Lizard Head Wilderness Area
www.coloradowilderness.com
16 miles, 25 minutes
Lizard Head boasts 41,193 acres of high-altitude hiking and some of the Southwest’s
most rugged and pristine mountain areas. Three 14,000-foot peaks and the Lizard
Head monolith are outstanding natural landmarks. No vehicles or mountain bikes
are allowed in wilderness areas. Check with the forest service (970.327.4261)
for further use and camping restrictions.
McPhee Recreation Area
www.recreation.gov
65 miles, 1.5 hours
Fishing, picnicking, hiking, boating and camping are available year-round at
McPhee, with water-skiing in the summer. For campers, there are 76 sites, hookups,
restrooms, showers, dump station, boat ramp. $12-45. Twenty-five sites accept
reservations: Call Reserve America at 877.444.6777 more than five days in advance.
Miramonte Reservoir
45 miles, 1 hour
Miramonte has 40 sites for campers. Handicapped-accessible fishing pier, boat
dock and toilets are on site. Water-skiing and windsurfing allowed between 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. Stocked with 90,000 fish annually. 14-day camping limit. Reservations
not necessary for camping. Free. For more information, call the Division of Wildlife: 970.252.6000.
Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area
www.coloradowilderness.com
Named after 14,150-foot Mt. Sneffels and nestled between Ouray, Ridgway and
Telluride,
Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area encompasses 16,565 acres. Within its boundaries
are stunning day hikes: Blue Lakes Trail and Sneffels Highline (see page 39)
and the popular ascent of its namesake and other peaks. No vehicles or mountain
bikes are allowed in wilderness areas. Check with the forest service (970.327.4261)
for further use and camping restrictions.
Ridgway Reservoir
46 miles, 1 hour
The Ridgway Reservoir offers 283 campsites, hookups, showers, restrooms, dump
station, laundry, marina, food, swimming, picnic tables, boat rental, water-skiing,
jetskiing, fishing, interpretive programs, 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking
trails. Handicap-accessible. $14-22 per site, per day.
For reservations, call Colorado State Parks, 800.678.2267.
San Juan & Uncompahgre National Forests
www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/
The Telluride region’s national forests offer a wide range of outdoor
recreation including hiking, camping, jeeping, horseback riding, boating, fishing,
hunting and biking. Ranger stations are in Norwood (970.327.4261) and Dolores
(970.882.7296).
Yankee Boy Basin
www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/
17 miles round-trip from Ouray, 2 to 3 hours
Known for its spectacular alpine scenery, abundant wildflowers, waterfalls and historic mining sites, Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most photographed sites in the Uncompahgre National Forest. A steep and rocky 4x4 road approaches from Ouray or can be intercepted from Telluride via Imogene pass. This route also accesses the trail to mt. Sneffels. Approximately 0.3 mile south of Ouray, at a bend in U.S. 550 (the San Juan Skyway/Million Dollar Highway), turn south onto County Road 361 (Camp Bird Road) at the sign for Yankee Boy Basin.
