BOATING ADVENTURES

Dillon Reservoir, also known as Lake Dillon, is a scenic high-altitude lake located in Summit County, Colorado, surrounded by the towns of Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne. Constructed in the early 1960s by Denver Water, the reservoir stores drinking water for the Denver metro area and features the Harold D. Roberts Tunnel, which transports water beneath the Continental Divide. At 9,017 feet elevation, it spans over 3,200 acres with around 26 miles of shoreline.

Nestled in the White River National Forest near Heeney, Colorado, Green Mountain Reservoir is a scenic alpine lake stretching roughly 2,130 surface acres with about 19 miles of shoreline at an elevation of about 7,950 ft. Constructed between 1938 and 1943 as part of the Colorado–Big Thompson Project, the 309-ft dam on the Blue River supports Western Slope irrigation, hydropower, and downstream water rights protection.

Today, it’s a popular recreation destination offering boating (including jet-skiing and water-skiing), year-round fishing (rainbow, brown, lake trout, kokanee), and scenic camping and hiking along forested shoreline loop trails. The Heeney Marina provides full services—boat rentals, a bait shop, and light concessions.

With stunning views of the surrounding Gore Range, it’s a beloved year‑round retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Antero Reservoir, nestled in Park County’s South Park basin near Hartsel, Colorado, is a high-elevation jewel at just under 9,000 ft, covering roughly 2,500 acres with a capacity of about 20,000 acre-feet. Created by an earthen dam built in 1909—the first on the South Platte River—the reservoir sits atop an ancient lakebed and supplies drinking water to the Denver metro area nearly 140 miles away. Its relative shallowness makes for warmer waters ideal for robust trout populations—rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook, and hybrids—that grow quickly thanks to a rich, scud-filled ecosystem; anglers enjoy year-round fishing, including ice fishing in winter.

Boating, camping, hiking, and picnicking are also popular, with motorized boating allowed seasonally and free, first-come campsites at both north and south ramps.

Managed by Denver Water and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Antero is a scenic, accessible destination celebrated for its trout, open skies, and tranquil alpine charm.

All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir including: kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motorboating. Whether it’s a lazy early morning pontoon-boat cruise or challenging the afternoon high winds with a windsurf board, this reservoir provides enough water to meet your needs.

Boating hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset daily. All users, including river users, must be OUT of the park by 1 hour after sunset. The park is closed during overnight hours to all activities.

Please be aware that area winds can blow in gusts up to 40 mph and create five-foot waves on the reservoir. Storms develop very quickly and a bigger boat is always better on this reservoir.

All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir, including: kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motorboating. Islands within the reservoir are closed to all public use.

A boat inspection is required on all trailered vessels that are intending to either be launched on or removed from either reservoir.  Boats found to be contaminated after leaving the water will be assisted by Parks and Wildlife staff in ensuring that the boat is clean prior to exiting the boat ramp parking lot. See hours and more information below under the Mandatory Boat Inspections section.

Sudden storms with strong winds and high waves can develop quickly at Eleven Mile. If you see storm clouds building on the horizon, please exercise caution by heading closer toward shore. Underwater hazards are frequently found in the reservoir and not all are marked. Boaters should be especially careful when within 150 feet of any shoreline. 

Tarryall Reservoir is a serene 175-acre high-elevation lake (8,865 ft) nestled in Park County, Colorado, within the 711-acre Tarryall Reservoir State Wildlife Area. Formed by a concrete-gravity dam built from 1929 to 1931 on Tarryall Creek, the reservoir was initially used as a fish hatchery before evolving into a multi-use outdoor destination. Just under two hours southwest of Denver, it offers easy access along scenic County Road 77, with amenities that include two boat ramps, vault toilets, picnic areas, and primitive camping loops maintained by Pike National Forest for trout and pike, wildlife viewing, hiking to nearby Tarryall Falls, and seasonal hunting opportunities make it a versatile recreation site. Swimming is prohibited, preserving its wildlife-friendly atmosphere.