Lake Nighthorse, just south of Durango, Colorado, is an exceptionally popular destination for fishing, boating, and family fun. Operated by the City of Durango and the Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Nighthorse is a vast reservoir where you can enjoy motor boating, water skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming, and where kids can challenge themselves on the inflatable WiBit Aqua Park.
About Lake Nighthorse
Lake Nighthorse is just a few miles and about 15 minutes from downtown Durango. The Bureau of Reclamation constructed the reservoir in the early 2000s and filled Light Nighthorse
in 2011. The lake covers about 1,500 surface acres and is up to 370 feet deep.
The water that fills Lake Nighthorse comes from the Animas River, the same one that flows from the mountains to the north through Silverton and Durango.
Early in the season, the water temperature can be in the low 50s, then climb during summer into the 70s. Summer afternoons can be windy, and lightning storms are not unexpected, so keep an eye on the weather during your visit.
Activities at Lake Nighthorse
Swim Beach
A section of the waterfront near the parking area is restricted for a swim beach and the Wibit Aqua Park. Families can enjoy picnicking and swimming in this boat-free area. Lifeguards are on duty from early June through Labor Day weekend.
The city contracts with local businesses to enhance recreational opportunities at Lake Nighthorse. One offers full-service beach setup and take-down of everything from umbrellas and chairs to games with three different rental packages.
Note that no pets, fishing, glass containers, alcohol, drugs, and grilling are allowed in the swim beach area.
Looking for a place to walk Fido? Check out the Four Corners’ incredible dog-friendly hiking trails.
Wibit Aqua Park
Fun for kids of all ages, the floating, inflatable Wibit Aqua Park provides an obstacle-course type challenge. Up to 60 people per session can pay $5 each to enjoy the Wibit.
Sign-ups begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Swim Beach building, and sessions can fill up on summer weekends. Everyone using the aqua park must wear a special Wibit life jacket, and kids aged 6 and younger must have an adult with them to play on the Wibit.
Boating
Lake Nighthorse is a great location for many types of boating, from stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks to sailboats and motorboats. Note that from the park opening date in mid-April through early May, the lake is only accessible for non-motorized boats. The lake opens for motorboats beginning May 15.
The areas near shore all around Lake Nighthorse are no-wake zones with a large open use
area for boating and fishing in the central area. In the open use area, boats must travel in a counter-clockwise direction. Wakeless and quiet hours are enforced Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from opening until 10 a.m.
To prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, all watercraft with engines or motors or that are trailered must be inspected. Also, be aware that Lake Nighthorse does not allow jet skis, open-air exhausted boats, or boats with plumbed toilets and sinks.
Authorized vendors offer rental of SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and eFoils, as well as accessible canoe, kayak, and SUP lessons and group outings. Another vendor offers sailing classes and private sailing charters.
Fishing
Lake Nighthorse has been stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon since 2011. The lake is also home to White and Flannelmouth Suckers, Johnny Darters, Fathead Minnows, and Crayfish. The lake has an ADA fishing dock and picnic pavilion at the boat ramp parking area.
Important rules to keep in mind are:
- The bag limit is four trout per day with eight in possession (there are no size limit restrictions).
- The limit on Kokanee Salmon is 10 per day and 10 in possession. Snagging is not allowed.
- Traditional bait is allowed, but not live bait.
- Be aware of posted no-fishing areas.
- Do not put fish entrails in the lake; bag them and put them in the garbage.
- Anglers 16 or older need a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license.
Hours of Operation and Fees at Lake Nighthorse
Hours of operation vary throughout the year at Lake Nighthorse. Based on the 2025 schedule, it is closed beginning mid-November to support wildlife, then re-opens for non-motorized recreation on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only from mid-April through early May.
Daily operation with restricted hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. begins in early May, with motorized recreation returning in the middle of May. Summer hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with lifeguards on duty at the swim beach begin June 1 and continue to September 1.
After September 1, hours are again restricted to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of September, then to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first half of October. From mid-October to early November, until park closure, the lake is again only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
For exact dates, check the Lake Nighthorse website.
Lake Nighthorse is a day-use only facility, and there is no camping available.
Lake Nighthorse Fees
The one-day fee for visiting Lake Nighthorse is $10 per vehicle or $5 for a walk or bike entrance.
However, if you plan to visit many times throughout the season, you may want to consider either a season pass for $80 ($70 for seniors aged 62 or above) or a five-visit punch pass for $40 per vehicle ($30 for seniors or $15 for a walk/bike pass).
Wibit Fees and Hours
The entrance fee does not include Wibit access, which is $5 per person. The Wibit Aqua Park is open with lifeguards on duty from June 1 to September 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are four daily sessions, each of which has a maximum capacity of 60 people. Sessions are one hour and 45 minutes long.
Reservations are made in-person at the Swim Beach building starting at 9:30 a.m. Sessions begin at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Children aged 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and everyone must wear a city-provided Wibit life jacket.
Keeping Lake Nighthorse Safe for Everyone
Lake Nighthorse is in the mountains at an elevation of almost 6,900 feet. Be sure to wear sunscreen, use skin protection like a broad-brimmed hat and UPF clothing, and drink plenty of water while you enjoy the lake.
The following are prohibited at Lake Nighthorse for everyone’s enjoyment and safety:
- Off-road use of vehicles and bicycles
- Alcohol and/or drugs, including marijuana products
- Smoking
- Grills of any kind or fires
- Glass containers
- Unauthorized drone use
- At the boat ramp: swimming, unattended watercraft, or exercising dogs
- Discharging firearms
- Disturbance of archaeological resources
Directions to Lake Nighthorse
Lake Nighthorse is about six miles from downtown Durango at 1795 County Road 210. Travel from downtown will take about 15 minutes point to point. From downtown Durango, take Highway 550 South/Camino del Rio to Highway 160 South, then get on Highway 210.
Follow the signs to the left turn into the Lake Nighthorse entrance. As of August 2025, Apple Maps was directing visitors to a vehicle service yard away from the lake, so it is best to use Google Maps.
Add Lake Nighthorse to Your Plans for Fun in Durango
Lake Nighthorse is the closest lake to downtown Durango and offers fun for people of all ages, including fishing, boating, swimming, playing on the Wibit, picnicking, or making the world’s best sand castle. Be sure to add it to your plans for summertime fun in Durango.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Lake Nighthorse located in Colorado?
A: Lake Nighthorse is southwest of Durango along La Plata County Road 210 in southwest Colorado. The lake is easily accessible from downtown Durango.
Q: What fish species can you catch at Lake Nighthorse?
A: Lake Nighthorse has been stocked since 2011 with Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. It’s one of the few places in Colorado where you can reel in Kokanee Salmon, making it unique for Colorado anglers.
Q: Do you need a fishing license for Lake Nighthorse?
A: Yes, all fishing at Lake Nighthorse requires a Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license for individuals 16 years of age and older. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers.
Q: What are the fishing limits at Lake Nighthorse?
A: The bag limit is four trout per day and eight in possession (no size limit restrictions). Kokanee Salmon limit is 10 per day and 10 in possession. Anglers cannot fish from the boat ramp area.
Q: Are motorized boats allowed on Lake Nighthorse?
A: Colorado Parks and Wildlife has some strict rules that boat owners must follow. The lake is only open part of the year and motorized boats are not allowed during some of those months. Motorized boating is permitted beginning in mid-May. See above for more details.
Q: Can you rent boats or water equipment at Lake Nighthorse?
A: Yes, for those who want to enjoy the water but don’t own a boat, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at the lake.
Q: Is swimming allowed at Lake Nighthorse?
A: Yes, Lake Nighthorse’s swim beach offers swimming with a Wibit Aqua Park for kids. Getting out of the water can be quite cold for some, even on warm days, so be sure to keep a towel nearby. The water temperature can be in the 50s early in the season and warm to the 70s by late summer.
Q: Who manages Lake Nighthorse?
A: The lake is managed by the City of Durango and the Bureau of Reclamation, making it a jointly managed recreational facility.
Q: What activities are available at Lake Nighthorse?
A: Lake Nighthorse offers a plethora of activities, such as water sports, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and picnicking along its pristine shores. This is a mixed-use area with swimmers, boaters, and fishers.
Q: Is Lake Nighthorse accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, there is an ADA fishing dock and pavilion available at Lake Nighthorse, making it accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Q: What makes Lake Nighthorse special for recreation?
A: Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Lake Nighthorse is a true gem of Southwest Colorado. It’s a large reservoir with swimming, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and a boat ramp for ski boats, sailing, and fishing boats. It has the only Wibit Aqua Park in the area.
Q: Can the lake get windy during the day?
A: Yes, it can get windy towards midday. Visitors should be prepared for afternoon wind conditions that are common at mountain lakes. People in non-motorized boats will want to be aware of wind conditions in the afternoon.
Q: Is Lake Nighthorse good for families?
A: Yes, Lake Nighthorse is excellent for families with a water “gym” for kids, multiple recreational activities, and calm water conditions perfect for introducing children to water sports and fishing.
Q: What’s unique about fishing at Lake Nighthorse compared to other Colorado lakes?
A: Lake Nighthorse is an angler’s paradise, stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and is one of the few lakes in Colorado stocked with Kokanee Salmon, making it a premier Kokanee fishing destination in the state. Plus, it has a supervised swim area and Wibit Aqua Park.
