Heron Lake III: Boating and the NMSC

III. Boating At Heron Lake

Marina slips, buoys, other facilities, seasonal operation

The Heron Lake Marina is owned and operated by the New Mexico Sailing Club. It is set in a protected cove about 1/3 mile from the main body of the lake, which has an elevation of about 7,160 feet. Sailors share the lake with anglers and nature lovers and enjoy a quiet lake.

Amenities:

The marina features 106 slips (plus some mooring buoys when the lake is full enough). No electricity or water at slips. Covered floating picnic area with six picnic tables and two gas grills. Dockhouse with solar-powered VHF radio. Pumpout machine (being re-installed). Vault toilet on shore nearby. Approximately one mile (shorter via boat and trail) to full bathhouses with hot-water showers within park at the Blanco campground.

Heron Lake Marina pavillion and A dock, with the Narrows to the west beyond.

About 90% sailboats (mostly 22 to 26-foot keelboats with cabins), 10% pontoon or other boats occupy the marina. The slip rental fee of about $440 covers the entire season of up to about six months. Slip renters are obliged to serve as a "dockmaster" for a half week during the marina season. Dockmasters camp in their boats or on land adjacent to the marina during their half week and provide security for the marina, information to prospective members, slip rentals to overnight guests, and minor marina maintenance and upkeep.

Heron Lake Marina view toward Willow Creek boat ramp.

Ramps, boat and trailer storage

Willow Creek Ramp, mast-raising pole, parking, mast-up boat storage

End of Willow Creek boat ramp with Heron Lake Marina beyond.

This is the ramp closest to the Heron Lake Marina; about 1,000 feet by water or 1 mile drive by road. It is concrete-surfaced, two wide lanes wide, and has about 20 pull-through boat trailer parking spaces and additional parking spaces for vehicles without trailers. The ramp has turn-outs to allow vehicles with trailers to turn around without having to back all the way down the ramp. A vault toilet is adjacent to the parking area at the top of the ramp. Also adjacent is a large, very heavy-duty mast-raising crane.

The fenced mast-up boat storage area above the parking lot has room for about 30 to 40 boats and presently is about 40% occupied. It is operated by the State Park; rentals are approximately $40 per month. One of the Buccs has spoken with park ranger Siscily Ledermann to make arrangements for temporary overnight rentals of the mast-up lot.

Mast-up storage lot, parking area, mast pole, and marina in Willow Creek Cove.

La Laja Boat Ramp
This ramp is located near the southwestern corner of the lake, west of mile 11. It is also surfaced with concrete. During very low water levels at the lake, a primitive boat ramp (unsurfaced) can be used. It is near the dam, about near mile 10.5 on NM Hwy. 95.

Boat rentals, guides

Dunc’s guide and boat rental service – pontoon & fishing boats, located behind Heron Store.

Don Wolfley. Heron Lake Fishing Guide Services, HC 75, Box 1238, Los Ojos, NM 87551, 505 588-9653

Stone House Lodge, 505 588-7274, rental pontoon and aluminum boats, west of Heron Lake

No visible wake

Heron Lake is a no-visible-wake lake; motors may normally be operated only at trolling speed. Wake is defined as white water visible off the bow or stern of a vessel. A boat is allowed to make wake during rough weather, to the extent necessary to maintain headway and control.

NM Boating Safety

Skippers who were born after January 1, 1989, must have completed a boating safety class approved by the New Mexico State Parks or by the appropriate agency in their home state. The current commodore of the NMSC is a volunteer instructor for State Parks safe boating classes.

New Mexico Sailing Club

New Mexico Sailing Club members enjoy the peace and quiet of no-wake Heron Lake in far northern New Mexico. Members who keep their boats in marina slips for the season take half-week turns as dockmasters at the volunteer-run marina. Heron is uncrowded and a gem; it's where people go to really get away from almost everything that has to do with schedules, crowds, and noise. Heron is also popular with anglers and bird watchers; there's a lot of nature to appreciate. During the off-season, NMSC members have meetings about once a month, alternating between the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas.

History

The NMSC was first formed about 35 years ago at Navajo Lake but moved to Heron shortly after Heron first began to around 1972. The lake gradually filled during the 1970s. In 1989, the club made a major investment by consolidating and expanding the marina into roughly its present size and form.

Drought and sedimentation grounded and closed the marina from August 2003 until the 2005 season brought abundant water to improve lake conditions. During 2006, the NMSC made a significant investment by entirely replacing a third of its slips (A dock) with a new, larger dock that is designed to withstand damage from grounding. Slips in the new dock are longer than the old slips and offer other amenities and advantages compared to the old structure. In 2007, the marina cove reached a depth of about 29 feet, with portions of the main lake well over a hundred feet deep. The club is continuing to rehabilitate and improve the marina; in 2007 most of the connecting walkway between the three main piers was widened and "knee braces" were added to strengthen B dock.

Calendar, activities

During the marina season of May through October, most NMSC meetings are held at the marina, along with pot lucks, an ice cream social, and regattas. During the cold-weather months, the club meets approximately monthly, alternating venues between the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas. During the off-season, meetings are most often held on the fourth Friday evening of the month. Last year's NMSC Christmas holiday party was held at the Coronado Grill, on the Rio Grande in Bernalillo, NM.

Racing

The NMSC is rebuilding its tradition of racing and has held races for a variety of boats in 2007. Most racing is conducted with two fleets in a common start; the A fleet consists of racing boats and the B fleet is the cruising fleet. Summer racing is conducted under Portsmouth handicap, without wind modifiers. Especially popular at Heron Lake are longer-course distance races in which the fleet sets out from the marina cove, tacking up the Narrows to the main body of the lake, thence to various marks and back.

Fourth of July Long Race. The Long race begins within the marina cove, then takes a course out through The Narrows to circle around the wind warning island on the west side of the lake, then circles around various marks as the boats do a tour of Heron Lake. Eventually, the sailors get to head back through the Narrows to the marina, finishing at the same line off the southwest corner of the marina where they started.

Challenge Cup. The club won the last inter-club challenge between the NMSC and RGSC, and hopes to host the RGSC for a repeat engagement. This will be racing between several pairs of matched one-design boats.

Summer Season. Various regattas add up to a season of racing fun, with trophies for the most successful and persistent (and perhaps a few other categories).

Race Management

Race chair, Lisa Carlson

Club principal race officer, Pat Byrnes

The club has all basic equipment and facilities for race management. Pat and Carol Anne Byrnes completed US Sailing's Advanced Race Management Seminar and have conducted and assisted with races at Heron and Elephant Butte Lakes. Pat also assisted recently at the Carter Lake Open.

People

The club comprises a mix of older and younger sailors, with about 120 families, couples, or individuals on the rolls, about half of whom keep boats in marina slips. What many have in common is their love of the area and the enjoyment they get from escaping to the lake.

The NMSC is led by a board comprising twelve members, including club officers. Officers serve one-year terms (two terms maximum). Other board members serve two-year terms, with half elected each year.

Sister Clubs, Sailing and Boating Organizations

SAIL, the Sailing Association of Intermountain Lakes, is the regional sailing association for US Sailing and is headquartered in the Denverarea. SAIL also issues PHRF certificates for racers. SAIL covers Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and portions of Nebraska. More information can be found at http://www.rmsail.org/. Arizona, southern Nevada, and southern California are covered by two overlapping regional sailing associations, the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA), and theSouthern Calfornia Yacht Racing Union (SCYRU).

Rio Grande Sailing Club
Sailors from the Rio Grande Sailing Club (RGSC) mostly sail at Elephant Butte Lake in the southern part of New Mexico, The RGSC is busiest in fall and spring. In summer, the RGSC hosts some informal sailing and an occasional "raft-up" potluck dinner, but especially on big holiday summer weekends, club members mostly leave the Butte to the jet-skis and vroom-vroom crowds. Summer is also when some of the RGSC’s more ambitious cruisers hook up their trailers and head for distant shores.

http://www.rgsc.org

The San Juan Sailing Club, consists of southwestern Colorado sailors who sail from the northern end of Navajo Lake, in Arboles, CO.

BOC, the Boat Owners of Cochiti, are the no-rules sailing club. What they lack in facilities, they make up for in spirit. In a BOC “race”, a boat and crew that fall behind are allowed to use a motor to catch up with the rest of the fleet – and, presumably, with the supply of refreshing adult beverages.

Arizona Buccaneers
See the link section of this web page for a link to the discussion group and site.

Buccaneer Fleet 30, Colorado
See the link section of this web page for a link to the discussion group and site.

Island View Campground Reservation Sites

Near mile 8.6 of NM highway 95 is the turn off to the Island View and Salmon Run campgrounds. This driveway forks in three directions. To the left are Salmon Run campsites. Ahead is the campsite host, main Island View camping area, and the bathroom with hot showers. To the right are about 14 reservation sites, the Island View Reservation Sites. Most of the sites are on the right side of the driveway, with site 101 nearest the fork and highway and site 111 furthest out.

Most of the sites are only partially developed, with a pea-gravel covered parking area for perhaps two cars / a boat trailer and towing vehicle / or a medium-sized RV. Each site also has a picnic table and a fire ring/grill. Near the base of the driveway is a vault toilet. The full-service bath house and showers of the main Island View camping area are only a hundred to two hundred yards from the Island View Reservation Sites.

Site 111, at the end of the reservation sites portion of the campground,
is the most scenic of them, as can be seen here. It has excellent access
to the water, which is less than a hundred yards away.

Sites 105 (center) and 104 (right) share a common parking area;
each has room for two smaller cars or one moderate-sized RV.

View from the Island View Reservation area across from sites 103 - 105
toward the northwest across the main body of Heron Lake.

Site 106 has a long pull-through parking area and could probably
accomodate two or three vehicles with some ease.

Site 107 has a good overall parking area and location.

Site 109 is quite large, especially for tents, and has a great water view.

Site 110 is most of the way out on the point and not far from water.

Black Magic returns to Heron Lake. And, she leaves enough room for about
20 Buccaneers or other dinghies to park next to her. This parking area is about two miles
from Island View, and a 1/2 mile from the Blanco and Willow Creek campgrounds.
By road, the boat ramp, rigging and parking area, and mast-up storage are about
a mile from the marina, but by boat it's only about 900 feet from the end of the ramp
to the marina.

Heron Lake IV: Lodging and Services

IV. Accommodations and Services for Heron Lake

Summary of Area Services:

Competitors and friends have a choice of camping inside the state park in improved or primitive camp sites. Outside the park, choices include camping, rv parks, rental cabins and apartments, lodges, motels, and bed and breakfast inns and homes, located from five to twenty miles distant.

Full bath houses/park restrooms with hot water showers about 1 mile away. 1/2 mile to Park headquarters, 1 mile drive to boat ramp and mast-up storage lot with mast-raising crane. About 1.5 miles to convenience store/gas outside the park and 7 miles to cabin rentals and nearest restaurants (Tierra Amarilla or Stone House Lodge). Additional services, groceries, and lodging available in Chama (17 miles), Dulce (36 miles), Pagosa Springs (66 miles), or Española (74 miles).

Camping

The park is popular with families and 80 to 90% of park visitors are campers.

Within Heron Lake state park are 250 developed camping sites, 54 of which have electricity. Some of the sites also have full septic hook-ups.

Park fees are $5 per vehicle entry/day use. Camping fees are $8 for primitive camping (including anchoring in a cove, but no camping fees are charged for marina guests staying in the marina), $10 for developed sites, $14 for electric sites, and $18 for full hookups. Annual day-use and annual camping passes may also be purchased.

Campsites at Heron Lake are generally open on a seasonal basis, with portions of the Willow Creek campground generally open year round. Many of the primitive campgrounds are generally closed from September 30 to May 1. Most of the developed campgrounds other than Willow Creek are open from April 1 to December 21.

Marina Point, Oso primitive camping area

Primitive camping (no utilities) is available in the Oso area near the marina point. Several locations are highly scenic. Vault toilet is available at the marina toilet; hiking or driving will bring campers to the facilities of the Vistors' Center or the showerhouse and bathrooms at the Blanco Campsite.

Willow Creek

Willow Creek and Blanco Campgrounds have developed camping with water, power and sewer hook-ups. Forty of these RV sites are on a reservation system and another thirteen RV sites on a first come first serve basis. Blanco is the "luxury camping" end of Heron's spectrum whereas the far west shore of the lake has remote and primitive camping.

Showerhouse and bathroom in Blanco Campground.

Island View, Salmon Run, Brushy Point,

Brushy Point, Island View, and Salmon Run Campgrounds offer a less developed camping opportunity with designated campsites. The bathhouse between Island View and Salmon Run has hot showers. The driveway off NM 95 splits into three forks; left to Salmon Run, straight to the main Island View campsites along with the camp host and bathrooms with hot showers, and right to the Island View Reservation Sites.

Dam area and West side primitive camping

Ridge Rock, Ponderosa, and Piedra Cove campgrounds and the Rincon recreation area offer a range of camping and day use experiences from designated, improved campsites to completely undeveloped primitive areas. Ridge Rock is just west of the dam and is not far from the La Laja boat ramp, as are Ponderosa and Piedra Cove. By contrast, the Rincon area is completely primitive; it embraces the western shore of Heron Lake.

Commercial Campsites and RV Parks

Stone House Lodge RV park Stone House Lodge, NM Highway 95, mile 13, Los Ojos, NM 87551, 505 588-7274, fax 505 588-7714, shl@direcway.com. Dry camp $8, daily full RV hook-up $18.50. Marilyn's place can satisfy all your basic needs for camping, lodging, dining (cafe 5 days a week), and basic shopping.

Brazos Lodge, $30 per night full hook-up. Lodge suites $100 and $150/night, cabins $90 to $350, 2-bedroom condos $150.

Sky Mountain Resort RV Park, 2743 South US Hwy 84/64, Chama, NM 87520, www.skymountainresort.com, info@skymountainresort.com alongside Rio Chama, pull-throughs & back-in spaces, 46 full hook-ups w 50 amp electric, heated bathhouse, laundry room.

Rio Chama RV Park, 2 blocks north of railroad depot on Highway 17 to Alamosa. 505 756-2303, www.coloradodirectory.com/riochamarv Full hookups, 65’ pull-throughs, 20, 30, 50 amp electric, full restrooms with hot showers, tent area.

Commercial Lodging

Los Ojos, 6 miles:

Tierra Wools Guest House (Casita). 91 Main St., Los Ojos, NM 87551. 505 588-7231, 1 888 709-0979, www.handweavers.com. Suites with kitchens.

El Vado/west side of Heron, 7 miles:

Stone House Lodge, NM Highway 95, mile 13, Los Ojos, NM 87551, 505 588-7274, fax 505 588-7714, shl@direcway.com. 1-bedroom cabins or small apartment (1 queen) $75-80, 2-bedroom cabins (queen, double, twin) $110-135, large cabins or large apartment $145-275, Stone House (20 people) $450. Marilyn Morrison, www.stonehouselodge.com

Brazos, 15 miles:

Brazos Lodge, HC 75, Box 103, Chama, NM 87520, State Rd. 512, 505 588-7707, www.brazosrentals.com. 1-4 room non-smoking cabins, general store/coffee & gift shop. David & Yvonne Sainze, 800 558-7707.

Corkins Lodge, Brazos, 505 588-7261, 800 548-7688, www.corkinslodge.com. Tom Melk.

Chama, 18 miles:

The Hotel and Shops, shamrock Hotel, PO Box 1096, Chama, NM 87520. 505 756-2416, 800 982-8679, www.thehotel.org roger@thehotel.com Terrace Ave (Hwy 17) across from the train station in Chama. Gift shop downstairs, art gallery upstairs, porch overlooking the od train station. Roger Hogan.

Y Motel. PO Box 945, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2166, inexpensive. Marilyn Jensen.

Elkhorn Lodge, Rt 1, Box 45, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2105, fax 505 756-2638, reservations 800 532-8874. Jim & Jill Lane, www.elkhornlodge.net

Vista Del Rio Lodge, HCR 75 Box 37, Chama, 87520, 505 756-2138, 800 939-9943. At the “Y” on Hwy 17. Direct dial phones, TV, HBO, refrigerator, coffeemaker, non-smoking rooms available, no pets, hot tub.

The Timbers at Chama. Dave Spira has stayed here and recommends it for those who appreciate a fine southwestern mountain experience. 505 588-7950.

Little Creel Lodge & RV Park, Fay & John Harris, PO Box 781, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-1824, http://www.littlecreelresort.com/

Cumbres Suites Lodge, 2042 S. Hwy 17, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-9139, toll free 877 756-9139, Suites with king & queen beds, non smoking, no pets, tv, hbo, deluxe continental breakfast. Terrie & Kip Corey.

Branding Iron Motel, PO Box 557, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2162, 800 446-2650, http://www.brandingironmotel.com/

River Bend Lodge, Sandra Antillon, PO Box 583, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2264, 800 288-1371, www.chamariverbendlodge.com, http://www.riverbendlodge.com/

El Mesón Lodge, PO Box 647, Chama, NM 8720, 505 756-2114, elmeson.org, info@elmeson.org. Phones, cable tv, in room coffee, double queen, king beds, nonsmoking/smoking rooms. Ernesto Soto.

Spruce Lodge, Scott Cole, 866 695-6343, 505 756-2593

Chama Trails Inn, Starla Santos, 800 289-1421, 505 756-2156

The Lodge at Chama, Frank Simms, 505 756-2133, www.lodgeatchama.com

Vista del Rio, Kim Smith, 800 939-9943, 505 756-2138

Chama Station Inn, PO Box 677, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2315, 888 726-8150 http://www.chamastationinn.com/

South El Vado, 18 miles

El Vado Ranch & RV Park, David Cooper, 505 588-7354, www.elvado.com, NM Hwy 112. Cabins $96 (1-2 persons) with kitchenette, day use $5 per vehicle.

Bed & Breakfast, all in Chama, approx. 18 miles:

Cardin’s Crossing B&B, 551 Maple Ave., Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-2542, 800 852-6400. B&B, gourmet breakfast, homemade apple pie. Narrow Gauge room with queen or Doll House room & suite. $85 for two guests, $25 per additional. Tom & Mary Cardin. Tom is a photographer and Mary is a painter; she also is a gourmet cook and chief chef for feeding work party volunteers for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Lightheart Inn Still in business or not?

Gandy Dancer, 756-2191

Parlor Car B&B, 311 Terrace Ave, 3rd St. at Hwy 17, PO Box 967, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-1946, 888 849-7800. Full breakfast served at 8:30 a.m., three guest rooms w private baths, non-smoking. Wendy Joyhnson.

Posada Encanto B&B, 277 Maple Ave, PO Box 536, Chama, NM 87520, 505 756-1048, 800 756-1925. 1 block w. of Hwy 17/Terrace Ave. 5 rooms each with tiled bath, non-smoking, no pets. Teresa Smith, teresa@posadaencanto.com, www.posadaencanto.com

Little Rock House on Maple, 158 Maple St, PO Box 997, Chama, NM 87520, www.rockhouseonmaple.info 2 night minimum, $125 1-2 persons, $175 3-4 persons, cottage, non-smoking, no pets, small children not recommended, washer/dryer, full kitchen.

Dining

4 miles: Ed’s Grill and Mary’s Yard Sale, NM Hwy 95 mile 1.5. Casual dining, generous portions. The captain’s platter will definitely help you add significant ballast and rail weight to your crew.

7 miles: Stone House Lodge Café. 505-588-7274 . And good desserts; great big cinnamon roles and nice breads and pastries, plus basic comfort food for hungry anglers, hunters, and sailors. A couple of miles beyond the west end of Heron Lake.

7 miles: El Alamo Café, 1 mile north of Los Ojos. Closed Saturday. 505 588-7409, County Rd. 331. Very good breakfasts, friendly, family-room, fine place for casual Sunday brunch. Closed Saturday.

15 miles: Cliff View Restaurant in the Brazos canyon. A nice view of the Brazos cliffs from the forested canyon and somewhat upscale casual dining. State Road 512 runs eastward about 8 miles from a point a couple of miles north of Los Ojos (near mile 170) on Hwy. 64/84.

16-19 miles from the marina in Chama:

Elkhorn Café. Nice café with creative sandwiches, popular with local law enforcement, after whom some of their sandwiches are named.

Elkhorn Lodge Chuckwagon Show, $17.99, 800 532-8874, 505 756-2105

High Country Restaurant, Lounge, Package Liquor. Best dining in the Chama Valley; steaks, seafood, southwestern. Che Johnston. Live entertainment in lounge. Chama, NM, 505-756-2384, at the “Y”. Sunday brunch is special here.

Cookin Books, Chama, NM, 505-7569-1717. Adjacent to Chama Valley Market just south of the US64/84/NM17 "Y" intersection. This is a friendly, one-of-a-kind place with sandwiches and surprises, as well as a bit of a bookstore. It's run cooperatively by some of the same people who run the Chama Valley Market.

Bar-B-Que Place, ½ mile n. of Hwy 64/84 on Terrace Ave, 1749 Hwy 17, Chama, 505 756-2989. Dine-in or take-out. Sauce extra.

Branding Iron Restaurant & Lounge, Chama, NM, 505-756-9195.

Jennifer’s, 756-1956.

Patsy’s Bakery, 756-2108

Fina's Diner, Chama, NM, 505-756-9195

Foster's Hotel/Bar/Restaurant, Chama, NM, 505-756-2296 Popular with bikers.

Groceries, rv, camping, boat supplies

Henry’s True Value in Tierra Amarilla. Hardware, building supplies, tools, liquor, groceries, auto parts, camping supplies, all under one roof in Tierra Amarilla.

Heron Store and RV. Near mile 4.5, closest store to the marina. RV supplies, some camping supplies and groceries, ice.

Stone House Lodge. General store. Ice, some groceries, fishing tackle, gasoline, propane.

Chama Valley Market. Very good local grocery store with meat department and a wide variety of groceries and supplies.

Wood carving gallery and RV parts just east of the Chama "Y".

Family Dollar, auto parts stores, River Lumber.

Misc. shops

Art & Leisure
Tierra Wools. http://www.handweavers.com. Gallery, weaving demonstrations and classes, center for preservation of historic strains of sheep and local knowledge.

Galleries –

Local Color Gallery, etc.

Fuel

Margarita’s, Tierra Amarilla (for sale)
Chevron, Tierra Amarilla
Heron Store (closest to Heron)
Stone House Lodge (can also re-fill propane bottles), west of Heron Lake
Mustang, Chama (south of the "Y" and the Chama Valley Market", usually best price in Chama
Sundial Convenience Store, Chama (open late)
Chevron, Chama (west of the "Y")

Most gas stations in the Chama area have diesel, including the Sundial, which is open late and has separate pumps for diesel.

Communications

Pay phones at Henry’s True Value Hardware and Stone House Lodge.

Cell reception on the lake varies; with Alltel we get coverage on about 50% of the lake. Coverage is good in Chama.

The state park rangers, marina dockmasters, local fishing guides, and Stone House Lodge employees monitor VHF channel 16.

Sailing at Heron Lake, July 2007

As a cruising boat motors down the Narrows, the Etchells "Black Magic" charges up under spinnaker.

Eddie and Barbara enjoy a ride on one of our Sunfish.

Heron Lake V: What to Do or See

V. Things to Do and See at Heron

Area Activities, Points of Interest


CHAMA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 306-RB, Chama, New Mexico 87520
Call (800) 477-0149 or (505) 756-2306 Fax (505) 756-2892
Heron Lake State Park Trails: East Meadow, Salmon Run, Rio Grande/El Vado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, 500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520. 888 286-2737, 756-2151, www.cumbrestoltec.com

The C&TSRR is the real deal, a historic railroad that bill's itself as America's highest and longest as it winds more than 60 miles between Chama and Antonito. The Cumbres and Toltec, along with the Durango and Silverton, are the surviving links of the Denver and Rio Grance railroad that penetrated the Rockies in search of mineral wealth at the close of the 19th century. Rides are available in combination with one-way bus service before or after the rail journey and pretty much take up an entire day. Fares include a good lunch in remote Osier, Colorado.

Brazos Cliffs. From NM 95, you can drive east into the Brazos canyon on NM 512 to enjoy a closer look and perhaps lunch or dinner at the Cliff View Restaurant. Although the cliffs are on private land, you can get a good look. The cliffs are especially dramatic in springtime after a wet winter, when El Churro is a waterfall that adds to their beauty for a few weeks. NM 64 east of Tierra Amarilla (about 15 miles) also provides a good view and is a scenic mountain drive in its own right.

Horse Treks are provided throughout the area.

Jicarilla Apache Nation, Jicarilla Culture Center, PO Box 1367, Dulce, NM 87528, 505 759-1343, www.jicarilla.net, jacc@jicarilla.net Dulce is the capital and site of the Little Beaver Roundup. A motel, casino, and excellent hardware store also divert visitors.

Pagosa Springs has a lot going for it, including hot springs, golf, Wolf Creek Ski area, a scenic waterfall, mountain biking, horse treks, fly fishing, and more. It has a good variety of visitor services and is also only about 40 miles from sailing action at Navajo Lake and 65 miles from Heron Lake sailing.

Durango (Durango Silverton scenic railway)

River rafting takes place on the Rio Chama below El Vado Lake, and on the Rio Grande near Taos. Trips on the Rio Chama are overnight trips. Rio Grande trips can include relatively tame 1/2 day trips on the Pilar Race Course or more exciting class IV action in the Taos Gorge during the peak of the season.

Taos (museums, galleries, ski area, Rio Grande Gorge, Gorge Bridge) . Taos is worth a guidebook onto itself.

Espanola is much more than the home of local low-rider culture or the original site of European government in New Mexico. It also offers all sorts of useful services, including the nearest Lowe's Lumberyard, Wal-Mart Supercenter, and more. Also of interest are a number of authentic northern New Mexico restaurants, including Jo Ann's Rancho Casodos, Angelina's, La Cocina, El Paragua, Matilda's, and Anthony's at the Delta.

Los Alamos, is known as the "atomic city", but you can come away from a visit without glowing in the dark. The local historical museum is housed in Fuller Lodge, a log building that once headquartered the Los Alamos Ranch School. Nearby is the science museum.

The Jemez Mountains offer camping get aways alone with occasional hot springs for skinny dipping.

Ojo Caliente, Hot Springs, 800 222-9162, www.ojocalientespa.com, 50 Los Baňos Dr, PO Box 68, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549. Communcal and private mineral baths, massage, facials, restaurant, gift shop, hiking, archeology, US 64 between Tierra Amarilla and Taos, then south on US 285.

Abiquiu (Fiesta of Santa Rosa de Lima, August 30).

Ghost Ranch, US 84, 404 685-4333, www.ghostranch.org Bed & Breakfast, camping, museums of anthropology and paleontology, Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center, hiking trails, trading post, library, conference center, spiritual guides.

Flora, Fauna, and Natural History

Heron Lake is located in Rio Arriba County, in the north central mountains of New Mexico just east of the Continental Divide. Ponderosa pine forests grade into woodlands, shrub land, and grasslands, while riparian/wetland plant communities are found in the arroyos and along the shoreline.

The existing vegetation in the park consists of coniferous and deciduous trees. Coniferous trees include pure ponderosa pine stands and mixtures of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir and blue spruce. Deciduous trees common to upland areas at HEVLSP include Gambels oak, aspen and Rocky Mountain maple.

Grasses, and other plans grow under the tree canopy, in open meadows, and along the Chama River. These plants stabilize soil, limit erosion and provide important forage and cover for a variety of wildlife. Common grasses include mountain brome, blue grama, and Indian rice grass. A variety of forbs such a western yarrow, wild strawberry and Indian paintbrush live in the park. (State Park Management Plan)

Here fishie fishie

The current state record for lake trout has come out of Heron Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. German brown trout also inhabit the lake but are not stocked. These fish naturally reproduce within the lake and the surrounding streams. Waterfowl hunting on the northwest side of the lake is the only type of hunting allowed within the park.

Critters

Important mammals found in the area include ungulates such as elk and mule deer. Important predators include bobcat and mountain lion. Black bear is an important omnivore. Important aquatic mammals include muskrat and beaver. Small terrestrial mammals include tassel-eared squirrel and golden-mantled ground squirrel. Bats also are common because the majority of the park is characterized by coniferous forest with a relatively open canopy and sparse understory, with abundant insects.

The park’s water resources provide for a large variety of birds, both resident and migrant, which provide an important attraction for birders. Prominent water birds include American white pelican, mallard, wood duck, American coot and great blue heron. Important forest-dwelling birds include Clark’s nutcracker, turkey, black-headed grosbeak, Steller’s jay, juncos and broad-tailed hummingbirds. Raptors commonly seen at the park include bald eagle, Cooper’s hawk and osprey.

The only known threatened species that frequents the areais the bald eagle. Other threatened or endangered species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service they may (or may not) reside at the park is the black-footed ferret and the meadow jumping mouse.. Although the osprey is not protected by state or federal law, its declining numbers have raised concerns among conservationists. The park helps to offset declines elsewhere by maintaining three osprey nest boxes. In 2001, three breeding pairs each fledged young. Since then, the population has increased.

Osprey Fest

Originally rare in New Mexico, Ospreys (fish hawks) have become a common site at Heron Lake. In 2006, the first Osprey Festival was held to celebrate their successful colonization of the area. The festival is now an annual event and draws hundreds of bird watchers to the area.

Oh dear, when the turkey came a knockin’

Then there was the Christmas day dinner when we heard a knock on our cabin door… and it was a wild turkey! And then there were the times when the turkeys and deer would hassle each other in the area right below our deck.

Rocks and Dirt

El Vado and Heron Lakes are on the western edge of the Chama Basin, a small, north south structural trough that is bounded by the Archuleta uplift to the west and the Brazos uplift to the east. To the south lie the San Pedro uplift, Jemez Bench and Valles Caldera. The Chama Basin connects to the southeast with the Rio Grande trough. Most of the rocks within the Chama Basin are sedimentary – primarily sandstones and shales. Crustal adjustments that created the uplifts and troughs also tilted and folded the once-horizontal sedimentary rocks, leaving them vulnerable to erosion onto hogbacks and mesas.

Amateur geologists might note sandstone and shale deposits along the lake shores; these are dated from the late Cretaceous era from when the area was a coastal plain along what was once the “Western Interior Seaway”. One could say that the New Mexico Sailing Club started out as an oceanfront property... if one is willing to go back about 99 million years! Also visible nearby are outcrops of the Burro Canyon formation (Cretaceous era, sandstone, quartz and chert pebble conglomerates, and mudstones) and Dakota formation (sandstone) downstream of Heron dam. Also downstream of the dam is Jurassic Morrison formation rock. The dam is built upon the northeast side of the “North El Vado Dome”, which is 1.5 miles in diameter. (See http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/tour/state/heron_lake/home.html for further details.)

Local History and Background

This area became the traditional homeland for a variety of other Native American groups, including the Jicarilla Apache, Ute, and Navajo. Between 1300-1500 A.D. it was used intermittently by the Ute and Navajo. Tewa Pueblos lay ancestral claim to this area, supported by archival and oral research. By the 1700s and 1800s, this became the northwest boundary of the Jicarilla Apache traditional use area. Jicarilla Apache lands border HEVLSP today. Several archaeological sites within the park have been identified as Jicarilla Apache.

The area was used marginally throughout the early Hispanic occupation, between the 1500s and 1800s. Hispanic sheepherders and settlers began to move in by the early 19^th century. The Tierra Amarilla Land Grant was made in April 1832, the lands to be used for cultivation and pasturage, potentially supporting up to 500 families. The land grant has survived and still exists today.

In the late 1800s, the Chama Valley corridor was an area rich in vast stands of harvestable ponderosa pine. Timber was a plentiful resource, and companies soon moved in, building railroad spurs into the surrounding mountains. In 1880, the railroad through the Chama Valley was developed for the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company. In 1903, a railroad spur was completed ending in El Vado, located at present-day El Vado Lake. A series of large sawmills sprang forth and between 1904-1908 and 1914-1923. The town of El Vado was a bustling community with up to 882 occupants at its peak, making it Rio Arriba County's largest town.

In 1923, El Vado was abandoned and soon after, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District chose the site for El Vado Dam. The lake subsequently submerged the town of El Vado, which is now an underwater archaeological site. Some features remain on the shore relating to early El Vado history.

El Vado reservoir was constructed between 1933 and 1935 as part of federal unemployment relief efforts. Although initially built for irrigation purposes, by 1947 recreational use of the reservoir came to the forefront. In 1954, the BOR rehabilitated El Vado Dam and took over its operation in 1956. Since 1956, State Parks has leased the property.

El Vado Dam is a rare example of the extensive use of steel in earth fill dam construction. It is listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties and has been determined eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The concept for Heron Dam was conceived in 1933. The San Juan-Chama Project, created to supplement water on the Rio Grande, which included Heron Dam, was begun in 1964 and was completed with the construction of the dam in 1971. This is one of the top civil engineering projects in the United States. (State Park Management Plan)

Saving the Train

Originally built to reach the silver fields of southwestern Colorado in the late 19th century, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad became economically obsolete in the 1960s after a brief revival during development of oil fields in the 1950s and 1960s. The railroad petitioned to abandon its route in 1970, distressing rail fans and local residents. Efforts by them and local leaders resulted in two segments of the old railroad being preserved, with the train re-starting as a historic railroad in 1973.

The surviving Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad advertises itself as the highest and longest steam-powered railway in the country. It travels daily in summer between Chama, NM, and Antonito, CO, traversing the 10,015-foot summit of Cumbres Pass and passing over trestle bridges and through tunnels and gorges. The railroad has been featured in many movies, including the opening scenes of an Indiana Jones movie.

Courthouse Raid

Reijes Tijerina was one of many activists who protested the history of land grants and grabs. These protests culminated in the famous or infamous 1967 Rio Arriba County Courthouse Raid, which resulted in bullet holes splashing the courthouse and a call for National Guard troops to enforce order.

Drought

The lake suffered a significant drought in 2003-2005, drying out the cove where the marina is located and reducing the lake to about a third of its capacity. Since then, better winter snowpacks have allowed the lake to recover to where the marina is now in 29 feet of water.

Sailing at Heron Lake

Heron Lake, a no-wake lake with motors restricted to trolling speed, is a great place for all sorts of sailors.

An Etchells glides along. Crews have to remain alert, because breezes can spring up quickly.

A brace of Sunfish enjoy fine sailing in Willow Creek Cove and the Narrows.

Youth groups frequently enjoy visits to the Heron Lake Marina.

Cruisers help each other avoid disasters such as running out of beer or dinner condiments.


After a good sail, some crews will seek out a quiet cove in which to anchor for the night. The northwest corner of Heron Lake is particularly quiet and suited to raft-ups and anchoring out.

Heron Lake VI: Useful Info

VI. Other Useful Info

Weather, Climate

…Seasons

Heron Lake enjoys distinct seasons. An average of 24 inches of annual rain and 125 inches of snow nourishes the ponderosa, pinyon, and juniper trees and other plants. Frequently, the lake freezes in winter, especially Willow Creek Cove, where the Heron Lake Marina is located.

Average high and low temperatures (F)

38/09 January

56/24 April

78/43 July

61/28 October

. . . Web weather links

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Los+Ojos&state=NM&site=ABQ

http://www.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=1&zipcode=87551&metric=0

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/87551?from=recentsearch

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=87551

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=87551

http://beta.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USNM0181

Contacts

Friends of Heron and El Vado Lakes State Parks

http:// www.friendsofheronandelvadolakes.com/
Who or what are the Friends of Heron Lake and El Vado Lake State Parks (FOHEV)?

FOHEV is a volunteer organization incorporated as a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 entity (applied for). We operate under a “Cooperative Agreement” with the New Mexico State Parks Division and our purpose is to assist the Parks Division and the Parks by enhancing, preserving and promoting Park use. FOHEV helps the Parks in many ways with interpretative, educational and recreational programs and acts as an advocate group for the park system. All of our activities and money raised are used to benefit the communities of the Chama Valley, Heron Lake and El Vado Lake State Parks and the New Mexico State Parks Division.

Phonebook/Internet/Contacts

EMERGENCY 911

FIRE DEPARTMENTS Tierra Amarilla/Los Ojos /Laguna Vista 911

911 LAW ENFORCEMENT
NM State Police, Chama, (505) 756-2343
Rio Arriba Sheriff, Tierra Amarilla, (505) 588-7271

911 MEDICAL
Dunham Clinic, Chama, (505) 756-2143
La Clinica del Pueblo, Tierra Amarilla¸ (505) 588-7252
Los Alamos Medical Center, Los Alamos¸ (505) 662-4201

State Park contact info: Heron Lake State Park, PO Box 159, Los Ojos, NM 87551. (505) 588-7470.
Superintendent, Anthony Marquez, Anthony.Marquez@state.nm.us.
Interpretive Ranger, Siscily Lederman

Web Resources
(See also the links lists on the main web page)

Rio Grande Sailing Club
PO Box 13953
Albuquerque, NM 87192
http://www.rgsc.org

New Mexico Sailing Club
PO Box 1795
Bernalillo, NM 87004
http://www.nmsail.org

Pat & Carol Anne Byrnes
http://desertsea.blogspot.com

http://itsfiveoclocksomewhere.blogspot.com

Miscellaneous Contacts and Services

New Mexico State Visitor Center
Joella Torres
505-756-2235

MEDICAL/DENTAL RELATED SERVICES
All About Teeth, Inc.
Margaret/Samantha
505-756-2901

Espanola Hospital Home Care
Espanola,NM
505-753-1510

La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba
Dr. Albert Pacheco
505-588-7252

Los Alamos Medical Center
Wendy Hoffman
505-662-4201

AUTO/RV SERVICES
Andy’s Safety Service & Repair
Andy Perez
505-756-2282

Chama Valley Trailer Supply
David & Beverlee Huesmann
505-756-2359

Chama American Auto Parts (NAPA)
Joe Vigil
505-756-2101

Dial Oil Co and Sundial Phillips
Ron Dial (Aztec, NM)
505-634-4777

FISHING SERVICES
Heron Lake Guide Service
Don Wolfley
505-294-8433/505-588-9653

RB Outfitters
Ron & Blanche Schalla
505-756-1409

Stone House Lodge
Marilyn Morrison
505-588-7274

The Timbers at Chama Chama, NM
505-588-7950

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Cumbers Adventure Tours
Bill Koozer (Antonito, CO)
719-376-2161

Far Flung Adventures
Bill Blackstock
800-637-4604
505-758-2628

Los Rios River Runners
Cisco Guevara
800-544-1181
505-776-8854

RB Outfitters
Ron & Blanche Schalla
505-756-1409

HUNTING OUTFITTERS, TAXIDERMY & HORSEBACK RIDING
BackRhoads
Rick Rhoads
505-756-9916

Northern New Mexico Elk Hunts
Mike Lopez
505-490-1910
505-756-1910

Rancho Escondido De Chama
A Premier 4500 Acre Hunting & Fishing Ranch
Mel & Paula Kurth
505-756-1521

RB Outfitters
Ron & Blanche Schalla
505-756-1409

RADIO STATION
KZRM 95.9 FM
Scott Flury
505-756-1617

Eleanor Daggett Public Library
Margaret Palmer
505-756-2388

La Clinica Outreach
505-588-9506

NM State Forestry Division
Brazos, NM
505-588-7831

NM State Game & Fish Dept.
Tierra Amarilla
505-588-7307

Taos Forestry
Adrianna
505-759-6200

US Post Office
Canjilon
505-684-2482

US Post Office
Cebolla
505-684-2482

US Post Office
Chama
505-756-2240

US Post Office
Los Ojos
505-588-7683

US Post Office
Tierra Amarilla
505-588-7219

CHURCHES
Chama Valley Worship Center
Chama, NM
Pastor Rolando Benavidez
505-756-1923

Chama Community Church
Chama, NM
Pastor Jimmy Martinez
505-756-2515

Chama Church of Christ
Chama, NM
505-756-2109

Church of Jesus Christ
Chama, NM
Leonard Jensen
505-756-2245

First Baptist Church of Chama
Chama, NM
Pastor Cory Dryden
505-756-2513

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall
Chama, NM
505-756-1965

San Jose Catholic Church
Los Ojos, NM
(Fr. Salvador Aragon)
505-588-7473

Santo Nino Catholic Church
Tierra Amarilla
505-588-7473

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Chama, NM
Fr. Clement Niggel
505-756-2926