Willowtail Springs has become a wildlife property, bird sanctuary, and a water wonderland. Guests have access to the many paths and trails through this 60-acre nature preserve, including free use of canoes and fishing gear. Willowtail’s private lake serves as a fishing paradise for all skill levels, healthily stocked with trout, sunfish and large-mouth bass. Over 200 species of water birds, raptors, and songbirds have been identified at Willowtail. This is a bird-watchers paradise with owls, golden eagles, osprey, meadowlarks, Great Blue Herons, hummingbirds, chickadees, woodpeckers, warblers and more.

Fishing and Boating
Willowtail Springs is fishing heaven for those with any level of skill. Our private lake is stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout, large mouthed bass and sunfish, plus grass carp to keep the lake clean and healthy. We are a Catch and Release site so we use barb-less hooks. The large mouthed bass seem to bite at almost anything, which is fabulous instant gratification for children or adults new to the sport. Our fish are “on staff”. We find guests have a time getting their families off to see local sites because the lake and the boats are such entertainment. We have two canoes and a rowboat for guests to use plus casting rods and lures.
Since we own the private lake, you do not need a fishing license for any fishing you do here at Willowtail Springs.

Garden
Lush gardens are sprinkled about the grounds at Willowtail Springs. Guests enjoy exploring, often finding their own special place. Hammocks, benches and swings can be found throughout the gardens. The hot tub resides on a rock outcropping overlooking the lake with patio furniture and lounges. Tables and chairs placed in the middle of the gardens provide idyllic spaces for writing, reading or even computer work. Paths weave from the cabins through the gardens to the wildlife ponds and into more wilderness areas.

It might be impossible to pull yourself away from Willowtail’s serenity, but should the impulse arise, there’s no shortage of adventure to be found nearby. Just 6 minutes away is the Town of Mancos, with a grocery store, health food store, a bakery, brewery, family or fine dining restaurants, liquor stores, art galleries and quaint shops.

Steeped in Native American history, the Four Corners region pulses with culture, color and a fine collection of some of the country’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Willowtail sits a mere 10-minute drive from the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park. Farther West, explore Ute Mountain Tribal Park, the Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep national monuments. Cap the day off with wine at one or all of Cortez’s divine wineries.

Just a 30-minute drive from Willowtail Springs is the city of Durango and the inimitable Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. High alpine splendor, mining history and a feast for the senses will leave you hungry for downtown Durango’s fabulous array of world-class restaurants and award-winning breweries. Spend an afternoon wandering the variety of shops on Main Street.

Located on the San Juan Skyway, Willowtail and within easy access to the Southwest's best attractions: Mancos (6 minutes), Mesa Verde National Park (10 minutes), Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (30 minutes), Hovenweep National Monument (90 minutes), Telluride (90 minutes), Moab (2 hours) are all an enjoyable day trip away.