Eleven MileState Park - Colorado |
Eleven Mile State Park is in Park County, 11 miles (18 km) south of Lake George, Colorado, United States. The park surrounds 3,405-acre (13.78 km2), 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long Eleven Mile Reservoir. Facilities include a marina, a visitors center and over 300 campsites. There are 5 miles (8.0 km) of trails available for hikers and bicyclists. Fish species include cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout and northern pike. Eleven Mile Reservoir is famous for the thriving Kokanee salmon population found in the river current along the north side of the reservoir known as the Dream Stream. This reservoir is also known for being very windy in the afternoon. Cottontail rabbit, white-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, muskrat and ground squirrels are commonly seen in the park. Mule deer, pronghorn, porcupine, badger, black bear and elk are seen occasionally.
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location
maps
Motor Vehicle Travel Map (MVTM) of South Park Ranger District in Pike National Forest (NF) in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
brochures
Guide to Colorado State Parks. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Guide to Colorado State Recreation Lands. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Eleven Mile SP
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/default.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleven_Mile_State_Park
Eleven Mile State Park is in Park County, 11 miles (18 km) south of Lake George, Colorado, United States. The park surrounds 3,405-acre (13.78 km2), 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long Eleven Mile Reservoir. Facilities include a marina, a visitors center and over 300 campsites. There are 5 miles (8.0 km) of trails available for hikers and bicyclists. Fish species include cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout and northern pike. Eleven Mile Reservoir is famous for the thriving Kokanee salmon population found in the river current along the north side of the reservoir known as the Dream Stream. This reservoir is also known for being very windy in the afternoon. Cottontail rabbit, white-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, muskrat and ground squirrels are commonly seen in the park. Mule deer, pronghorn, porcupine, badger, black bear and elk are seen occasionally.
Nearby Facilities
Groceries, camping and fishing supplies, licenses,
firewood and snacks are available at the 11 Mile
Marina located at the North Shore Boat Ramp.
Medical facilities are available in Woodland Park.
Religious and commercial facilities are available in
most nearby communities.
First Aid
Please contact a park ranger if you need first
aid assistance. Medical facilities are available in
Woodland Park, 40 miles east, and in Fairplay, 30
miles northwest. If you are not able to reach a ranger,
please call 911.
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
Eleven Mile
State Park
This remarkable setting is home to tremendous
recreational opportunities. Eleven Mile’s waters have
surrendered some of the largest fish ever taken in
Colorado. The reservoir’s boaters, particularly sailors,
are challenged by the tricky winds and fast-rising storms
that occasionally sweep the area.
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
Park Office/Camper Services
Eleven Mile’s elevation of 8,600 feet makes for a wide
range of temperatures in any season, so park visitors
should dress accordingly. Visitors should also be
prepared to protect themselves against sunburn at this
altitude.
The Park Office is located in the camper services
building near Rocky Ridge Campground on Park
County Road 92. Showers, flush toilets and laundry
facilities are available at the camper services building
May-September.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages Eleven Mile’s
3,400 surface-acre reservoir and 4,000 land acres under
a lease from the Denver Water Board. The reservoir has
been an important water storage facility for the city of
Denver since the dam was completed in 1932.
Campsites may be reserved in advance by calling
1-800-244-5613 or reserve online at
www.cpw.state.co.us
24
Cty
Cty Rd.
92
Spinney Mtn.
State Park
Eleven Mile
State Park
d.
R
Cty Rd.
59
Area Map
U.
S.
90
Dam
Photo by Kevin Tobey
Ct
y
23 Rd.
To Hartsel
Lake George
To Colorado
Springs
Passes & Permits
To Guffey
All vehicles entering the park are required to display
a current Colorado State Parks Pass. A Daily Pass is
valid for the day purchased until noon the following
day. A Yearly Pass is valid at any state park for 12
months from date of purchase. For yearly passholders
with an additional vehicle, a multiple pass is available
for a reduced fee. Daily passes are available at self
service stations.
Eleven Mile State Park
4229 County Road 92 • Lake George, CO 80827
(719) 748-3401
E-mail: eleven.mile.park@state.co.us
Colorado’s senior citizens 64 and older may buy an Aspen
Leaf Annual Pass at a discounted rate. (Passes, permits,
and licenses may be purchased at the park office.)
cpw.state.co.us
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
E
leven Mile State Park is in South Park – an
expansive high-altitude grassland region of
central Colorado. The park is bordered on two
sides by the Pike National Forest. The surrounding
mountains, including Pikes Peak, the Tarryall Range and
the snowy peaks of the Continental Divide, complement
Eleven Mile’s own scenic reservoir, short grasses and
rocky outcroppings.
CPW_SEEM_10K_3/18
cpw.state.co.us
Colorado disabled veterans displaying Colorado
Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are admitted
free without a pass.
Fishing
Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon,
northern pike and carp are found in the reservoir.
Bow fishing for carp and northern pike is permitted
year round. Fishing is prohibited in the restricted
area near the dam. Please check the current Colorado
Fishing Regulation brochure for special regulations,
season dates, and bag and possession limits that may
apply.
Camping
Eleven Mile’s 335 campsites can accommodate
tents, pick-up campers, trailers and motor homes.
A camping permit is required in addition to the
vehicle pass. Only one camping unit with a single
family or a maximum of six people is permitted per
site. Electrical hookups are available in Rocky Ridge
Campground, Loops A, B or D. No more than two
motor vehicles are allowed at any site.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The backcountry area of the park, near the east end of
the reservoir, has 14 walk-in / boat-in campsites.
Dump Stations
Holding tank dump stations are located near the
North Shore and Witcher’s Cove entrances. Please
use these facilities. It is illegal to dump waste
anywhere else. A valid vehicle pass and a valid
camping permit are required to dump tanks.
Wildlife & Hunting
Several species of waterfowl are abundant at the
reservoir. Pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, bear, coyote,
mountain lion, bobcat and many varieties of small
mammals frequent the park and surrounding area.
Hunting is permitted in specific portions of the
park during legal seasons. Maps of hunting areas
are available online or at the park office. The park
supports many species of ducks, as well as geese, as
they migrate south each fall.
Accessibility
Some areas and campgrounds have been adapted for
use by
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Eleven Mile State Park
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
Sport fishing and recreation writers across the state have produced volumes of material about Eleven Mile State Park’s fantastic
fishing. While fishing gets most of the attention, the park boasts nine separate campgrounds with 335 campsites, ranging from
drive-to-site RV camping to boat- or hike-in tent-only campsites in the backcountry area. Five miles of hiking and biking trails,
interpretive programs throughout the summer and boating opportunities on one of the larger reservoirs in Colorado (3,405 surface
acres) round out the most popular uses.
Visitors to Eleven Mile State Park spend about $25.2 million annually in local communities.1
Top attractions
•
Fishing is the main draw at Eleven Mile, whether
it’s shoreline, deepwater boat, fly or ice.
•
Eleven Mile State Park is one of the most popular
camping spots in Colorado.
•
Park staff offer a variety of interpretive programs.
•
Colorado State Land Board
•
Denver Water Board
•
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
•
U.S. Forest Service
•
Hartsel and Lake George Fire Departments
•
South Park Ambulance District
•
Park County Sheriff’s Department
•
Colorado State Patrol
•
Park County Emergency Services Council
•
Coalition for the Upper South Platte
THOMAS KIMMEL/CPW
Our partners
Challenges we face
•
Finding funding to meet priorities in the recently completed Eleven Mile State Park Redevelopment Plan, including renovating aging
facilities and infrastructure to keep pace with the changing demands of the recreating public.
•
Working with the Denver Water Board to secure viable, consistent and sufficient funding needed to provide an effective aquatic nuisance
species inspection program at Eleven Mile Reservoir.
•
Creating long-term partnerships with other agencies and private parties to find solutions to the ongoing livestock trespassing issues that
have a negative effect on park resources, management and public safety.
Volunteer activities
•
Campground host program
•
Shoreline cleanup
•
Interpretation and speaking on environmental
topics
•
General purpose volunteers who assist with backlog of maintenance
and administrative projects
•
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) boat inspections assistance
1Source: Corona Research, Colorado State Parks Marketing Assessment, “Visitor Spending Analysis 2008-2009” (adjusted for inflation).
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
4229 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827
(719) 748-3401 • Email: eleven.mile.park@state.co.us
Park Manager: Jacob Dewhirst
As of June 30, 2017
Manager’s Message
Visitors to Eleven Mile State Park are quickly discovering that there is more to the park than trophy fishing opportunities and
camping. Located near the geographic center of the state, the park often serves as a base camp for guests looking to participate in
short day trips to popular area destinations, such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Arkansas
River. The park is open year-round, offering spectacular Rocky Mountain sunsets and plenty of room to breathe.
Geography
Region: Northeast
County: Park
Year Acquired: 1970
Elevation: 8,597 ft
Miles From Denver: 119
Annual Visitation
331,844
Facilities
3 Boat Ramps
Boat Rental
2 Dump Stations
Laundry
Marinas (year-round)
Mooring/Docking
20 Picnic Sites
Showers (coin-operated)
Visitor Center
Acreage
Total Acres: 7,572
Governmental
US Cong Dist: 5th
CO Senate: 2nd
CO House: 60th
Trails
Biking: 5 miles
Hiking: 5 miles
Cross Country Skiing/
Snowshoeing: 5 miles
Total: 5 miles
Employees
Permanent: 6
Temporary: 22
Volunteers: 53
Volunteer Hours: 1,881
Roads
Paved: 7.9 miles
Unpaved: 10.6 miles
Recreation
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Ice Fishing
Ice Skating
Jet Skiing
Ranger/Nature Programs
Sailboarding
Snowtubing
Wildlife/Bird Viewing
Winter Camping
Camping
Campsites (basic, year-round): 283
Campsites (electrical, year-round): 52
138
Walden
Fort
Collins
14
Craig Hayden
Steamboat
Springs
40
Estes
Park
125
14
Loveland
6
Greeley
34
Oak Creek
36
13
131
Meeker
Sterling
14
134
Fort Brush
Morgan
76
85
Kremmling
40
34
Wray
Brighton
287
93
Denver
Golden
Avon Vail
385
Breckenridge
Collbran
Fruita
330
Leadville
Aspen
Grand Junction
82
24
85
Castle
Rock
285
Paonia133
Hotchkiss
Gunnison
92
Burlington
70
24
40
Colorado Springs
Kit Carson
67
Cripple Creek
Olathe
Montrose
Limon
Eleven Mile
Reservoir
Buena
Vista
Crawford
86
Fairplay
65
Delta
36
70
Frisco
Glenwood
Springs
9
Salida
50
Canon City
550
287
50
Ridgway
Pueblo
285
Ouray
50
Lamar
25
La Junta
Dove
Creek
350
160
491
Cortez
550
Mancos
Walsenburg
Monte Vista
Dolores
160
Alamosa
150
La Veta
Springfield
Pagosa
Springs
Durango
12
172
285
160
Trinidad
151
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.stat
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
18. Wetlands Are Special Places
Wetlands are unique biological habitats found within
the larger, arid ecosystem here at Eleven Mile State Park.
Many organisms live out their lives in the micro-habitat of
these watery worlds. Predatory dragonfly larvae will one
day become swiftly moving dragonflies soaring above the
wetland’s rushes and sedges. Copepods (small, shrimplike crustaceans) strain microscopic plant food from the
water. They are eaten by small fish and shorebirds, which
are in turn eaten by larger fish and more predatory birds
and mammals.
Coyote Ridge
Nature Trail
AT ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK
19. What’s The Catch?
Coves like this are excellent places to catch rainbow
trout, carp and northern pike. These fish all find the cove
a wonderful feeding ground. The shoreline is a favorite
nesting and feeding area for many types of ducks, geese,
red-winged blackbirds and shorebirds such as avocets,
ibises, herons and sandpipers. Nocturnal animals like
raccoon, badgers, coyote and deer all visit these same
shorelines for food and water during their nightly
prowls. Can you find any signs of these creatures along
the shoreline?
Coyote Ridge Nature Trail
W
hat is your initial impression of Eleven Mile State
Park?Do you see it simply as a lake surrounded by
grass and rocks? Hopefully, after hiking this trail
your initial impression may be enhanced. As you walk the
loops of the trail pay special attention to the different feelings
that you experience along the way. The varied micro-habitats
offer many chances to view wildlife. Please respect the
wildlife that lives here. You are a visitor to their home. Do not
approach any wildlife too closely or attempt to feed it. Walk
quietly and speak softly. Noise will frighten wildlife away.
Early morning and late afternoon lighting provides the best
photo opportunities. Please take only pictures and leave only
your footprints behind as you hike. By the end of your hike,
we hope that you will discover that Eleven Mile is worth
the while!
Precautions:
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Please do not touch or feed the wildlife.
20. Folk Remedy
Squeeze the needles of this plant and you will smell its
distinct odor. Can you guess the name of this plant?
That’s right—it is juniper, a shrub that grows in a
spreading pattern over the ground of dry forests or
open slopes. The needles of juniper taper to a spiny tip
and the fruits grow round, bluish-black in color and
are covered with a whitish powder. Juniper berries are
used to flavor gin and other alcoholic beverages. If
dried, it can be used as a seasoning. It was once used as
a folk remedy for stomachaches, colds and bronchitis.
Studies on juniper berries have shown it to lower
blood sugar levels and it is believed to be active against
tumors. WARNING! Excessive amounts of juniper can
be harmful.
This trail is made possible through Colorado State Parks,
Great Outdoors Colorado, the Volunteers for Outdoor
Colorado, the Colorado Youth Corps Association and
the Boy Scouts of America.
1. Climate Influences Habitat
Eleven Mile is located in an arid, sub-alpine climatic
region. This climatic condition, along with thin soils,
determines the types of trees and other vegetation that
may be found along the trail. Wind plays a major role
in producing the arid condition of the region, as well as
producing the bare spots of soil and rock that you see
before you. Geologists call these spots blowouts. Blowouts
are erosional features caused by prevailing winds. As you
hike the trail, notice the different types of trees that live
here: aspen, Engelmann and blue spruce, ponderosa and
limber pine. Can you spot any of the special adaptations
that help each species survive in the shallow soils, high
wind, and extreme temperatures that exist here?
2. Picture The Past
Howbert, a small sawmill and railroad town that flourished
in the late 1800’s, now lies on the bottom of the reservoir
directly south from this spot. The town once boasted 20
buildings and a population of about 100 people. Imagine
the old post office and café where people met for coffee
every morning. Did they hear the mill’s saw as it began
cutting logs at the start of each new day? Did the school
bell resonate across the valley as it summoned children
to classes? Perhaps the whistle of the Colorado Midland
Railroad locomotive interrupted their conversations as it
rolled into town. The town is quiet now, inhabited only
by fish and other underwater creatures. Do you suppose
that a school of fish might now inhabit the school house?
3. Picture Perfect
Coyote Ridge Nature Trail Map (1.4 Miles)
x•x•
Ponderosa Loop (.75 Miles)
x – x – Aspen Loop (.6 Miles)
Aspen
Eleven Mile State Park
Ponderosa
4229 County Road 92 • Lake George, CO 80827
719-748-3401 • cpw.state.co.us
SEEM1201-PDF-07/14
cpw.state.co.us
Corral Cove is one of the most beautiful areas of the
pa
Orienteering 101
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
Helpful Hints:
Watch where you put your feet; respect
the vegetation as much as possible by
not trampling it.
While participating in this course, try
to limit the number of people in your
group to no more than six.
Orienteering
Trail
AT ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK
Remember — if you get lost just follow
the Midland Trail back to the trailhead.
If you are lost in the woods (meaning
Are you ready for a crash course in
the art of orienteering?
O
rienteering is the art of using a
compass and map to find your way in
the woods; or, in this case, to navigate
around a course with a set of predetermined
locations called waypoint markers.
Scattered around the Backcountry landscape you
will find the nine waypoint (and thirty-two sub
point) markers. Each point is a composite plaque
with the point number marked on it. The nine
waypoints are embedded within rock mounds
that are 9–12" tall. The sub points all lie flat on
the ground.
you lack a compass), keep in mind that
moss generally grows on the north side
of a tree.
When hiking in bear and/or mountain
lion country, be aware of your
surroundings; make some noise (you
don’t have to be loud, but try not to
creep silently).
To find these points, you must follow the
directions located on the inside of this brochure.
Paces are measured as five feet in length. This is
roughly the distance an average person would
walk when taking two steps.
The starting point is the sign posted near
Backcountry campsite #901. You’ll notice the
first step is to walk 148 paces at 359 degrees. This
should bring you to the first sub point #1A.
Eleven Mile State Park
4229 County Road 92 • Lake George, CO 80827
719-748-3401 • cpw.state.co.us
Look at your compass; turn
the dial on your compass
until the red half of the
floating arrow is within
the painted red arrow on
the bottom of the compass.
Locate 359 degrees on the
compass while keeping the
floating arrow within the
red painted arrow.
To find the first sub point, simply walk 148 paces
in the direction of 359 degrees.
(Hint: You should look as far in that exact
direction as you can to find some type of
landmark to walk towards).
Keep in mind that while paces are approximate,
they should still get you close enough to see the
marker. Also, remember that the directions to
the next target will begin exactly at the marker
you have just reached.
The total trail length is
3.16 miles.
For new and current information on
Colorado Parks & Wildlife
visit us online at
cpw.state.co.us
SEEM1202-PDF-07/14
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Waypoint One:
Waypoint Eight:
Start at this sign. Take 148 paces at 359 degrees;
then 37 paces at 82 degrees; then 137 paces at
18 degrees; then 67 paces at 65 degrees.
Take 113 paces at 205 degrees; then 67 paces
at 268 degrees; then 116 paces at 11 degrees;
then 153 paces at 34 degrees.
5
5A
Waypoint Two:
Take 39 paces at 171 degrees; then 29 paces at
85 degrees; then 87 paces at 201 degrees; then
45 paces at 70 degrees; then 63 paces at
213 degrees; then 55 paces at 107 degrees.
1C
Waypoint Three:
Take 48 paces at 210 degrees; then 74 paces at
124 degrees; then 94 paces at 36 degrees; then
44 paces at 308 degrees.
Waypoint Four:
1B
1A
Take 54 paces at 329 degrees; then 65 paces
at 16 degrees; then 98 paces at 322 degrees;
then 52 paces at 81 degrees; then 65 paces at
357 degrees.
2E
4
END
6C
3C
3B
9C
9
9A
Take 88 paces at 268 degrees; then 71 paces at
158 degrees; then 48 paces at 94 degrees; then
128 paces at 239 degrees.
7A
7B
8C
7C
8
Waypoint Seven:
7D
8B
8A
If you are standing at the same sign that you
began the course at, located near Backcountry
campsite #901, then you made it.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Follow the Midland Trail back to the Coyote
Ridge parking lot to return to your vehicle.
7
9B
BEGIN
6
6B
3
Waypoint Six:
Take 122 paces at 142 degrees; then 86 paces
at 244 degrees; then 78 paces at 127 degrees;
then 108 paces at 237 degrees; then 56 paces
at 323 degrees.
6A
4A
3A
Waypoint Five:
Take 98 paces at 84 degrees; then 108 paces at
161 degrees; then 73 paces at 81 degrees; then
90 paces at 137 degrees.
4B
2D
9D
5C
5B
2A 2B
2C
Take 115 paces at 233 degrees; then 108 paces
at 303 degrees; then 34 paces at 198 degrees;
then 100 paces at 338 degrees; then 132 paces
at 214 degrees.
4D
4C
2
Waypoint Nine:
Pipits
q American Pipit (UC, M)
Clark’s Nutcracker (C, PR)
Black-billed Magpie (VC, PR)
American Crow (VC, PR)
Common Raven (VC, PR)
Larks
q Horned Lark (C, SR)
Swallows
Barn Swallow
q Tree Swallow (C, SR)
q Violet-green Swallow (C, SR)
q Northern Rough-winged Swallow (UC, SR)
q Bank Swallow (R, M)
q Cliff Swallow (VC, SR)
q Barn Swallow (C, SR)
Chickadees
q Black-capped Chickadee (C, PR)
q Mountain Chickadee (C, PR)
q Bushtit (UC, WV)
Nuthatches & Creepers
q Red-breasted Nuthatch (R, SR)
q White-breasted Nuthatch (R, SR)
q Pygmy Nuthatch (C, PR)
q Brown Creeper (R, SR)
yg
my
Nuth
atch
P
Wrens
q Rock Wren (C, SR)
q Canyon Wren (UC, PR)
q House Wren (UC, SR)
q Marsh Wren (R, SR)
Dippers
q American Dipper (R, SR)
Kinglets
q Golden-crowned Kinglet (R, M)
q Ruby-crowned Kinglet (UC, SR)
Starlings
q European Starling (C, PR)
Warblers
q Orange-crowned Warbler (UC, M)
q Yellow Warbler (R, SR)
q Yellow-rumped Warbler (UC, M)
q Yellow-throated Warbler (ACC, M)
q Black-throated Gray Warbler (R, M)
q Townsend’s Warbler (R, M)
q Northern Waterthrush (R, M)
q MacGillivray’s Warbler (UC, M)
q Common Yellowthroat (C, SR)
q Wilson’s Warbler (UC, SR)
Tanagers
q Western Tanager (U, SR)
Towhees & Sparrows
q Green-tailed Towhee (UC, M)
q Spotted Towhee (FC, M)
q American Tree Sparrow (UC, M)
q Chipping Sparrow (UC, SR)
q Clay-colored Sparrow (R, M)
q Brewer’s Sparrow (R, M)
q Vesper Sparrow (UC, SR)
q Lark Sparrow (FC, SR)
q Lark Bunting (UC, M)
q Savannah Sparrow (UC, M)
q Song Sparrow (UC, SR)
q Harris’s Sparrow (R, WV)
q White-crowned Sparrow (FC, M)
q Dark-eyed Junco (FC, WV)
q Lapland Longspur (R, WV)
q Snow Bunting (R, WV)
q House Sparrow (C, PR)
Yellow Warbler
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
Discovering
Birds
AT ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK
Because we are interested in maintaining and revising
this list, we solicit your help and ask that you share new
and unusual sightings and/or comments on the status of
the park’s birds. If you do encounter any Rare, Very Rare,
Accidental or new species, we’d appreciate a short written
description of the field marks used to identify the bird.
Special thanks to Hugh Kingery, Tony Leukering, Mark
Peterson, and Nathan Pieplow for their assistance in the
compilation of this list.
Field Notes
Date:
Weather:
n
Bu
Snow
Grosbeaks & Buntings
q Blue Grosbeak (UC, M)
q Lazuli Bunting (UC, M)
q Indigo Bunting (R, M)
Thrushes
q Western Bluebird (UC, M)
q Mountain Bluebird (C, SR)
q Townsend’s Solitaire (UC, PR)
q Swainson’s Thrush (UC, M)
q Hermit Thrush (UC, SR)
q American Robin (C, SR)
Mockingbirds & Thrashers
q Gray Catbird (UC, SV)
q Northern Mockingbird (R, M)
q Sage Thrasher (UC, M)
Finches
q Gray-crowned Rosy Finch (FC, WV)
q Black Rosy Finch (R, WV)
q Pine Grosbeak (C, PR)
q Cassin’s Finch (UC, SR)
q House Finch (C, PR)
q Lesser Goldfinch (UC, SR)
q Pine Siskin (UC, PR)
q American Goldfinch (UC, SR)
q Evening Grosbeak (UC, SR)
tin
g
q
q
q
q
Time in Field:
Location(s):
American Goldfinch
Western Meadowlark
Blackbirds
q Red-winged Blackbird (FC, SR)
q Western Meadowlark (C, SR)
q Yellow-headed Blackbird (FC, M & C, SR)
q Brewer’s Blackbird (FC, SR)
q Brown-headed Cowbird (VC, SR)
Mountain Bluebird
Eleven Mile State Park
4229 County Road 92 • Lake George, CO 80827
719-748-3401 • cpw.state.co.us
Pine Grosbeak
SEEM1203-PDF-07/14
cpw.state.co.us
Seasonal Occurrences
os
e
Go
ing
Cackl
Grebes
q Pied-billed Grebe (UC, M)
q Horned Grebe (UC, SV)
q Red-necked Grebe (VR, M)
q Eared Grebe (C, M)
q Western Grebe (C, SR)
q Clark’s Grebe (R, SR)
Cranes
q Sandhill Crane (R, M)
Eared Grebe
Wading Birds
q American Bittern (R, M)
q Great Blue Heron (C, SR)
q Snowy Egret (R, M)
q Cattle Egret (R, M)
q Black-crowned Night Heron (R, M)
q White-faced Ibis (C, SV)
C
ed
Double-crest
New World Vultures
q Turkey Vulture (C, PR)
Lesser Scaup
Shorebirds
q Black-bellied Plover (R, M)
q American Golden Plover (R, M)
q Semipalmated Plover (UC, M)
q Killdeer (C, SR)
q Mountain Plover (R, M)
q Black-necked Stilt (R, M)
q American Avocet (FC, SV)
q Greater Yellowlegs (R, M)
q Lesser Yellowlegs (R, M)
q Solitary Sandpiper (R, M)
q Willet (R, M)
q Spotted Sandpiper (FC, SR)
q Long-billed Curlew (VR, M)
q Marbled Godwit (UC, M)
q Sanderling (VR, M)
q Semipalmated Sandpiper (UC, M)
q Western Sandpiper (UC, M)
q Least Sandpiper (UC, M)
q Baird’s Sandpiper (UC, M)
q Pectoral Sandpiper (VR, M)
q Dunlin (VR, M)
q Stilt Sandpiper (UC, M)
q Long-billed Dowitcher (UC, M)
q Wilson’s Phalarope (R, M)
q Red-necked Phalarope (R, M)
q Red Phalarope (VR, M)
q Mourning Dove (FC, PR)
Cuckoos
q Greater Roadrunner (ACC, VR)
Ke
can
Ameri
Gulls & Terns
q Franklin’s Gull (UC, M)
q Bonaparte’s Gull (UC, M)
q Ring-billed Gull (UC, SV)
q California Gull (VC, SR)
q Herring Gull (R, M)
q Sabine’s Gull (R, M)
q Caspian Tern (R, M)
q Forester’s Tern (R, M)
q Black Tern (UC, M)
Swainson’s Hawk
Pigeons & Doves
q Rock Pigeon (R, PR)
q Band-tailed Pigeon (UC, SV)
Owls
q
q
q
q
q
Barn Owl (UC, PR)
Flammulated Owl (V
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
❑ Brittlefern
Discovering
Plants
❑ Field Horsetail
❑ Smooth Horsetail
MOSS
❑ Little Club-moss
AT ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK
SUCCULENTS
❑ Ball Cactus
❑ Prickly Pear Cactus
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Prickly Pear Cactus
HELPFUL HINTS
1. Bring your eye to the plant, never bring the plant
to your eye. Picking wildflowers is prohibited on
public lands, and for
good reason. Millions visit these lands
and if everyone took home a bouquet,
many species would disappear from the park
forever.
4229 County Road 92 • Lake George, CO 80827
719-748-3401 • cpw.state.co.us
❑ Blue Penstemon
❑ Fendler’s False Arabis
❑ Field Sagewort
❑ Mapleleaf Goosefoot
❑ Machaeranthera
❑ Meadow Thistle
❑ Miner’s Candle
❑ Narrowleaf Goosefoot
Flower – the reproductive structure of
many plants
❑ Pinnate Tansymustard
Forb – A broad- leaved, non-woody plant
that dies back to the ground after each
growing season
❑ Rocky Mountain Beeplant
Grass – an annual or perennial herb with a
round, hollow stem
❑ Spreading Fleabane (daisy)
Herb – a narrow-leaved, non-woody plant.
❑ Winged Buckwheat
Perennial – A plant that lives at least three years,
usually flowering and producing fruit each year
Eleven Mile State Park
❑ Bigelow Aster
Biennial – A plant that lives two years, usually
flowering and producing fruit in the 2nd year
Moss – a non-vascular plant; able to dry up and
then begin photosynthesis again immediately
upon getting water
3. Take along a camera to photograph species that you
can’t easily ID in the field.
❑ American Chamaerhodos
❑ Glasswort
Lichen – a composite of an alga and a fungus
2. A field guide to plants will be helpful, as this is
merely a checklist.
NATIVE ANNUAL & BIENNIAL FORBS
Annual – A plant that lives one year
Fern – an ancient, vascular plant that reproduces
by spores
LICHENS
❑ Lichen
This list is intended to represent the most
commonly found plants at Eleven Mile and
Spinney Mountain State Parks. Let us know if
you find species not listed here.
s ef
oot
FERNS
af G
Maplele
❑ Pygmyflower Rockjasmine
❑ Roundfruit Yellowcress
❑ Seablight
❑ Whitlowwort
❑ Yellow Sweetclover
Spreading Fleabane
INTRODUCED ANNUAL &
BIENNIAL FORBS
❑ Burning-bush
❑ Denseflower Pepperweed
❑ Early Stickseed
❑ Field Pennycress
Shrub – A perennial broad- leaved, woody plant,
typically multi-stemmed and less than 15 feet tall
❑ Flixweed Tansymustard
Succulent – a plant with fleshy, water-storing
stems or leaves
❑ Ironweed
Tree – a perennial woody plant with a single
stem (trunk), generally at least 15 feet tall
❑ Mexican Tea
❑ Horseweed
❑ Lady’s Thumb Smartweed
❑ Russian Thistle
❑ Thyme-leaved Spurge
❑ Wormseed
Wallflower
SEEM1204 -PDF-07/14
cpw.state.co.us
oo
Horseweed
❑ Littleflower Alumroot
❑ Tansy Aster
❑ Plains Bluegrass
❑ Alkali Aster
❑ Marsh Felwort
❑ Wallflower
❑ Purple Reedgrass
❑ Arrowgrass
❑ Meadow hawksbeard
❑ Western Yarrow
❑ Saltgrass
❑ Beard-tongue
❑ Meadow Lousewort
❑ Wild Buckwheat
❑ Bessey’s Stickseed
❑ Microseris
❑ Wild Tarragon
❑ Bigelow bottle Gentian
❑ Milkvetch (locoweed)
❑ Wildspikenard False Solomon’s Seal
❑ Slimstem Muhly
❑ Bladderpod
❑ Moss Campion
❑ Blue Flax
❑ Mount Elbert Goldenrod
INTRODUCED PERENNIAL FORBS
❑ Sun Sedge
❑ Bodin Milkvetch
❑ Mountain Strawberry
❑ Branched Blue-eyed Grass
❑ Nodding Onion
❑ Parry Bellflower
❑ Colorado Rubberweed
❑ Pasqueflower
❑ Common Mare’s tail
❑ Pasture Sage
❑ Creeping Nailwort
❑ Plains Indian Paintbrush
❑ Desert Sandwort
❑ Platte River Milkvetch
❑ Diamond Milkvetch
❑ Pretty Draba
❑ Drummond Campion
❑ Prickly Gilia
❑ Dwarf Columbine
❑ Pussytoes
❑ Englemann Fleabane
er
bb
Ru
Colorado
❑ Rocky Mountain Iris
❑ Fendler’s Ragwort
❑ Scarlet Gilia
❑ Fieldmint
❑ Sea Milkwort
❑ Fringed Sage
❑ Sheep Cinquefoil
❑ Golden Smoke
❑ Shore Buttercup
❑ Groundsel
❑ Showy Fleabane
❑ Gumweed Aster
❑ Silky Locoweed
❑ Hairy Golden Aster
❑ Silver Thistle
❑ Harebell
❑ Silverweed
❑ Hooded Ladies’ Tresses
❑ Siskiyou Aster
❑ Horse Cinquefoil
❑ Skeletonweed
❑ Kitten-tail
❑ Slenderfoot Willowherb
❑ Lanceleaf Bluebells
❑ Small-leaf Geranium
❑ Large-leaved Avens
❑ Spotted Saxifrage
❑ Laxmann’s Milkvetch
❑ Little Gentian
Lanceleaf Bluebells
❑ Perennial Sow-thistle
NATIVE SHRUBS
❑ Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
False Buffalograss
❑ Douglas Rabbitbrush
NATIVE PERENNIAL GRASSES
❑ Gooseberry Currant
❑ Horsebrush
❑ Kinnickkinnick
❑ Rubber Rabbitbrush
❑ Alkali Sacaton
❑ Sand Bar Willow
❑ Arizona Fescue
❑ Shrubby Cinquefoil
❑ Baltic Rush
❑ Spanish Bayonet
❑ Beaked Sedge
❑ Trumpet Gooseberry
❑ Blackcreeper Sedge
❑ Wax Currant
❑ Bottlebrush Squirrel Tail
❑ Winterfat
❑ Elk Sedge
❑ Wood’s Rose
❑ Foxtail Sedge
❑ Junegrass
NATIVE TREES
❑ Mat Muhly
❑ Douglas-fir
❑ Montana Wheatgrass
❑ Engelmann Spruce
❑ Mountain Muhly
❑ Mutton Bluegrass
❑ Needle-and-thread Grass
❑ Northern Reedgrass
❑ Parry’s Oatgrass
❑ Pine Dropseed
American Red Raspberry
❑ Viscid Rabbitbru
COLORADO
PA R K S
&
WILDLIFE
Your Guide to
Colorado’s 41
State Parks
2018 Edition
cpw.state.co.us
CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us
i
Welcome to Your State Parks!
Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s
Cheyenne Mountain
a state park waiting to welcome
State Park
you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or
forests, out in the country or next to
the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are
as diverse as the state itself, and they
offer something for everyone. Take a
hair-raising whitewater river trip, or
kick back in a lawn chair and watch
the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast
a line in the water, take a hike, ride a
horse, try snowshoeing or discover
geocaching. From Eastern Plains
parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain
parks at 9,500, the network of state
parks offers a wealth of activities
for busy people of all ages, or the
chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On
a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring,
summer, winter or fall.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or
picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events.
Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes
and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for
youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family
member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to
share a meal and stories around the campfire.
Whether you’re an active
outdoor recreationist
or prefer to spend time
watching clouds go by,
you’ll enjoy the special
moments waiting for you
in the state parks.
Rifle Gap State Park
Cover photos:
Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park;
lower right: Lory State Park
Plan Your Visit
Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather
permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours.
Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual
parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or
maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us
Entrance Passes
All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily
pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a
vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks
may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used
to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an
additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority.
Annual Pass
Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a
great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy
all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of
purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s
unlimited times. The annual pass
pays for itself in as few as 10 visits.
If you’re a Colorado resident who’s
64 years or older, there’s even a
further discounted Aspen Leaf
annual pass. There are also passes
for disabled and income-eligible
residents. For details and to purchase a pass,
visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy
online: cpw.state.co.us
Extend Your Stay
Make more of your state park visit
by staying overnight. Bring your
tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a
cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a
comfortable, year-round alternative
State Forest State Park
to traditional camping with a yurt.
All together, the state parks have
more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300
campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins
for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway
suitable any season of the year.
Camping Reservations
Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for
overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six
months to three days ahead of arrival.
Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us
Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613
A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors
must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to
paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
1
What Can I Do There?
Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and
re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that:
Fishing
Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado.
Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license
is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our
annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online,
at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents.
Water Sports
Many state parks are built around a lake or
Crawford
waterway, which means boating and other water
State Park
sports are among the headliners. Larger parks
offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any
boat with a motor or sail operated in Col
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
2020 Colorado State
Recreation Lands
INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STATE WILDLIFE AREAS, STATE TRUST LANDS, STATE PARKS
cpw.state.co.us
ONLINE FEATURES
Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our
VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS
LINKS TO MAPS
MAKE CAMPING & HUNTING RESERVATIONS
ONLINE!
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
STATE FISHING WATERS
STATE TRUST LANDS
STATE PARKS
Cherry Creek State Park © Nora Logue
VIDEOS
CHECK OUT THE 360 VIDEOS OF
COLORADO’S STATE PARKS!
101 PLACES TO TAKE A KID FISHING
#TAKEAKIDFISHING
G.E.M. TRAIL NOW OPEN
IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS!
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Printed for free distribution by:
WHAT’S NEW: 2020................................................1
cpw.state.co.us
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192
RESERVATIONS......................................................1
OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife
resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable
and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and
future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
■ Abbreviation key................................................................................1
STATE FISH UNITS (SFUs)........................................2
■ What is an SFU?..................................................................................2
■ SFU properties & regulations..............................................................2
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE DIRECTOR
Dan Prenzlow
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEMBERS, as of July 2020
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS (SWAs)......................... 3–29
Marvin McDaniel, Chair
Carrie Besnette Hauser, Vice-Chair
Marie Haskett, Secretary
Taishya Adams
Betsy Blecha
Charles Garcia
Dallas May
■ What is an SWA?.................................................................................3
■ SWA access rules................................................................................3
■ SWA properties & regulations..................................................... 4–29
STATE TRUST LANDS (STLs)
PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM.............................. 30–51
■ What are trust lands? What is the STL public access program?.............30
■ State trust lands FAQs/access rules...................................................30
■ State trust lands public access properties & regulations............ 31–51
REGULATION BROCHURE EDITOR
Chelsea Harlan
PRINTED
STATE PARKS................................................. 52–59
The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives federal financial assistance
from multiple bureaus within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Under Title VI
of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (as amended), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S.
Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, gender, disability or age. In addition, CPW adheres to all
antidiscrimination laws of the state of Colorado. For more information on how to request
an accommodation or to file a grievance, please visit cpw.state.co.us/accessibility.
MAPS............................................................ 60–65
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northeast ..........60
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southeast ..........61
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Northwest .........62
■ State fish units, wildlife areas, trust lands & parks — Southwest ........63
■ NEW State fish units, wildlife areas,
trust lands & parks — Central close-up.............................64
■ Game management units (GMUs)....................................................65
NOTICE: Laws and regulations in this brochure are paraphrased for easier understanding
and are intended only as a guide. Complete Colorado wildlife statutes and regulations are
available at CPW offices listed below and online: cpw.state.co.us/regulations
CPW REGIONAL AND AREA OFFICE LOCATIONS
ADMINISTRATION
1313 Sherman St., #618
Denver, 80203
303-297-1192 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MT)
LANDS INDEX BY COUNTY............................... 66–73
■ State fish units, state wildlife areas, state trust lands, state parks
GET THE BROCHURE ONLINE: cpw.state.co.us/rec-lands
Send us your outdoor photos and stories for a chance to
be featured on a brochure cover or CPW's online blog!
HUNTER.TESTIMONIALS@STATE.CO.US
COVER:
▶ Gone fishing at Sylvan Lake State Park. © Dustin Doskocil for CPW
OTHER PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT:
▶ Mountain biking at Trinidad Lake State Park.
© Thomas Kimmell for CPW
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
INSIDE: STATE FISH UNITS, STAT
WHAT'S NEW
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
LICENSES
W I L D L I F E
2021 Colorado
Fishing
SEASON: MARCH 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022
cpw.state.co.us
2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION
UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2021
Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information.
NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS.
PAGE(S)
CORRECTION
AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
PAGE 1
The qualifying age for applying
for a senior lifetime low-income
fishing license was incorrectly
listed as 65 and older at the
time of publication.
The correct information is:
Senior lifetime low-income
fishing licenses are available
for Colorado residents age 64
and older.
Go online for full eligibility
requirements: cpw.state.
co.us
The online version of the brochure
has been updated with this
correction.
page 1
2021 FISHING BROCHURE CORRECTION
UPDATED: MARCH 12, 2021
Please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at cpw.state.co.us/regulations for complete regulation information.
NOTE: THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE BROCHURE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING ANY CORRECTIONS.
PAGE(S)
CORRECTION
AS PRINTED IN BROCHURE
BACK PAGE
BACK
COVER
The contest start date for Take a
Friend Fishing was incorrect at
the time of publication.
The correct information is:
The contest starts APRIL 1,
2021!
Go online for contest
rules and how to enter:
cpw.state.co.us/
takeafriend
The online version of the brochure
has been updated with this
correction.
back cover
ONLINE FEATURES
Check out more Colorado Parks & Wildlife on our
VIMEO & YOUTUBE CHANNELS
VIDEOS
FISHING FOR HIP HOP:
COLORADO STYLE
FISHING FUNDS CONSERVATION
101 PLACES
TO TAKE A KID FISHING
© CPW
GET THE CPW FISHING APPS:
The CPW Fishing app can help
you discover over 1,300 fishing
locations, check local conditions,
read up on regulations and more!
The CPW Match a Hatch app can
help you match your fly to the
same insects where you’re fishing!
CO OUTDOORS “QUICK TIP”:
SPINCAST REELS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Printed for free distribution by:
WHAT’S NEW: 2021................................................ 1
cpw.state.co.us
LICENSE INFORMATION...................................... 1–2
COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 ■ 303-297-1192
■ License & Habitat Stamp fees........................................................................1
■ What you need to buy a fishing license; license requirements......................1
■ Residency requirements; Habitat Stamps; anglers with disabilities..............2
OUR MISSION: The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife
resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system and to provide enjoyable
and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and
future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.
GENERAL INFORMATION.................................... 3–7
Dan Prenzlow
■ Fishery programs: Gold Medal Waters; Wild Trout; stream surveys.................3
■ State records program: Records by Weight; Records by Length......................4
■ State Records by Weight award table.............................................................4
■ Master Angler program; award lengths.........................................................5
■ Help improve your fisheries............................................................................5
■ Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS).....................................................................6
■ Fishing terms glossary...................................................................................7
■ Online fishing information resources.............................................................7
FISHING LAWS................................................. 8–10
■ Legal fishing methods....................................................................................8
■ Special conditions & restrictions...............................................................8−9
■ Statewide bag & possession limits...............................................................10
■ MAP: Wiper/white bass & walleye/saugeye bag limits................................10
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: FISHING WATERS........11–39
■ MAP: Upper Arkansas River.........................................................................12
■ MAP: Blue River Basin.................................................................................13
■ MAP: Middle Colorado & Eagle Rivers..........................................................15
■ MAP: Upper Colorado River — Headwaters to Radium...............................16
■ MAP: Conejos & Alamosa River Drainages...................................................18
■ MAP: Upper Gunnison Basin — Taylor Park Res. to Blue Mesa Res..............19
■ MAP: NEW North Fork Gunnison Basin — Hotchkiss to McClure