Lake Nighthorse, Lake in Durango, United States

Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir in Durango, Colorado, formed by a dam across the Animas River. It covers a large area with several arms and inlets, and the water is clear and cool, surrounded by dry hills and juniper trees.

The reservoir was created in the early 2000s as part of a water storage project to secure supplies for the region. It was filled after the completion of a dam that also helps control flooding.

The lake is named after Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former US Senator from Colorado, and the name is a local tribute to his work. Visitors often see people fishing from the shore or boating on the water, especially on weekends.

You can reach the lake by car via a paved road, and there is a parking area near the main access. The site is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed in winter, so check ahead.

The lake sits on land that was once part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, and the tribe still holds water rights. The shoreline has a mix of sandy and rocky spots, and the water level can change noticeably from season to season.