Beaver Creek Reservoir

Encompassing 102 acres within Rio Grande County, the Beaver Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area beckons as a captivating outdoor recreation area, renowned for its fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities. The historic Beaver Creek Reservoir Dam, with over a century of history, holds immense importance in the water management of the San Luis Valley. In the 2010s, notable enhancements were undertaken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, followed with regular reservoir fish stocking ever since.

Things to Do

Campgrounds Three campgrounds provide access to the reservoir. Cross Creek is closest (12 sites with tables and fireplaces; access to vault toilet). Upper Beaver Creek and Lower Beaver Creek are nearby.

Fishing Endless reservoir banks and boating options allow anglers to cast for rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon.

Boating Boaters have use of a concrete boat ramp to gain access to more than 4,400 acre-feet of water. No wakes are allowed, trolling motors are okay. Canoes and float tubes are allowed.

Winter Recreation South Fork's favorite sled hill is located on the upper end of the reservoir and it's a favorite location for local ice fishing.

Plan Your Visit

Go south of town on Hwy 160 and turn left on Beaver Creek Road. Follow this road for 7 miles to the Beaver Creek Reservoir. Fish, boat or just admire the scenery. Great creek fishing stretches below the dam for several miles. Continue on this road another 13 miles to Poage Lake. A short 1/4-mile hike gets you to the banks of the picturesque lake. Back-track to the turnoff, and the route also continues on to Summitville and loops back through Del Norte, for a full day’s trip.