La Jara Reservoir

La Jara Reservoir is a remote, high-country reservoir in Conejos County in southern Colorado's San Juan region. Sitting at the end of a rough, unmaintained road, this reservoir offers solitude and open landscapes for visitors willing to endure a challenging drive to reach it. The setting is undeniably scenic, surrounded by forest and rolling terrain, but La Jara Reservoir is a destination that demands realistic expectations and careful planning before you go.

Access is the first major consideration. The road to La Jara Reservoir is rocky, rough, and unmaintained for several miles. Visitors consistently describe it as punishing on vehicles, with loose rocks, deep ruts, and washed-out culverts that can stop trucks in their tracks. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is not optional here -- it is a requirement. ATV trails around the reservoir are similarly rough and geared more toward utility than recreation.

Fishing at La Jara Reservoir gets mixed reports. Some visitors describe good fishing, while others report finding the water mostly empty of fish. The reservoir is shallow and likely freezes solid in winter, which can limit fish populations year to year. If fishing is your primary goal, check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current stocking status before making the trip.

Hunting is the primary draw during fall, particularly in late August and September when elk and deer seasons bring hunters to the area. The reservoir vicinity sees noticeable activity during hunting season, and what is normally a desolate location can become surprisingly busy with camps.

Camping is possible in dispersed sites around the reservoir, though conditions are rustic in the extreme. Cattle grazing is actively occurring on the surrounding land, and visitors report cattle waste around camp areas and near the water. This is not an exaggeration -- multiple visitors describe needing to clear cow patties from campsites before setting up. Water quality has been flagged as a serious concern by recent visitors, with reports of strong odor and degraded conditions attributed to livestock use. Do not swim or wade in the water without assessing conditions firsthand.

Despite these challenges, La Jara Reservoir appeals to a certain kind of visitor: those seeking genuine remoteness, quiet camp nights under dark skies, and access to hunting grounds in the Conejos River drainage. The area sees almost no traffic outside of hunting season, offering the kind of isolation that is increasingly difficult to find in Colorado. Just come prepared with self-sufficient gear, a resilient vehicle, and tempered expectations about water quality and facilities.