City Profile

Elevation: 6,892'
Population: 1,549
Average Midsummer Temperature: 79 degrees

Bayfield bills itself as the "Heart of the Pine River Valley," and it is just that. It is an active, friendly, small town just 18 miles east of Durango. It is locally well known for its bang-up 4th of July celebration that lasts all day with a fireworks finale.

Bayfield was named for William A. Bay, who laid out the town in 1898 and established it in 1906. Bayfield has continued to serve as a supply town and social center for the surrounding farmers and ranchers. Bayfield has grown rapidly in the past 30+ years from 320 residents in 1970 to around 1800 now.

This pretty town is a mix of the old and the new of a small ranching town in the beautiful Pine River Valley. It sits downstream from Vallecito Lake on the banks of the Pine River. The earliest residents of the Pine River Valley were the Ute Indians, and it wasn't until the late 1800s that the valley was settled by non-Indians. The first cattle were brought to the valley in 1875 and the valley opened up as more ranchers discovered the fertile land.

Bayfield Summer Events
Bayfield Chamber of Commerce
970-884-7372

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade

June 5 – 12th Annual Yard Sale Day

June 12 – Burrito Bash Bike Race

July 3 – Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

September 25 – Bayfield Heritage & Sheep Trailing Days
(Yes! The sheep really do come through the town!)

Vallecito Lake Profile

Sun shines on Vallecito Lake

Vallecito Lake ("vie-uh-see-toe") is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and is a recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The reservoir is known for its fishing and boating, but there are many other fun activities, including horseback
riding, hiking, 4-wheeling and camping.

Vallecito is located 25 miles northeast of Durango and is one of the area's largest reservoirs. A favorite with locals and visitors alike, Vallecito offers plenty of fun, scenery and good places to eat. There are quaint cabins, resorts, motels, RV parks, campgrounds, marinas, dude and guest ranches with fully equipped guide services in this mountain valley.

A recent addition to the sights at Vallecito is the Tour of Carvings around the lake (see photo at right). The 18-foot tall sculptures were carved from burned trees to honor those who worked to protect the community during the wildfires of 2002.

Vallecito Summer Events
Vallecito Chamber of Commerce:
970-247-1573

Fireworks seen from a boat

May 29 - Fishing Contest (Win money and prizes!)

June 12 & 13 – Fire on the Mountain. Two big days of food and fun to benefit the "Country Kids With Cancer"

July 3 & 4 – Arts & Crafts Fair

July 4 – Fireworks over the lake