Vallecito Lake

18 Miles from Durango

High Above the Heat and Away from the Crowds

At 7,800 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is the largest body of water at this elevation or higher in Colorado. Our community boasts four year-round restaurants, over one dozen lodging properties (offering cabins and vacation homes), three commercial RV campgrounds, six public campgrounds, and picnic areas around the Lake. With numerous recreation activities and attractions at the Lake and a close proximity to Durango and the Four Corners, Vallecito Lake makes for a perfect basecamp to explore SW Colorado.

Once you've discovered Vallecito Lake as a vacation destination, you'll come back time and again. It's how family vacations used to be - quiet, relaxing, close to nature, lots of time outdoors. As a matter of fact, most of the 300+ locals love it so much they found a way to stay. Discover what we know and love!

Access to the Weminuche Wilderness

Vallecito Lake also serves as an access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness in all of Colorado. Begin your trek on Pine River trails and work your way into the Weminuche. You will be blown away at the lush valley floor and rugged peaks that surround you as you get deeper into the mountains. Or take Vallecito Creek trail and experience the same breathtaking views.

Tour of Carvings

The Tour of Carvings Project is a comeback story of the Vallecito community following the Missionary Ridge Fire of`2002. Between June 9 and July 28, over 70,000 acres were burned at a cost of $40.8 million dollars.