Local lakes are starting to open to boating.
The Ridgway State Park reservoir is open to boating for the season, reports Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There is no ice around the boat ramp; however, some may encounter ice at the buoys and boat slips.
Mandatory boat inspections for aquatic nuisance species are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CPW also is developing a master trails plan for Ridgway State Park, and public comment is sought for guidance on potential improvements and developments.
“The more diverse input we receive, the better it is going to be for the park resources and visitors of Ridgway State Park,” said park manager Kirstin Copeland in a news release. “We really want to hear from everyone who likes to use the park to get a sense of what can be made better and more accessible to a variety of users.”
Projects considered include improved connectivity between sections of the park and and campgrounds to trails. CPW also is considering updating signage around park trails.
Accessibility to trails for all park visitors is a priority. Staunton State Park has implemented a track-chair program to provide opportunities for people with disabilities. A track-chair program also is planned at Ridgway State Park.
“We are looking at everything from trailhead development to trail reconstruction,” said CPW Southwest Region Trails Coordinator Josh Stoudt. “Our trail users and their needs are different now than in previous generations. ... A big part of that is making sure we do our due diligence to bring in the diverse viewpoints of the public to get a clear picture of current use and what people want to see in the future.”
To complete the online survey, go to: https://bit.ly/36aWM8V. For information on Ridgway State Park trails, visit the trail webpage.
Lake Nighthorse will open to the public beginning April 1 with nonmotorized recreation Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Motorized boating will begin May 15, and boat inspections are required.
Purchasing season passes or five-punch passes can be done online in advance. Then, simply pick up a season pass decal on the first visit to the lake. Five-punch passes are digital so no decal pick up is necessary. Lake users who want to purchase a 2022 season pass in person should visit the Durango Community Recreation Center located at 2700 Main Ave. in Durango.
The McPhee Reservoir boat ramp opens on April 16.
Boat ramp hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 30. From May 1 to Sept. 19 hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 31 hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The House Creek boat ramp at McPhee Reservoir will run May 1 until Oct. 2. The ramp is open Friday through Monday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species is required for all motorized and trailered boats.
Boaters who need a full inspection and decontamination are asked to visit the lake on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowd. Boaters who have tags from last year’s inspections on McPhee may enter the lake more quickly than boaters who need inspections.
For information, visit the San Juan National Forest Boating webpage or contact the Dolores Ranger District at (970) 882-7296.
There will not be a whitewater boating release this year from McPhee Dam to the Lower Dolores River.
The Groundhog Lake store and boat ramp will open May 15. Boat inspections are required for motorized and trailered boats. Shore fishing will be available before that date once the ice melts and the Dolores-Norwood road is opened by Dolores County.
The Navajo Lake boat ramp and boat inspection station are closed.
The boat ramp opening at Navajo has been delayed because of mud damage, according to the Navajo State Park Facebook page.
Removal of 675 tons of mud has revealed damage to the ramp. Areas will be repaired so they can be driven on. Damage in other areas has made portions of the ramp unusable for launching and retrieving boats, and the areas will be closed or barricaded off. Lake managers are removing slip fingers from the main marina dock to open up additional lanes to launch and retrieve boats.
There is no date yet for the opening of the boat ramp at Summit Lake State Park, said John Livingston, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman.
On March 23, the ice was 14 inches and covered the entire lake, but was beginning to deteriorate.
“Right now, we simply don’t know when it will be safe to open for boating,” Livingston said.
