Love your dog and love to have fun in the snow? Want to have some fun away from the crowds? The Vallecito Nordic trailhead is a great option for you, your dog, and the whole family.
On the east side of Vallecito Lake at the Old Timers Campground, near the towns of Bayfield and Durango, there is a groomed ski trail available for you to use throughout the winter season, free of charge. The trail base is the road that runs along the east side of the lake. In the summer it’s used to access campgrounds and summer trails.
During the winter, the road remains un-plowed past the winter trailhead and becomes a groomed ski trail. Other trails created by adventuresome individuals, jump off or intersect the main groomed trail at various points. In total, there are about 15 kilometers (approximately 9 miles) of groomed and ungroomed trails to ski or snowshoe on.
Cross country skiing in Durango
Although there are many maintained nordic trail systems in Colorado, this one is unique in that it welcomes dogs. You are asked to please clean up after your dog, so be responsible and be prepared to do that.
The trail system has been developed and is maintained by the Vallecito Nordic Club, a non-profit organization. Their mission is “to provide a groomed recreational trail system for non-motorized use by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, through recreation, education and community building.”
Working in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service, the Vallecito Nordic Club grooms the trails several times a week. The main trail has three tracks. The right track is for classic cross country skiers, the middle track is for skate skiing and the snowshoers stay to the left, avoiding the tracks which have been made for the skiers.
The terrain of the main, groomed trail is flat or has very gentle slopes. It’s a terrific place for families who cross country ski and parents who have been seen skiing while pulling their kids on sleds behind them.
There’s ample opportunity to ski or snowshoe off the trail. You will find plenty of choice places to have fun sledding, building a snowman, or playing catch the snowball with your dog. Views of the lake and the mountains surrounding you are stunning.
Other than the grooming services, which are provided by volunteers, the area is unmanned. You won’t find a snack bar here, so carry your own snacks and water. There are no trash cans so bring a bag to carry your trash out with you.
When you arrive at the trailhead there is a barrier and you will be unable to drive your vehicle beyond that point. Parking is on the left side of the road nearest the lake. There is a signboard at the trail entrance with information and a donation box. Donations are greatly appreciated by the club and are used for the purchase and maintenance of grooming equipment.
Once a year the Vallecito Nordic Club hosts an event at the trailhead called Vallecito Demo Day. Local vendors are on-site to demo new skis, boots, poles, and snowshoes. All the equipment is free to demo, with only a photo ID required. Free lessons are offered throughout the day and the club serves chili, gumbo, and hot drinks.
In the past, the Demo Day was held in early January and is well attended by people of all ages, abilities, and yes, enthusiastic dogs! One participant said she comes to Demo Day every year because she can “try out new equipment for free and it’s just so beautiful up here!”
When you come off the trail, pack up your gear and head over to the west side of the lake to Vallecito. The views on the way are worth the short drive and there are some local restaurants eager to cook up a good meal for you before you head back down the hill.
Snowshoe and Nordic Ski Rentals in Durango
- Pine Needle Mountaineering – 970-247-8728
- Ski Barn – 970-247-1923
- 2nd Avenue Sports – 970-247-4511
Getting There
From Bayfield, Colorado:
- From the intersection, at Hwy 160 and Co Rd 501 in Bayfield, CO go North on Co Rd 501 (at the roundabout take the Co Rd 501 exit) – 12.8 miles
- Turn right onto Co Rd 501A at mile marker 13 below the dam and continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
From Durango, Colorado:
- From Main Avenue take East 15th Street
- At the roundabout take the Florida Rd/Co Rd 240 exit – continue 11 miles
- Turn right onto Co Rd 245 (Corner known as Helen’s Store) – 4.9 miles
- Turn left onto Co Rd 501 – 4.3 miles
- Turn right onto Co Rd 501A at mile marker 13 below the dam and continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
Have an amazing time this winter at Vallecito Lake! Enjoy this unique activity that you can do with you dog(s).
Find the Ski Shack on Loveland Pass