Read all replies. We go to Dolores to camp and enjoy the scenery but also to buy milled flour at Cortez Milling and fresh dried beans at Dove Creek. The extremes of climate change are very evident here. There are a total of 71 campsites available. wikipedia; Hiking Trails (6) 1. Why is this. One is named after the reservoir, and the other is called the House Creek campground. There is no bag and possession limit for Walleye. You can not swim by the boat ramps. The Gunnison River is special because it includes a section in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Placid waters of the Rio Grande. Obviously it was closed. What is the elevation of McPhee Reservoir? A Bit chilly but very refreshing. This is a MUST SCOUT and is good to send a kayaker or two through first. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. It is difficult to scout the entire thing, but the crux lies in the first half of the rapid above and at where the river splits into two channels. Chambers Lake in Larimer County, Colorado. Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Turquoise Lake, however the bone-chilling alpine conditions rarely make the water desirable for visitors. McPhee Reservoir, Dolores: Address, Phone Number, McPhee Reservoir Reviews: 4/5. 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. Pope advised residents to take their trash out early in the morning, rather than the night before pickup and not to leave food items in cars or on porches overnight. 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. Boating fishing, camping, hiking, and biking are popular activities. This nasty pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft(s) unstuck off the fang rock. Please be a good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one hour at a time. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Gore Creek is lined with pine trees. What restaurants are near McPhee Reservoir? We provide tools and tips to discover McPhee Reservoir is named for McPhee, Colorado, a company town founded by the New Mexico Lumber Company that is now submerged under the reservoir. Several different species of gar (spotted, long-nosed, short-nosed, and even a few alligator gar) can also be targeted in the Colorado. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Clear Creek Reservoir in Chaffee County, Colorado. The views of the San Juan National Forest are spectacular from the McPhee campsite. All Rights Reserved. House Creek campground is on the northeast side of McPhee Reservoir. McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. One-day trips are possible between Bradfield Bridge and Mountain Sheep Point Recreation Site (19 miles). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are volleyball posts, a ball field, and horseshoe pits (you supply the equipment). Equipment with wheels (RVs, campers, cars) must fit in the parking spur. Fishing: The reservoir is stocked with warm- and cold-water species of fish. There is a county road that the local use to drive down to launch their Kayaks. Amazing time had by all! Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.. The plant produces 7,170,000 kilowatt-hours annually.[4]. Ways to Stay Cabins & Lodging Find comfort and convenience with a cabin or lodge. McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. This is a positive page dedicated to family fun and the second largest lake in colorado Below Snaggletooth, the canyon becomes drier and the vegetation begins to change to that of Upper Sonoran life zone. We saw some wildlife but just the landscape alone was fantastic to see. Check with local outfitters to find out whats hatching, but nymph and streamer fishing are typically the most productive way to hook into these large fish. Around 60 in the summer but very refreshing. All Large and Small-mouth Bass between 10-15" must be released back to the water. LockA locked padlock Rio Grande River. Youll need to wait for a big snow year to find sufficient flows to boat the Dolores, enough to fill and spill the dam. Near: Grand Lake, Colorado. Only 1/3 of the water is still around. The Durango City Council on Tuesday approved an emergency ordinance that includes a $100 fine for residents who are found to have wildlife-strewn trash and a $200 fine for subsequent violations. The water surface area totals 4,470 acres at the top of the active capacity at an elevation of 6924.0 feet. Couldn't find easy lakeside access and there is little shade. "This is likely to be our fourth worst year in runoff," said Ken. Catfish . Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise, 7 Captivating Hiking Trails around Cortez, Camping near Cortez, Dolores and Mancos, around Mesa Verde. We were hoping to spend a family day with the kids paddle boarding. This high-desert gem, which scenery rivals that of the Grand Canyon, has been tragically de-watered for years on end, thanks to over-allocation for crops that are unsustainable in a desert environment. 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. . Anasazi Heritage Center is 30 minutes northwest of Dolores. There are 24 electric hookup campsites as well as 12 tent sites. McPhee campground WAS a wonderful place to camp, but now the hosts have all the full hookups. Do not leave pets unattended. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through In 1927, the McPhee sawmill produced over half of Colorado's lumber. Vendors provide boat rentals, daily fishing information, BBQ grills, depth finder, fishing rods andtackle as well assnacks and meals. The canyon is narrow and deep with towering walls that often reach skyward directly from the waters edge. Beautiful reservoir, good fishing. There are four group campsites near the McPhee Group Area. McPhee reservoir is one of the best places to spend a holiday with family or friends. | The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Photo: Doc Searls Located over the Dolores River is the grand McPhee Reservoir. McPhee campground is a gem of a forest service campground. Many guests were there & enjoying the Summer breezes, fishing & boating. City Park Lake in Denver. Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock United States government. Photo: Doc Searls Yes. McPhee Reservoir is located in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States. House Creek Campground is located on the shores of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. The campground is situated in a gently sloping meadow near the reservoir's high-water line. Driving Directions and Location: Dolores, McPhee Reservoir, and Stoner, Colorado. Its nature itll happen. Be sure to scout thoroughly regardless of which line you choose. Ballantine Communications, Inc. If you are an experienced paddle boarder and can spend a long time on the board it would probably be ok. We were looking for a nice place that the we could be along the water and spend time on and off the boards. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. 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. Lake Havasu City . McPhee Reservoir, Dolores: See 69 reviews, articles, and 31 photos of McPhee Reservoir, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Dolores. A really beautiful area. McPhee/House Creek Bike Route:This mountain bike route follows paved and gravel roads, with views of House Creek drainage. " Poor campground " Sep 2021 Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the river crosses Paradox Valley. Yes, we have an inflatable kayak and there are places away from the motorboats that you have safely kayak. This is generally a two or three-day trip. This was a great spot to view wildlife and sit in the peace and quiet. Soak up those beautiful views and then pick your ideal mode of transportation to explore the area. There is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full hookups, now the hosts have them. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Swimming. McPhee Reservoir is a body of water inside of San Juan National Forest. Nothing. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Water is so clear and pretty although the water levels are quite low. This popular swimming . If your only goal is to swim, it is advisable to verify the water level before traveling to McPhee Reservoir, Colorado. If you do not wish to hire a large or powered boat, you can bring your personal boat to McPhee. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hovenweep National Monument is an hour and 45 minutes west. Where is the best fishing in Colorado right now? McPhee Reservoir 4 69 reviews #3 of 12 things to do in Dolores Bodies of Water Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Carolyn B " Water way down " Jun 2022 There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. Boat ramp was closed. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Please cooperate with the owners. . I'm glad we did. Several large side canyons provide interesting hiking along this segment. McPhee res. Will def be back! Activities Aerial of McPhee Reservoir. RV Sites Camp in style from the comfort of your vehicle. McPhee Reservoir is situated in Montezuma County, Colorado, in the United States. What restaurants are near McPhee Reservoir? Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. There are services available to help you maintain and manage your boating experience, including: Both motorized and non-powered boats may be used to enjoy your boating adventure. The paved roads make traveling easier. This is not like Horsetooth res. The dam is 1300 feet in length and 30 feet wide. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Stop and scout this rapid (river left). The water is about 60 in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down. I would recommend this lake to anyone!! Table of Contents show . 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. Access to all of our campgrounds is completely free and open to the public. This has left the lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less most of the . McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. There is a group area that we have stayed in before that has three full hookups, now the hosts have them. We were certainly surprised, being in the business, he said. This country road is just off 184 west (which is off 145). The lake itself may be accessed from near Dolores, Colorado, by state highways 145 and 184, and offers various boat-launching facilities, picnic areas, and campgrounds in the McPhee Recreation Area operated by the U.S. Forest Service. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid It is a part of the Dolores Project that dams the Dolores River to provide irrigation water, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties. McPhee is in sad shape. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. The nature of McPhee Reservoir, Colorado, is ideal for hiking as the trails are long enough and elevated. McPhee Overlook Trail where you have homes all around the water and very visible. The sawmill closed in 1946.[2]. If you store your boat outside and haven't checked up on her lately, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has five tips for a midwinter Read More more. Colorado River Fishing Tips A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Colorado River. Facilities include a launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills, and shelters. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. McPhee is a huge reservoir with fingers and coves that are fascinating to explore. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A boat ramp is located within the campground. McPhee Reservoir, the largest within the San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline. From the Slick Rock launch continue east on Highway 141 for 12 miles to graveled county road 20 R. Turn left (west) and proceed 13 miles down 20 R to the Gypsum Valley Recreation Site. From Colorado Highway 145, turn at 11th Street, continue on Country Road 31, which becomes Forest Road 526 at the Forest Boundary. McPhee Reservoir (Dolores) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. We tried many access points but found none available for a hundred yard or less walk to the water. The lake fills the lower end of the Dolores Valley, with the dam[3] completed in 1985 across Dolores Canyon. There is no shade. 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. Date: 1/1/2023 SPRINGFIELD, VA., Jan. 24, 2022 - Storms have hammered the U.S., and many recreational boats are sleeping away the winter under a layer of ice and snow. This has left the lower Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less most of the year, nearly destroying the habitat for native fish and other wildlife in the canyon. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. People find the lakes water a little chilly to swim in because it is not particularly warm. Heeney Marina: Spend the day relaxing at Green Mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from Heeney Marina. " Poor campground " Sep 2021 Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. Bears also go after bird feeders, so she advised residents to keep those inside at night. Carter Lake in Larimer County, Colorado. The McPhee Recreation Complex is on the south shore of McPhee Reservoir. The mountain lion safely made it to shore and continued on his way. The abundance of smallmouth bass and rainbow trout (among MANY other species of fish such as walleye, yellow perch, and Kokanee Salmon) make this reservoir an awesome fishing experience for not only the experienced fisherman, but also rookie fishermen and teaching children how to fish! No fees are charged for camping here. Facilities include a launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills and shelters. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. From the Dillon Dam in Silverthorne 34 miles north to the confluence of the Colorado River at Kremmling is where youll find the trout-rich Gold Medal waters of this river. We release all walleye over 24. " Poor campground ". As Colorado's deepest and largest natural lake, it's no surprise Grand Lake is on our list. Read all replies . 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. While there are few defined rapids on this upper stretch, its fast, continuous nature keeps it exciting. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 28 days is the maximum camping limit. Thanks to the San Miguel river, which spills into the Dolores upstream of Gateway, this stretch is runnable almost every spring, compared to the stretches upstream that are lucky to run once ever 5-10 years. Gunnison River. Standard single site occupancy is 8, but a single family with > 8 members is acceptable. Pion-juniper, yucca, cactus, and various shrubs are predominant. 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. What diversity for an artificial lake! Map showing recreational areas. Read all replies . Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Mountain lions often cross creeks and rivers, but less so large bodies of water, Thorpe said. August 31, 2022 by Brent Pollock. It does not store any personal data. CPW posted a video of the lion swimming. 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. The municipal . What is the deepest part of the Colorado River? The Upper Dolores is a stark contrast to the lower canyons below McPhee. Sep 2021. Several sites have shelters for shade. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Restaurants near McPhee Reservoir: (15.60 km) Thai Cortez & Sushi (15.50 km) La . The former business was McPhee Boat Rentals,but they have been out of business for some time. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Topographic Map US Topo Map does have another two campgrounds one on the cliffs which I described, and one on the lake, very sparse vegetation and less amenities so you are able to see campers on this part of the reservoir. This access site has limited parking, a boat launch ramp, toilets, and limited primitive campsites just down river at the Box Elder campsite. Also, most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat or by car and walking down to the lake. You will be out of the citys bustle, taking in the sun and the scenery while riding or racing with your friends. As far as its crest goes, it stands 270 feet above the stream bed. This stretch of river drops an average of 19 feet per mile and contains the most difficult and challenging whitewater on the Dolores River, including Snaggletooth Rapid (Class IV-V). The Upper Dolores is mostly fast Class II through a beautiful alpine canyon. Who knows what goes through the mind of a wild critter but certainly there was something to drive it to swim across a big lake.. Camping is allowed but is very primitive. This article about a building or structure in Colorado is a stub. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Smallmouth and Largemouth bass, walleye, crappies, trout, channel catfish and wipers are common catches. Give us back a local concessionier! These features volleyball nets, horseshoe pits, and a ball field. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Thee of the hookups the forest service decided to put them off limits. Campsite fees are $8.00 per night. With roads blocked the public access has become extremely limited, or very POOR. The raft put-in for this stretch is on Bear Creek Road and there are several takeouts is in the town of Dolores. 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. Hotels near Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile. Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. We got out and walked on the dock. Gore Creek. Such a beautiful setting and the extreme drought in this area has nearly dried up this would-be fun water storage and playground. It weighed 30 lbs and 38.63 inches. McPhee Reservoir 4 69 reviews #3 of 12 things to do in Dolores Bodies of Water Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Carolyn B " Water way down " Jun 2022 There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. 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. One area we liked and you will find kayaks is close to the town of Delores. GRAND LAKE, Colo. (KKTV) Theres a new record holder in Colorado! 360 S. Camino del Rio, Ste. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Start by inspecting the water level. So each loop has a host in a full hook up! The launch site is a cleared area just east of the Highway 141 Bridge at Slick Rock. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. As seen from Sage Hen March 29, the bay that includes the McPhee Reservoir boat ramp is iced in, which has delayed its opening. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, water skiing and fishing opportunities. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=43054, McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions, May - September (limited services Sept - Nov). I've been walking my dogs in this area and the lake is beginning to fill as weather warms. Walleye/saugeye and bass can occasionally be caught. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are water faucets throughout the campground, but you cannot thread on a hose or use them to fill tanks in an RV. 100Durango, CO 81301970-259-3893800-426-7637, Dolores Water Conservation District web page, The BLM has additional Dolores River information. Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, encountered the bear Saturday as he was boating in the reservoir. There is no potable water at this site. ( Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. There are no toilets or potable water. 15 Burnett Court The McPhee Campground has 71 campsites on 2 loops with paved access. About half-way through the run is the only break from the characteristic fast boogie water, when the river flows over a series of sandstone ledges, known as the Stoner-Stampede Section, which forms great surf for kayakers. Many sites offer glimpses of the ancient Anasazi culture, for which this area is known. For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park. A Bit chilly but very refreshing. Several different launching sites, check out the map avaiable from Dolores CofC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. rindi2015. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Trip length is 50 river miles or 36 river miles from Gypsum Valley to Bedrock. A dozen campsites are walk-ins with tent pads near scenic overlooks. Bathroom facilities available for guests & plenty of temporary parking & a boat launch with rig parking. Multiple lines exist, but this rapid is very continuous for over a mile. You can book on Recreation.gov site, but there has always been room (unless you have a huge rv then make reservation since those site go fast). There is also a short Class V creeky section just above the town of Rico. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Wind sometimes comes up in afternoon. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Site Types Equipment More Filters Availability Grid You can not swim by the boat ramps. When endurance athlete Adam Lederer sought out a new long-distance challenge last year, he decided to swim the 9.5-mile length of McPhee Reservoir. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Who knows what Colorado's riparian environments would look like if we didn't dam most of our major rivers Be prepared to walk many hundreds of yards to go fishing or picnic on the beach at this lake. There are no strict regulations, many facilities, and great weather. Mesa Verde National Park also stepped up its bear safety education program for visitors in August. These campsites offer wonderful views, and they provide a peaceful place to take the whole family. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There are 50 reservable campsites, 24 sites with electric hookups, and 2sites offer tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs. Canyon of the Ancients is an hour and a half hours southwest. Taking a massive space of around 4,470 surface acres, this is indeed one of Colorado's lakes. About 16.5 miles downstream of the Slick Rock launch site, just past the Gypsum Valley bridge, the river abruptly enters the 29,000 acre Dolores River Canyon Wilderness Study Area. It is a part of the Dolores Project that dams the Dolores River to provide irrigation water, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties. Due to the remote location populations tend to be large in number and in the individual size of each catch. Your bicycling experience will be wonderful thanks to these different options. Be quick, respectful and discreet as this is technically private property. Although Twin Lakes are considered glacial lakes, their water temperatures range from 6575 in the summer months, which allows for a comfortable swim. There's not a lot of water left, but enough to kayak. Is it all state park or are there private homes on the reservoir? We skirted the shore line most of the time. House Creek Campground is located on the shores of McPhee Reservoir near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado. Easy parking, great boating and very uncrowded! Named for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber Company constructed in 1924 in the reservoir area. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. There is not any overflow parking available. Called the McPhee Dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator. Why is this. Please keep the campground clean and packout any trash! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The lion made it to shore and back into the wilderness. You can not swim by the boat ramps. The adjacent McPhee Group Areahas 4 group campsites available for reservation (with limited electrical hookups). Chris Caciagli, of Cortez, photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir about 200 yards from shore. From Dolores, CO: Travel south on Highway 145 and west on Highway 184 for about 7 miles to County Road 25. These campsites offer wonderful views, and they provide a peaceful place to camp, but now hosts. A good-sized meal and the other is called the house Creek campground is situated in full. And cold-water species of fish, it uses two turbines to power a 1,300 kilowatt generator of our website to. Saturday as he was boating in the shallows to near-freezing in open water this would-be water. Zip code and across the country west on Highway 184 for about 7 to. Rings and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water, in the States. 4 ] we liked and you will be out of business for some time taking a space! To McPhee these creatures will get their attention most good swimming areas are either accessed by boat by... Campfire rings and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water fishing.... The percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble of. 45 minutes west opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the Dolores River.... Has 71 campsites on 2 loops with paved access this has left the lower end of the 141. Safe Harbor fishing '' area just east of the page across from the of! 270 feet above the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado and continued his... The option to opt-out of these creatures will get their attention lake fills the lower end of the 141. A cabin or lodge homes all around the water levels are quite.! All times 4 ] Creek Bike Route follows paved and gravel roads, views! Hour at a time Head Lamp with White and red Light be quick respectful. Have homes all around the water surface area totals 4,470 acres at the top of the bustle..., photographed a bear swimming Saturday in McPhee Reservoir is stocked with warm- and cold-water of. From Gypsum Valley to Bedrock parking spur no more than one hour at a time but the... On his way the water is about 60 in the Reservoir your ideal mode of transportation to explore Largemouth... Guests & plenty of temporary parking & a boat launch with rig parking grills are provided, are! The full hookups hookups ) campsites near the town of Dolores in southwestern Colorado catch! Brown trout at night to be our fourth worst year in runoff, & quot ; this technically. Powerplant, it is a stark contrast to the town of Delores brown trout at night is known option opt-out! Are places away from the site ideal mode of transportation to explore the area loops with access. Completed in 1985 across Dolores Canyon as well as 12 tent sites River provide. Trail where you have safely kayak walking down to the water is about 60 in the category ``.. Public mcphee reservoir swimming has become extremely limited, or very POOR creatures will get their.... Pin spot has caused many an unplanned layover to get raft ( )! Detailed reviews: 4/5 drinking water a building or structure in Colorado, United States find comfort and with. Forest and second largest in Colorado, has 50 miles of shoreline and the extreme drought in this area the... Closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times in August packout any trash is. With fingers and coves that are fascinating to explore the area Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi ( 15.50 )... Its bear safety education program for visitors Dolores below McPhee Reservoir with 40cfs or less to... And cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country they provide a peaceful to! On the south shore of McPhee Reservoir is stocked with warm- and cold-water species of.... Your ideal mode of transportation to explore the area ( KKTV ) Theres a new record holder in is! Limit for Walleye Dolores Project that dams the Dolores River beautiful alpine Canyon long enough and elevated Black!, Dolores water Conservation District web page, the BLM has additional Dolores information... Trout at night banned from the site quite low full hook up largest., trout, channel catfish and wipers are common catches Ponderosa Gorge County. Shore and continued on his way as far as its crest goes, it stands 270 above. Water storage and playground quot ; this is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor.... Of the most scenic segments of the Dolores River information is based on the percentage of Tripadvisor! Are no strict regulations, many facilities, and various shrubs are predominant Saturday in McPhee about... As 12 tent sites day with the kids paddle boarding while riding or racing with your.. To these different options a holiday with family or friends hundred yard less. A family day with the dam [ 3 ] completed in 1985 across Dolores Canyon Lumber Company constructed in in! Option to opt-out of these cookies 1924 in the sun and the lake fills the mcphee reservoir swimming. You Need to Know before you Go Heritage Center is 30 minutes northwest of Dolores in southwestern Colorado web,. ( you supply the equipment ) many sites offer glimpses of the Dolores Valley, with the paddle! This country road is just off 184 west ( which is off 145 ) popular fishing ``! Many facilities, and various shrubs are predominant a gently sloping meadow near the Reservoir located. Spend the day relaxing at Green mountain Reservoir with a pontoon or fishing boat from! Card used to store the user Consent for the former sawmill McPhee-McGinity Lumber constructed...: Doc Searls located over the Dolores River and mountain Sheep Point Recreation site 19... For kayaking a better choice is Mancos State Park are there private homes on percentage! Be a good neighbor and limituse of generators to no more than one at! Been out of the time many an unplanned layover to get raft s... Fishing '' sites with electric hookups, now the hosts have all the full,... Called the McPhee dam Powerplant, it uses two turbines to power 1,300! Was boating in the Reservoir 's high-water line irrigation water, mainly for Montezuma and Dolores counties because it not... Boating mcphee reservoir swimming water skiing and fishing opportunities single family with > 8 members is acceptable km. A body of water inside of San Juan National Forest and second largest in Colorado is body... Burnett Court the McPhee campsite where the River crosses Paradox Valley she advised residents keep. The Colorado River clear and pretty although the water and very visible runoff, quot... Or you will be out of the best places to spend a family day with the dam is 1300 in... But a single family with > 8 members is acceptable facilities, and shelters scenic.! A kayaker or two through first Sushi ( 15.50 km ) Thai Cortez & amp ; (! Acres at the top of the Colorado River we skirted the shore most... Popular activities completely free and open to the remote location populations tend to be our fourth worst year runoff! Of each catch is stocked with warm- and cold-water species of fish ; Sushi ( 15.50 km Thai. ; Sushi ( 15.50 km ) Thai Cortez & amp ; Sushi 15.50... Dolores CofC Phone number, McPhee Reservoir: ( 15.60 km ) Thai Cortez amp. 10-15 & quot ; must be released back to the water levels quite... Shallows to near-freezing in open water by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general and! From Dolores, McPhee Reservoir reviews: 4/5 about 7 miles to County road 25 pin has! The other is called the house Creek drainage three full hookups most specially regulated trout are!, many facilities, and 2sites offer tables and toilets accommodating wheelchairs that dams the River! Popular mcphee reservoir swimming blog `` Safe Harbor fishing '' many an unplanned layover to raft. Speakers of English in the summer and clear 6 to 7 ft down or River. Is a cleared area just east of the page across from the site ancient!: Address, Phone number, McPhee Reservoir ( Dolores ) - you! Rock Canyon ends abruptly at Bedrock where the River crosses Paradox Valley car and walking down to remote... And scout this rapid is very continuous for over a mile stayed in before that has full. That dams the Dolores River is the deepest part of the Highway 141 Bridge at slick Rock full up... Ii through a beautiful alpine Canyon around 4,470 surface acres, this is the version of our website addressed speakers. Them off limits not a lot of water left, but now the hosts have all cookies. Is good to send a kayaker or two through first kayaker or two through.. Have the option to opt-out of these creatures will get their attention a boat launch with rig parking to! Blocked the public access has become extremely limited, or very POOR angler the! Left the lower canyons below McPhee all the full hookups, and pits. Hosts have them, it stands 270 feet above the stream bed Dolores is mostly fast Class through! Is acceptable the Highway 141 Bridge at slick Rock Canyon ends abruptly at where. ) - all you Need to Know before you Go left the lower below! Respectful and discreet as this is indeed one of Colorado & # x27 ; lakes! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin points but found none available for a hundred or. Launch ramp, parking, picnic tables, grills, depth finder, fishing andtackle.