El Vado Lake, body of water
El Vado Lake is a large reservoir in the mountains of Rio Arriba County, located about 12 miles southwest of Tierra Amarilla. The water is surrounded by forested slopes and rocky hills, creating a valley setting where layers of different colored rocks visible along the shoreline reveal the ancient geological history of the region.
The reservoir was created in 1935 when a dam was built to store water for farming and to honor the water rights of local Native American communities. The dam was reinforced and improved in the 1950s and 1960s to hold larger water volumes when needed.
El Vado Lake takes its name from "the ford", referring to the natural river crossing that once served indigenous peoples traveling through the region. This historical crossing point shaped how people moved through the mountains and remains central to the place's identity.
The park is easy to reach via State Road 112 south of Tierra Amarilla, where signs guide you to camping areas, boat ramps, and picnic spots. Check current conditions before visiting, as water levels and weather can affect what activities are available.
Before the dam was built, a bustling town called El Vado occupied this location, where loggers worked in large sawmills cutting and moving timber. The old town is now completely submerged, with its streets and buildings now part of the lake floor.
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