The mining town of Lake Valley was founded in 1878 after silver was discovered. Almost overnight, the small frontier town blossomed into a major settlement with a population of 4,000 people. Today, silver mining has played out and all that remains is a ghost town. BLM has restored the schoolhouse and chapel. The restor
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
This site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 575-525-4300
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Lake Valley Historic Townsite — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Lake Valley Historic Townsite?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Lake Valley Historic Townsite. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include County Road BO05, County Road B006, County Road B007. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Lake Valley Historic Townsite is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Cooke's Range Wilderness Study Area
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
MRobison / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Percha Diversion Dam
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.