Top 7 Lakes in La Plata County

La Plata County's lakes offer a wide range of water activities. For motorized boating and watersports like waterskiing and tubing, Vallecito Reservoir and Lake Nighthorse are excellent choices. If you prefer non-motorized activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, Haviland Lake is ideal. Fishing is popular across many lakes, including Lemon Reservoir, Electra Lake, and Pastorius Reservoir, which are stocked with various trout species, bass, and salmon. Lake Nighthorse also features a swimming beach and a Wibit Aqua Park.

Yes, several lakes in La Plata County are great for families. Haviland Lake is a frequented recreation area with camping, fishing, and paddle sports. Vallecito Reservoir offers a public sandy beach for swimming and multiple campgrounds. Lake Nighthorse is a day-use area with a swimming beach and an inflatable obstacle course, the Wibit Aqua Park, which is very popular with families.

Anglers have many options in La Plata County. Vallecito Reservoir is known for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Electra Lake is well-stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Haviland Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout and has an accessible fishing dock. Lemon Reservoir and Lake Nighthorse also offer excellent trout and salmon fishing, while Pastorius Reservoir is noted for bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

Yes, camping is a popular activity around the lakes. Vallecito Reservoir has multiple Forest Service and private campgrounds, along with lodging options. The Haviland Lake Campground, operated by the Forest Service, offers tent and RV sites, some with electrical hookups. Lemon Reservoir also provides camping opportunities, and Taylor Lake has great spots for camping with mountain views.

Many lakes in La Plata County feature nearby hiking opportunities. Electra Lake has a public hiking trail encircling it. Haviland Lake is surrounded by trails winding through aspen groves and pine forests. For an easy hike to a scenic spot, Taylor Lake is accessible via a short, easy hike from Kennebec Pass. You can also explore various trails near the lakes by checking out the Easy hikes in La Plata County guide.

For those interested in motorized boating, Vallecito Reservoir is a wake-friendly reservoir that permits motorized boats. Lake Nighthorse also allows both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Electra Lake permits boating with specific fees.

The lakes are set against stunning natural backdrops. Around Vallecito Reservoir, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Weminuche Wilderness peaks and discover the 'Tour of Carvings,' sculptures made from fallen ponderosa pine trees. Haviland Lake offers views of the Hermosa Cliffs and is excellent for birdwatching. Taylor Lake provides beautiful mountain views, especially during the June and July flower blooms, making it a great spot for photography.

While popular lakes like Vallecito and Haviland can attract visitors, exploring lakes like Pastorius Reservoir or taking the short hike to Taylor Lake might offer a more tranquil experience, especially during off-peak times. Electra Lake, being privately owned with a fee for access, can also sometimes feel less crowded than public reservoirs.

The best time to visit the lakes in La Plata County largely depends on your desired activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for watersports, swimming, and camping, with pleasant weather. Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, perfect for hiking and fishing. Winter provides opportunities for ice fishing at lakes like Vallecito Reservoir.

Yes, the region around La Plata County's lakes offers excellent cycling opportunities. Lemon Reservoir is a popular spot for biking, with a road that is paved for most of its length. The west shore of Vallecito Reservoir also has a paved road suitable for biking. For more extensive cycling adventures, you can explore the Gravel biking in La Plata County guide or the MTB Trails in La Plata County guide.

Haviland Lake is noted for having an accessible fishing dock, making it a good option for visitors with mobility challenges who wish to enjoy fishing. Many areas around the larger reservoirs also have paved access points and facilities.

The lakes are nestled within the San Juan National Forest, providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Birdwatching is particularly popular around Haviland Lake, where a wide variety of bird species can be found. You might also spot deer, elk, and other forest animals, especially during quieter times of day or in less crowded areas.