Eleven Mile State Park is known for its excellent fishing, so much so that it’s famous among the state’s anglers. Visitors can reel in a variety of aquatic species, including rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike. The park also includes about five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.

History of the park:

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Eleven Mile’s cultural history started around 12,000 years ago, with archaeological evidence indicating that the Folsom, Plano, Archaic, and Woodland prehistoric cultures were in the area.

The earliest year-round inhabitants of the area were the Ute tribes, until Spanish and French explorers temporarily pushed them out of the area in the 1500s. However, the tribes resettled in Eleven Mile during the late 1600s.

The first mining area started with the rediscovery of gold in 1859 in the northern and western portions of South Park. The Ute once again left the area. Throughout 1861-1879, almost 11,000 miners made permanent settlements on South Park, and several towns are built in the area of Eleven Mile Canyon.

The Colorado Midland Railroad opened in 1887, taking wealthy visitors to Eleven Mile Reservoir. The Eleven Mile Canyon Dam is finished in 1930-1932, creating the largest artificial body of water in Colorado at the time.

The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation took over management of the area under a lease agreement with the Denver Water Board in 1960.

What recreation it’s known for:

Eleven Mile is known for its 3,405 surface-acre reservoir where visitors can participate in a variety of types of boating, including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and motorboating. The reservoir is also popular among anglers for its outstanding fishing opportunities.

Popular camping/lodging options:

Eleven Mile features 326 campsites in nine separate campgrounds throughout the lake, including 14 backcountry sites.

Popular trails:

Coyote Ridge Interpretive Trail – 1.35 miles

Black Bear Trail – 0.6 miles

Midland Trail – 2.9 miles

Orienteering Trail – 3.16 miles

Other things to know:

All boaters will need an aquatic nuisance species (NWS) stamp, current boat registration, and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp. Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.

All trails are dog-friendly. But, dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet long and be cleaned up after.

Where to eat:

Fat BBQ Shack – located in Lake George, about 20 minutes away from the park, this restaurant offers highly-rated brisket and BBQ.

Prime Rib Kitchen – also located in Lake George, this food truck offers excellent American comfort food.

Shelter Distilling – this American pub offers a variety of food and drinks.

Plan your visit here.

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