About Jackson Gulch Reservoir
Recreation at Jackson Gulch Reservoir (Mancos State Park) is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office - Southern Division, Durango, Colorado. Jackson Gulch Dam was completed in 1950 and is the principal feature of the Mancos Project in southwestern Colorado. An inlet canal from the West Mancos River feeds the small reservoir which is an off-stream storage impoundment with 4 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is located 5 miles north of Mancos, Colorado, and 10 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage Site. The reservoir provides important recreation, fish and wildlife benefits; it has about 36,000 visitors per year. The average elevation is about 7,800 feet above sea level. Call 1-800-678-2267 for camping reservations.
How to Get There
Take U.S. Highway 160 west from Durango, Colorado to the intersection of State Highway 184 in Mancos, a distance of about 27 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 184 north from Mancos for 1/4 mile, then turn right on County Road 42 to the intersection of County Rd. N, a distance of about 5 miles. Turn left on County Road N for 1/4 mile to the Mancos State Park entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Jackson Gulch Reservoir
Heading to Jackson Gulch Reservoir? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Jackson Gulch Reservoir?
No central reservation system listed for Jackson Gulch Reservoir. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/54) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Jackson Gulch Reservoir?
Take U.S. Highway 160 west from Durango, Colorado to the intersection of State Highway 184 in Mancos, a distance of about 27 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 184 north from Mancos for 1/4 mile, then turn right on County Road 42 to the intersection of County Rd. N, a distance of about 5 miles. Turn left on County Road N for 1/4 mile to the Mancos State Park entrance.
How do I contact Jackson Gulch Reservoir?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-882-2213 or 970-946-0461 or email: mancos.park@state.co.us.
References & Official Resources
