into the greater Chris Park area.
• What to Do at Haviland Lake
  • Boating & Paddling
    Haviland Lake is a no-motor zone, making it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The calm water and scenic shoreline are perfect for relaxed paddling and exploring quiet coves.
  •  Fishing
    Anglers flock here for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. There’s an accessible fishing dock plus plenty of shoreline spots — just remember a valid Colorado fishing license.

Hiking & Trails

• The Haviland Lake Loop Trail is a popular moderate hike (about 3.8 miles) that starts near the campground and winds through forest and along the water.
• Beyond that, a 9-mile trail network links Haviland Lake with the broader Chris Park Trail System, great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding in summer — and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter.
• Nearby routes like the historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road add historical character and exploration options.

Camping & Picnicking
With lakeside sites shaded by pines and views of the Hermosa Cliffs, the campground is a peaceful base for overnight stays, sunset dinners, and campfires under the stars. Some campsites accommodate RVs up to 45 ft and many have electrical hookups.

Wildlife & Nature Watching

The surrounding forest and lake draw a mix of wildlife, including waterfowl, songbirds, deer, and other montane species — a great spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Swimming

Swimming is allowed, though areas are unmonitored and shoreline access is natural — so expect a rustic, wilderness experience rather than a beach-style swim zone.

What to Expect

• A serene mountain atmosphere, with fewer crowds and a “back-to-nature” feel compared with bigger reservoirs.
• Trails that are well-used through summer (May–October) and turn into snowshoe/cross-country ski routes in winter.
• Basic campground infrastructure — sites, toilets, water — but no large lodges or commercial developments nearby.

Visitor Tips

• Non-motorized lake use only — perfect for paddlers but not for powerboats.
• Pack layers — high-elevation weather can shift quickly, and evenings tend to be cooler.
• Reservations are recommended in the summer months, as lakeside campsites can fill quickly.
• Leave no trace — wildlife habitat and forest resources are protected here.

Use Fees

To access Haviland Lake in 2026, anyone 16 or older must possess one of the following: 

• A Valid Colorado Hunting or Fishing License: An annual or daily license serves as your entry pass.
• A State Wildlife Area (SWA) Pass: If you do not hunt or fish, you must purchase this specific pass ($10 for a day or ~$47 annually). This can be purchased through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
• Camping: Standard Forest Service campground fees

Click here for more information.

 

 

Other Lakes Worth Visiting

Durango’s wider area is dotted with scenic high-mountain lakes that are perfect for day hikes, fishing, and peaceful wilderness escapes:

• Twilight Lake- A small lake located directly across the highway from the entrance to Purgatory Resort. 
• Andrews Lake – A remote mountain lake in the Weminuche Wilderness, ideal for anglers and day hikers.
• Molas & Little Molas Lakes – High-elevation lakes with fishing and trail access in the San Juan Mountains.

 

 

Tips for Visitors

Safety & Regulations

• Boating Regulations: Some lakes (like Nighthorse) allow motorboats; others restrict to non-motorized watercraft. Always check current rules and invasive-species inspections before launching.
• Fishing Licenses: A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.
• Cold Water: Mountain lakes stay cold even in summer — swim with caution.

Best Times to Visit

• Summer (June–August): Peak recreation season for boating, swimming, and fishing.
• Spring & Fall: Cooler temps make hiking and fishing ideal — boating is still good on many lakes.
• Winter: Some lakes freeze for ice fishing and snowshoeing; check seasonal access and safety.

Whether you’re here for boating, casting a line, or just soaking in mountain views, Durango’s lakes offer endless ways to make memories. 

See our Fishing guide for more information on fishing 

See our Camping guide for more information on places to camp.