Southwest Colorado Water Recreation

Prior to fishing at these lakes, make sure that you have the appropriate licenses and are familiar with the governing agency's fishing regulations for that particular lake.

Located north of Alamosa, CO, and west of Great Sand Dunes National Monument, San Luis Lake changed from a State Park to a State Wildlife Area in 2017. The wildlife area is closed from Feb. 15 until July 15.

Monte Vista Office
0722 South Road 1 East
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719) 587-6900
➠ cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/SanLuis
➠ Directions (Google Map)

Activities

Boating (when water levels allow), fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Facilities

San Luis State Wildlife Area features a modern campground. All 51 sites have electrical hookups, sheltered tables, fire grills, and an available dump station. The campground has two vault toilets. Bring your own water as the campground does not have any potable water or showers. Bring your own firewood and ice. Campground reservations no longer accepted, camp sites now walk-in only (first come, first served).

Fees

Anyone ages 18-64 must purchase an annual access permit to enter the property.
Fishing and hunting license is required from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Fishing

Stocked with trout.

Fishing License

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(800) 244-5613
➠ cpw.state.co.us

Water Recreation

San Luis Lake is currently closed to motor boats but hand launched boats may be used. Call the Monte Vista CPW Office at (719) 587-6900 for current water levels at boat ramp accessibility. When the lake is at normal water levels, water skiing, motor boating, personal watercraft, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are popular activities at San Luis Lake. All boats must remain south of the wildlife area buoy line at the north end of the lake to protect valuable waterfowl nesting habitat. Colorado boating statutes and regulations apply. Swimming is not permitted in the lake.