Asked what brings visitors to Mancos State Park in southern Colorado near Mesa Verde, the ranger’s immediate response is “fishing!”
But this gem of a state park offers much more than that.
While Mancos State Park fishing is popular for those looking to snag stocked Rainbow Trout and Yellow Perch, this no-wake lake surrounded by a Ponderosa Pine forest also provides a peaceful escape into nature. The quiet park only hosts about 100 visitors a week, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.
Mancos State Park Activities
Mancos State Park encompasses 570 land acres and Jackson Gulch Reservoir, which is within the park, offers 216 surface acres of water for boating, paddle boarding, and fishing.
Mancos State Park’s elevation is about 7,800 feet above sea level, so allow yourself time to acclimate to the altitude and to drink plenty of water.
Mancos State Park Fishing & Wildlife Watching
Fishing is popular year-round at Mancos State Park, including winter ice fishing. Fishing licenses are available at the visitor center or online at cpwshop.com.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, Prairie Rattlesnakes, and many species of birds.
Bald Eagles and other raptors make their summer home here and ospreys can be seen fishing at the reservoir.
Up to seven species of owls may be heard calling while they hunt at night. The park’s bird list also includes migratory warblers, gulls, waterfowl, flycatchers, and many others.
Pick up a copy of the bird species checklist at the visitor center.
Be Bear Aware
Black bears, which can be blonde, cinnamon, or brown, can be found at Mancos State Park. They are generally active from mid-March through early November.
When camping, make use of the provided bear boxes to store food and anything that may smell like food. Bears are looking for easy meals, so make sure that you don’t provide one. Get rid of trash in the provided garbage receptacles.
The Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s “Living with Bears” brochure says, “If a bear comes near your home, do your best to chase it away.
Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach or corner a bear.” Another vital piece of advice is to never come between a mother bear and her cub.
The brochure also says, “Even though black bears are not naturally aggressive and seldom attack or injure people, they are still strong, powerful animals. A bear intent on getting a meal could injure someone who gets in its way.”
It’s important that everyone do their part to keep bears from becoming habituated to people. Bears that lose their fear of humans must be relocated or even destroyed.
Boating
Jackson Gulch Reservoir is perfect for water travel by kayak, canoe, and stand up paddleboards. Powered boats are allowed, but cannot create a wake. It makes sense, then, that water skiing is prohibited. Swimming is not allowed at the park.
When you’re looking to take a dip, Navajo Lake is the one of the best places for swimming and boating in the Four Corners region.
A concrete boat ramp is on the southeast side of the reservoir near the visitor center and boats must be inspected prior to launch. Life jackets must be worn by anyone younger than 13 and can be borrowed at the visitor center.
Camping
There are 32 campsites at the park, although none offer RV hookups and the park does not have showers. Most sites are in the Main Campground on the south side, and there are nine campsites for tents or small trailers on the northwest side of the reservoir (the West Campground).
Campsite 24 is ADA accessible. The park allows vans and campers that fit within its spaces, but promotes it as a great spot for tent camping. The longest driveways in the park are 40 feet long, with mostly back-in and a few pull-through spots.
Water is available only on the south side of the reservoir near the Main Campground. Campers can fill containers or their camper’s water tank at a spigot near the dump station or at the other spigot within the Main Campground. There are vault toilets throughout the park and a flush toilet and sink at the visitor center restroom.
A special opportunity at Mancos State Park is camping in one of the two comfy yurts in the Main Campground. These circular, vinyl-impregnated canvas tents can even be heated in winter.
Make your Mancos State Park camping reservations for a campsite or yurt at cpwshop.com.
Hiking, Horseback Riding, & Mountain Biking
Those looking to take a hike at Mancos State Park can enjoy five miles of trails that allow you to circumnavigate Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
Chicken Creek Trail connects with additional trails on U.S. Forest Service land, plus there is a trail that connects to the Colorado Trail, which goes from Mancos to Denver. Other interconnected trails within the park are:
- Black Bear, a two-mile moderate trail
- Horseshoe, a 0.8-mile easy trail
- Mountain Lion, another 0.8-mile easy trail
- Mule Deer, which begins near the visitor center, an easy one-mile trail
- Nature Trail, an easy 0.2-mile trail
The trails are also open for mountain biking and horseback riding (a local stable has a joint-use agreement with the park and leads trail rides through it).
Keep in mind when using a multi-use trail that both hikers and bikers should yield the right of way to horses. Avoid sudden movements when around horses.
Cyclists should also yield to hikers. Communicate with others when passing to avoid problems. “On your left” is used by cyclists passing hikers or other cyclists as a warning that they are approaching from behind.
Pick up the Mancos State Park trail map and brochure in the visitor center.
Picnicking
If you’re making a day trip to Mancos State Park, 12 picnic sites with grills are available. Pick a spot under the trees and enjoy hiking, birdwatching, paddling, or fishing while you’re there.
A group picnic area can be reserved for large groups like family reunions. There’s a volleyball court next to the picnic area, both of which are near the visitor center.
Winter Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities in winter, Mancos State Park has you covered with ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can camp in winter in the Main Campground on the south side of the reservoir.
You can camp in comfort by reserving one of the two heated yurts. The nine sites in the West Campground are closed in winter.
Pet Friendly Colorado Camping & Hiking
Your leashed dog is welcome in the campgrounds and on the trails at Mancos State Park. Be sure not to let your pet chase wildlife or startle horses on the trails.
Visitor Center & Mancos State Park Fees
The visitor center at Mancos State Park is near the entrance and is open Friday through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here you can pick up brochures, get a Junior Ranger booklet, and pay your park and fishing license fees.
The visitor center also lends out volleyballs, bocce balls, horseshoes, fishing poles, footballs, baseballs, Frisbees, and badminton equipment to help make your visit more fun.
The entrance fee for Mancos State Park is $10 per vehicle or $4 per person coming on foot or by bicycle.
A free day is offered each year in early August in honor of Colorado statehood and for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day.
Campsites are $22 per night.
What To Do Nearby & Directions to Mancos State Park
Mancos State Park is the gateway to many local adventures. Mesa Verde National Park’s entrance is just 12 miles away. Dolores, where you can visit the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, is 20 miles northwest of Mancos.
Durango is about 27 miles east of Mancos and is the jumping-off point for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Mancos State Park is located at 42545 Road N, Mancos, Colorado. To get there from Highway 160, take Highway 184 for a quarter mile. Then turn right on Country Road 42 east and travel for just over four miles before turning left into the Park on County Road N.
Note that the park’s website says that Country Road 42 is gravel after the first mile, but it is paved up to and beyond County Road N. County Road N, however, is unpaved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Mancos State Park located in Colorado?
A: Mancos State Park is located in southwest Colorado, approximately 5 miles north of Mancos in Montezuma County. The park sits along Jackson Gulch Reservoir and is about 12 miles from Mesa Verde National Park.
Q: What fish species can you catch at Mancos State Park?
A: Mancos State Park offers excellent fishing for Yellow Perch and Rainbow Trout, with some Brown Trout also available in Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
The 225-acre lake provides year-round fishing opportunities. The daily fish limit is four trout per person per day. There are no limits on the number of Yellow Perch that can be caught.
Q: How many campsites are available at Mancos State Park?
A: Mancos State Park features 32 campsites located on two sides of the lake, plus two heated yurts that are available year-round for camping.
Q: Do you need reservations for camping at Mancos State Park?
A: Camping reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months and for yurt rentals. You can make reservations through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system.
Q: What winter activities are available at Mancos State Park?
A: Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing. The park maintains plowed access roads, and heated yurts are available during winter months.
Q: Are boats allowed on Jackson Gulch Reservoir?
A: Yes, wakeless boats, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and boats with electric motors are allowed on the 216-acre reservoir. Gas motors are not permitted.
Q: Is Mancos State Park a good base for visiting Mesa Verde?
A: Yes, Mancos State Park is centrally located and makes an excellent base for daily outings to Mesa Verde, Durango, and the nearby San Juan National Forest. Mesa Verde National Park is only 12 miles away.
Q: What are the yurts like at Mancos State Park?
A: The park offers two heated yurts that are open in winter and available year-round. These provide comfortable camping accommodations with heating for cold weather visits.
Q: When did Mancos become a Colorado state park?
A: Mancos became part of the Colorado State Parks system in 1987 and has been serving as southwest Colorado’s premier fishing destination ever since.
Q: Do you need a Colorado fishing license at Mancos State Park?
A: Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years and older fishing at Jackson Gulch Reservoir within Mancos State Park.
Q: Is Mancos State Park open year-round?
A: Yes, Mancos State Park is open year-round with activities for every season. Winter access is maintained with plowed roads to accommodate winter recreation.
Q: What makes Mancos State Park special for fishing?
A: Located near the beautiful San Juan Skyway and surrounded by the majestic San Juan mountain range, Mancos State Park is southwest Colorado’s go-to spot for fishing, offering consistent year-round fishing opportunities.
Q: How far is Mancos State Park from major Colorado attractions?
A: The park is strategically located near several major attractions: 12 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, about 30 miles from Durango, and positioned along the scenic San Juan Skyway driving route.
Q: Are pets allowed at Mancos State Park?
A: Pets are generally allowed at Colorado State Parks, including Mancos, but must be kept on leash and under control. Check current park regulations for specific pet policies and any seasonal restrictions.
Story by C. Fallstead
