Platoro Reservoir is the county's high mountain lake for fishing and boating

High on the upper Conejos River, Platoro Reservoir is the county’s main mountain lake. It sits near 10,000 feet in the Rio Grande National Forest above the small settlement of Platoro, and the long drive up is part of the trip.

There is a boat ramp, and both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed. Anglers fish for trout here, and a valid Colorado fishing license is required like anywhere else in the state.

If you trailer a boat, plan for Colorado’s aquatic nuisance species program. The state runs mandatory boat inspections to keep zebra and quagga mussels and other invaders out of its waters. Not every ramp has a station, hours change with the season, and rules can shift year to year, so it is worth checking before you tow a boat up a long mountain road only to find the ramp closed or an inspection required.

Because this is a high, remote spot, the season is short and weather comes early and late. Confirm boating access and the current inspection situation with the Rio Grande National Forest and Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go.