The City of Durango announced on March 28 that Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area will open for the 2026 season on Friday, April 10. Visitors are advised that Lake Nighthorse Road will be under construction throughout the season, which may affect parking availability.
The upcoming opening is important for local recreation and tourism, but visitors should prepare for changes due to ongoing roadwork. The reconstruction project is a collaboration between the City of Durango and the Bureau of Reclamation, with grant funding and support from the Federal Highway Administration. Construction will focus on repaving access from the ticket booth to the boat ramp parking area, potentially reducing available parking spaces during summer months. Officials recommend carpooling when possible.
Non-motorized recreation at Lake Nighthorse will be available Fridays through Sundays from April 10 through May 3, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Starting May 8, daily operations will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with motorized recreation beginning May 15. Decontamination stations for ballasted boats will operate Mondays and Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while non-ballasted boats can access daily decontamination services.
Season passes and five-punch passes are available online or in person at the Durango Community Recreation Center. Seasonal job openings include cashier, boat inspector/lake maintenance, and lifeguard positions; applications can be submitted online via Durangoco.gov/Jobs. Volunteer opportunities are also listed at Durangoco.gov/493/Volunteer-Opportunities.
For more information about hours, schedules, or other updates related to Lake Nighthorse’s season opening or construction impacts, residents are encouraged to visit Durangoco.gov/LakeNighthorse or call (970)375-7321.
