Lake Nighthorse has opened to recreational use for the 2026 season – though only for three days per week.
According to a city of Durango news release, the lake opened April 10 to nonmotorized boaters and swimmers. It will be opened from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
“Once the weather gets a bit warmer and demand increases, (Lake Nighthorse) opens up for additional days,” city spokesman Tom Sluis said.
Visitors should be aware of roadwork focused on reconstructing the paved access road from the ticket booth down to the boat ramp parking area.
“There will be some impacts on available parking spaces during the summer construction,” the release said. “Visitors are advised to carpool whenever possible and to plan accordingly.”
The city of Durango and the Bureau of Reclamation will be conducting the roadwork, with grant funding and construction support from the Federal Highway Administration. Sluis said the city estimates the construction will wrap up in the fall.
The release said daily operations with hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. will begin May 8, with motorized boat use set to begin May 15. The lake’s decontamination station – constructed in 2025 to clean invasive waterborne species from boats – will be open 24/7 for non-ballasted boats and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays for ballasted boats.
Details regarding operations and access passes can be found at durango.gov/LakeNighthorse. Additionally, those interested in applying for seasonal employment at the lake should visit Durangoco.gov/Jobs.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
