At an elevation of 8,000 feet, sitting high above the quaint mountain town of Collbran, Vega State Park is one of the most picturesque campgrounds anywhere in Colorado. It offers spectacular scenery, excellent wildlife watching and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, but the best thing about this park is that your dog is welcome to enjoy it all with you.
The main attraction in the park is its beautiful high-mountain lake. At two miles long, this reservoir is the largest body of water in the Grand Valley. It's a popular spot for anglers targeting rainbow, cutthroat, or cutbow trout, but is also an excellent spot for sailing, canoeing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Boat launch ramps are located at all of the park's day-use areas. It's also worth mentioning that the lake offers the perfect backdrop for a picnic, providing pleasant water views while you chow down on lunch.
The lake is surrounded by a beautifulĀ montane meadow, with the surrounding region home to a diverse array of wildlife. Marmots, mule deer, chipmunks, porcupines, black bears, moose, and more than 100 species of birds share this area.
Vega is also the perfect base camp to set off and explore the nearby Grand Mesa National Forest, which is of course home to the world's largest flat-top mesa.Ā If you're staying the night, the park offers 109 sites in four campgrounds surrounding the lake. Pets are more than welcome to camp with you, and they're also permitted in three on-site cabins.
Of course, you'll need to take care to abide by all rules and regulations when visiting with your pet. This means making sure your pet is attended at all times, under control, and on a six-foot leash. You'll also need to clean up after your pet whenever necessary.
Stay on top of these simple responsibilities and all that's left to do is explore this beautiful natural getaway with your furry friend.