How do I access Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?

Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp in Colorado. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?

Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?

The best time to paddle at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?

Water conditions at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area include mild current, sheltered.

Is Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area good for beginners?

Yes, Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

a river running through a canyon surrounded by rocks

Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

CreekMild CurrentSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area

Rico, CO · Boat Ramp · Public

Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp on Elbert Creek near Rico, Colorado. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Creek

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Boat Ramp accessing Elbert Creek near Rico, Colorado. mild current and sheltered conditions.

For a quieter experience on the water, Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area in Colorado puts you on Elbert Creek with its gentle current.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water.

Water conditions are generally mild current and sheltered. March through November is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Getting here from Rico takes about 20 min, putting Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

Paddling Tips

•Go slow and enjoy the scenery — creeks offer some of the most intimate paddling.
•Expect tight turns and occasional strainers (downed trees across the water).
•A shorter kayak or canoe (under 12 feet) handles creek turns more easily.
•Creek levels can rise quickly after rain — avoid paddling during or after storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?: Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp in Colorado. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?: Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?: The best time to paddle at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area?: Water conditions at Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area include mild current, sheltered.
Is Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area good for beginners?: Yes, Haviland Lake State Wildlife Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 37.5319, -107.8091