Durango Subdivisions near Lake Nighthorse

Durango Subdivisions near Lake Nighthorse

After many years of battles between proponents and opponents of the Animas La Plata project, Lake Nighthorse has been completed and was officially filled to capacity this summer.  They're still working on the recreation plan for the lake and the land around the lake.  At the recent Ignacio economic summit, one of the breakout sessions was about the recreation facilities for Lake Nighthorse.  It appears that approximately 50% to 55% of the lake will be considered wakeless.  There will be hiking trails around the lake and there will be provisions for camping and picnicking. 

The Bureau of Reclamation doesn't have funds set aside to build those improvements, but the city of Durango has said they have some interest in it.  There are still public hearings going on so this may take a little while yet.  All of the land around Lake Nighthorse is publicly owned so it will not be possible to buy a property "on the water".  There are two entrances to Lake Nighthorse.  One is on Wildcat Canyon Road about a quarter-mile from the entrance to Shenandoah or the Rafter J/King mountain subdivisions.  The road is paved.  The other entrance is in town and is right by the Centennial Shopping Center where Office Depot is located.

There are several subdivisions that are very close to the lake and some that overlook it as well.  Trappers Crossing would be the closest and some of the lots are up high above the lake looking down on it.  This is a very nice higher-end subdivision with lots of varying in size from 7 acres to 35 acres.  Certain parts of the development are quite hilly, while other parts are flatter.  Part of the original ranch was actually purchased by the Bureau of Reclamation to build the Lake, so this is the closest subdivision to Lake Nighthorse.  This subdivision is approximately 12 min. from downtown Durango.  I have written a more complete description of the entire subdivision in my "Durango neighborhoods" section on my website.  Here is a link to that and it even includes a virtual tour, plat and links to homes and land available within that subdivision. Durango Neighborhood-Trappers Crossing

Directly across the street from Trappers Crossing is the community called Shenandoah.  This is made up of various phases: Shenandoah Highlands, Shenandoah Vista, Shenandoah Estates… you get the idea.  The subdivision has paved roads and would certainly be considered one of Durango's nicest neighborhoods.  Lots sizes range from 3 acres up to 35 acres.  Many of the lots in this development have views of Lake Nighthorse while other lots look east towards Wolf Creek Pass or north to the La Plata Mountains.  Depending on where you are in the Shenandoah subdivision, you could have tall Ponderosa pine trees or rolling hills with grass and a few Piñon and Juniper trees.  This subdivision is approximately 10 min. from downtown Durango.  Like Trappers Crossing, I have written a more complete description of the entire subdivision in my "Durango neighborhoods" section on my website.  Here is a link to that and it even includes a virtual tour, plat and links to homes and land available within that subdivision.  Durango Neighborhood-Shenandoah

The first subdivision you come to on Wildcat Canyon Road when you're coming out from Durango would be the Rafter J/King Mountain Estates.  Properties in here are much more moderately priced than the first two subdivisions I discussed.  Parts of the subdivision have central water while some properties are on their own water wells.  There are numerous Ponderosa pine trees and many of the lots have views of the snowcapped La Plata mountains.  I don't believe it would be possible to see Lake Nighthorse from any of these properties, but the proximity to the lake is very convenient.  Like the other two subdivisions, I have written a fairly detailed description with virtual tour and a link to available properties for the Rafter J/King Mountain Estates.  Durango Neighborhood-Rafter J/King Mountain Estates   

As all of the locals anxiously await the opening of Lake Nighthorse, now may be an especially good time to take a look at homes or land near Lake Nighthorse.  Please give Team Lorenz a call and we'll certainly be happy to assist you.