Mancos State Park

Mancos State Park is a protected area near the La Plata Mountains covering 553 acres with a reservoir for water recreation. The park offers multiple campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails throughout its grounds.

The area was home to the Ancestral Puebloan civilization from around 1 CE through 1300 CE in the Four Corners region. This early population eventually left the area, which later became part of Spanish colonial territories.

The name Mancos comes from Spanish explorers who named the nearby river after a wounded member of their expedition. This colonial naming tradition still shapes how locals refer to their surroundings.

The park operates with day passes available from October through May when the visitor center is closed during off-season. Plan your visit around these operating periods and check local conditions since weather in the mountains can change quickly.

The Jackson Gulch Reservoir serves both recreators and local farmers who depend on it for irrigation of their crops. This dual purpose reveals how the park connects outdoor enjoyment with the region's agricultural needs.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1987

Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mancos/Pages/default.aspx

GPS coordinates: 37.40030,-108.27000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04