Cross country Ski around Vallecito Lake

Drive north from Durango on Florida Rd, following signs to Lemon and Vallecito Reservoirs. Florida Road will turn into County Road 250. Follow this for 15 miles out of town until you reach County Road 501 - make a left turn here. 

Soon, you'll reach the dam. Turn right to begin driving around the lake in a counter-clockwise direction. This dirt (or snow-covered) road will lead you to a small parking lot, but many people park on the side of the road. The nordic trail begins from the parking lot, traveling north!

The tracks are maintained by the Vallecito Nordic Ski Club, and carry on for the length of the eastern side of this lake. The views of the surrounding Weminuche Wilderness are breath-taking, and the trail is mostly level, with some portions of gradual incline. There is plenty of room for both beginners and advanced skiers to occupy the track at the same time.