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One major stretch of the Conejos River (about 4 miles) from Aspen Glade Campground upstream to Menkhaven Lodge is restricted to artificial fly fishing only. This area is managed as a wild trout fishery and is considered one of the finest in the nation. No stocking is done in this area.

The Lake Fork of the Conejos from the Rock Lake outlet upstream to the headwaters including Big Lake is restricted to artificial fly fishing only and all cutthroat must be returned immediately to the water. This restriction is in force to protect the Rio Grande cutthroat.

The rest of the Conejos River is open to anglers using legal rod and reel method. Be sure to check current regulations for any other restrictions.

Directions from Forest Road 250: Forest Road 250 provides access from the Pinnacles to Platoro Reservoir. Forest Road 247 and Trail 712 provide access from Platoro to the headwaters.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend (NOTE: Fluctuates with seasonal weather) .

Conejos Campground - Conejos Campground has 16 campsites with picnic tables and fireplaces. There is public access to the Conejos River. Both day and overnight use is permitted.

Conejos River Road - FR 250 Scenic Drive - Forest Road 250 is a graded dirt road that follows the Conejos River from Highway 17 to Platoro, crosses Stunner Pass, and then descends to the San Luis Valley along the Alamosa River.

El Rito Azul, North Fork Conejos, Middle Fork Cone - All three drainages begin below the Continental Divide and converge in Three Forks Park to form the Conejos River. The creeks lie in the South San Juan Wilderness.

Elk Creek Campground - Elk Creek Campground has 31 sites with picnic tables and fireplaces and 14 overflow campsites (no picnic tables or fireplaces). There is public access to the Conejos River and Elk Creek.

Lake Fork - Lake Fork Campground offers easy access to the stream.

Lake Fork Campground - Lake Fork Campground is 7 miles south of Platoro on the Conejos River. There are 17 campsites with tables and grates.

Lake Fork Creek Trail - The trail is a gentle hike along the Lake Fork Creek to Big Lake. The trail then climbs steeply to a saddle between Forest King Mountain and Mammoth Mountain and drops steeply into the community of Platoro.

Middle Fork Conejos River Trail - The trail follows the edge of an alpine meadow and offers a spectacular view of the Continental Divide with a glacial valley in the foreground.

Mix Lake - 90% of the shoreline is rated easy to fish. Due to its proximity to the Platoro and Mix Lake Campground, this lake is heavily fished. It is stocked regularly with rainbow trout.

Mix Lake Campground - Mix Lake Campground is located one mile west of Platoro in the Conejos River drainage. Many bodies of water provide fishing and there is access to the South San Juan Wilderness nearby.

Mix Lake Day Use Area - Heavily fished, stocked lake.

Mogote Campground - There is public access to the Conejos River and Piñon and Juniper Group Picnic Areas are nearby. Reservations are accepted at this campground.

North Fork Conejos River Trail - This trail is entirely within the boundaries of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. The trail rises steeply through several switchbacks and then back into a meadow, eventually viewing the Continental Divide.

Notch Trail - The Notch Trail is a fairly strenuous hike as it climbs steeply out of the Conejos River valley.

Platoro Reservoir - Platoro Reservoir lies a short distance west of the tourist-mining village Platoro. The lake is 990 acres, the highest man-made lake in North America.

Platoro Documentary Site - Platoro, lying in the Conejos Valley, was prospected in the 1870's by Summitville miners. Platoro, a combination of the Spanish word for silver, "plata", and the word for gold, "oro", mined both ores.

Rio Grande Reservoir Road 520 Scenic Drive - Beautiful mountain scenery and numerous recreation facilities are found along the Rio Grande Reservoir Road #520.

Ruybalid Trail - Spectacular views of the Conejos Canyon can be seen from many vantage points along the trail.

Sawmill Gulch Trail (Conejos Peak Ranger District) - A pleasant day hike which offers spectacular views along the way. An excellent area for picnics and mountain scenery exists at the trail's end.

South Fork Conejos River Trail - The South Fork Trail is a well traveled and easily followed trail providing access to the spectacular South Fork Conejos Canyon.

Spectacle Lake Campground - Spectacle Lake Campground has 24 sites with picnic tables and fireplaces. There is access to the Conejos River and Spectacle Lake.

Spectacle Lake Trail - The Spectacle Lake trail provides an ideal day hike for those camping at the Spectacle Lake and Conejos Campgrounds.

Upper Conejos River - Upper Conejos River is easily accessible and heavily fished, but remains excellent fishing.

Valdez Trail - This is a lightly used trail. Water is not available along this trail.