Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site boat launch
Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site
The boat ramp is approximately 20 feet wide and can accommodate small to medium-sized watercraft. However, due to the high elevation and small size of the reservoir, only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the water, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
The Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site provides access to the Rito Hondo Reservoir, which is a small mountain lake with a surface area of approximately 11 acres. The reservoir is stocked with trout and provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic paddling.
It is important to note that visitors should follow all rules and regulations posted at the site, including any restrictions on fishing and watercraft use. Additionally, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment to help preserve this beautiful area for years to come.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Clear Creek Bl Continental Reservoir | 10 cfs | → |
| Lake Fork Blw Lake San Cristobal Nr Lake City | 138 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Thirtymile Bridge | 906 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Wagon Wheel Gap | 1,220 cfs | → |
| Goose Creek At Wagonwheel Gap | 105 cfs | → |
| Animas River At Howardsville | 207 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Below Rio Grande Reservoir (Sec 13, T40n, R4w) To Spring Creek (Sec 31, T41n, R2w)
- Rincon La Vaca--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Snowslide Canyon Creek--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Sec 10, T42n, R1e To Sec 13, T41n, R1e
- Rincon La Osa--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
- Sierra Vandera--Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site.