Rito Hondo Reservoir State Wildlife Area

The Rito Hondo Reservoir State Wildlife Area in Hinsdale County, Colorado provides a concrete boat ramp for paddlers and small boaters. Located at an elevation of 9,400 feet in the San Juan National Forest, this reservoir on Rito Hondo Creek offers a scenic high-mountain setting.

The boat ramp is open year-round for public use, though no powered boats are allowed. Paddlers and canoeists can launch their vessels here to explore the small impoundment, which is stocked with Rio Grande cutthroat and brook trout. A short hiking trail (Trail 703) departs from the boat ramp area, leading to the nearby Comstock Campground on Rock Creek.

Verizon cell service is reported to be good in the area. Visitors should be prepared for cool temperatures, as the high elevation means frost is possible even in summer. There is one basic dispersed campsite located near the boat ramp, but no drinking water or other facilities are provided on-site. Paddlers and boaters should plan accordingly and practice "pack in, pack out" principles when visiting this remote state wildlife area.

This site serves as a rest area, picnic ground, and fishing lake. It sits right along the Silverthread Scenic Byway between Creede, Colorado and Lake City, Colorado.  The approach road and parking lot is paved.There are 2 picnic units with tables and fireplaces. There is a vault toilet. No drinking water and no refuse receptacles. It is “Pack It In/ Pack It Out”.