Eleven Mile State Park near Pikes Peak, Colorado

Fishing, Boating, Camping and Hiking in the Pikes Peak region

Aug 6, 2009

Eleven Mile Reservoir, in the Pikes Peak region, is a 3,405 surface-acre reservoir formed from the South Platte River, at the southern end of South Park, Colorado.

For a rugged and refreshing Colorado camping trip on a large body of water, look no further than this wilderness filled with recreational opportunities. At Eleven Mile, families, fishermen and sports enthusiasts alike can camp, fish, go boating or hiking. Visitors to the area will enjoy stunning rock formations, abundant wildlife, and the vast open waters of the reservoir.

Camping at Eleven Mile Reservoir

To make the most of a trip to the area, consider camping at one of the sites in the park's nine campgrounds. The North Shore campground is most accessible to the marina, store, and adjacent to the amphitheater. Here the Jr. Ranger presentations occur most weekends in the summer on subjects such as animal tracks, insects, and wolves. It also has a playground. For the more adventurous, the Backcountry campground is a hike-in or boat-in retreat, with sites nestled in the trees along the water on the south side of the reservoir.

Fishing Eleven Mile Reservoir

Eleven Mile is a mecca for anglers, hosting tournaments all year and offering boat rentals and guides at 11 Mile Marina. Kokanee Salmon, Trout and Northern Pike abound, whether you're fishing from the shore or trolling in a boat.

Boating Eleven Mile Reservoir

Take a canoe or kayak in and out of the smaller waters of the reservoirs bays and inlets, sail or sailboard in the buoyant wind, or speed across the main body of Eleven Mile Reservoir in a motorboat. The marina rents all types of watercraft and there are many coves, inlets and beaches, great for anchoring or beaching a boat to enjoy a mid-day picnic or explore the shoreline.

Hiking Eleven Mile Reservoir

There are nearly five miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind along the shore and through the surrounding plains, marshes, hillsides and forested areas. Along the way, the rock formations are diverse and enchanting, covering the landscape with many shapes, sizes and shades of brown, rust and red. There are easy hikes, such as the Coyote Ridge Interpretative Trail, which is great for families with small children, and more demanding hikes, such as the Midland Trail, which is close to three miles. A trail map can be found here.

Plants and Wildlife at Eleven Mile Reservoir

Plants range from towering Ponderosa and Douglas Fir, to shimmering Aspen, and include an array of wildflowers such as Indian Paintbrush and Golden Aster.

Black bear and elk can occasionally be spotted. There are also deer, antelope, porcupine and badgers in the park, and rabbits, coyote, squirrels and chipmunks are a common sight.

Resident and migratory birds that live in the park include the mountain bluebird, magpies, ravens and raptors. Also observed are bald eagles, white pelicans and American peregrine falcons. Birding enthusiasts can check out the Eleven Mile State Park bird list.

The reservoir is somewhat remote, and there are only two small stores within a 30 minute drive. Cell phone service is spotty, and it's best to bring in all supplies. More importantly, the winds can get quite strong, especially in the afternoons. Boaters need to take care to watch the skies and proceed with caution when a storm is approaching.

The copyright of the article Eleven Mile State Park near Pikes Peak, Colorado in Camp Sites is owned by Candace Kearns Read. Permission to republish Eleven Mile State Park near Pikes Peak, Colorado in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.