Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area
A tranquil mountain reservoir offering serene fishing, abundant birdlife, and scenic beauty, perfect for a peaceful day trip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unbeatable peace and quiet
Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Best Time
Unbeatable peace and quiet
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil mountain reservoir offering serene fishing, abundant birdlife, and scenic beauty, perfect for a peaceful day trip.
"The most beautiful reservoir I have seen in Colorado. It's very, very big, and you can hike, fish, swim, and kayak in and around it."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The 7-mile dirt road from Victor can be rough. A vehicle with good clearance is advised. :car:
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
The reservoir is stocked with trout and sometimes pike. Many visitors report successful fishing trips. :fishing_pole:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Serene Fishing Experience
Skaguay Reservoir
Enjoy peaceful fishing with good chances of catching trout and occasional pike. The quiet atmosphere enhances the experience.
Abundant Birdwatching
Skaguay Reservoir
Spot diverse birdlife including osprey, great-blue herons, and American white pelicans in their natural habitat.
Scenic Reservoir Views
Skaguay Reservoir
Marvel at the vast, beautiful reservoir surrounded by mountains. Perfect for photography and enjoying natural landscapes.
Hike to the Ruins
Trail near Skaguay Reservoir
Explore an easy-to-follow trail leading to intriguing historical ruins, offering a unique historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Skaguay Reservoir
Best for Peace and Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The 7-mile dirt road from Victor can be rough. A vehicle with good clearance is advised. :car:
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
The reservoir is stocked with trout and sometimes pike. Many visitors report successful fishing trips. :fishing_pole:
Fishing suggestions
🔭 Pack Binoculars
Excellent for birdwatching! Osprey, herons, and pelicans are commonly spotted. :bird:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Ensure you have enough provisions for your visit. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Dirt Road
The 7-mile dirt road from Victor can be rough. A vehicle with good clearance is advised. :car:
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
The reservoir is stocked with trout and sometimes pike. Many visitors report successful fishing trips. :fishing_pole:
🔭 Pack Binoculars
Excellent for birdwatching! Osprey, herons, and pelicans are commonly spotted. :bird:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Ensure you have enough provisions for your visit. :water_wave:
📵 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Plan your route and download maps beforehand. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Skaguay Reservoir is lauded for its exceptional peace and natural beauty, offering a serene escape for fishing and birdwatching. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the chance to see wildlife like osprey and pelicans. While the 7-mile dirt road access requires careful driving and limited facilities mean packing essentials, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive for those seeking tranquility.
"Truly wonderful place. It's seven miles on a dirt road that starts in Victor. It is extremely quiet. I could hear fisherman 50 yards away talking quietly. The fishing looked good. I saw an Osprey grab a fish and fly off with it. There is a trail around the reservoir, though I'm not sure if it loops all the way around. There is road blocked with a gate that looks like excellent hiking. There was a small picnic area. No overnight camping.
Outstanding birding. Osprey, Great- blue Herons and American White Pelicans were in attendance."
Sir_Alexander_ Dane
"This is the most beautiful reservoir I have seen in Colorado. It's very, very big, and you can hike, fish, swim, and kayak in and around it. People also go camping there, and it is not that busy at all. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Colorado for it's natural beauty."
Savannah Francine Storms
"Quiet little fishing hole tucked away up in the mountains. It was a nice place to relax and fish on a nice sunny weekend.
Stocked with trout pretty regularly and it looked like most people were catching.
Will definitely be visiting again. 🙂"
Jeremy jeremy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skaguay Reservoir is accessed via a 7-mile dirt road starting from Victor, Colorado. The road can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Be aware that cell service is very limited in the area, so it's wise to download offline maps before you depart.
No, the road is a dirt road. While generally passable, it can be uneven and may require careful driving, especially after rain.
Using a GPS device or a smartphone with downloaded offline maps is the most reliable way to navigate. The starting point is Victor, Colorado.
Signs may be present, but relying solely on them can be risky due to the remote nature of the location. Always have a backup navigation method.
While many vehicles can make the trip, cars with low ground clearance might struggle with the rougher sections of the dirt road. An SUV or truck is ideal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to access Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area. It's a public access area for recreation.
As a state wildlife area, Skaguay Reservoir is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always best to check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for any specific regulations or seasonal closures.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in Skaguay Reservoir. Licenses can be purchased online or from authorized vendors.
According to reviews, overnight camping is not permitted at Skaguay Reservoir. It's a destination for day use only.
Activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking are generally permitted. However, always be mindful of wildlife and environmental regulations.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife
Skaguay Reservoir is known for its trout population, and some visitors have also reported catching northern pike. It's regularly stocked.
Yes, many visitors find Skaguay Reservoir to be a great spot for fishing, especially for trout. The quiet environment enhances the experience.
The area is excellent for birdwatching. Common sightings include osprey, great-blue herons, and American white pelicans. You might also see other local wildlife.
While fishing is possible year-round, many find late spring and early summer to be particularly productive. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful conditions.
Information on specific fishing guides for Skaguay Reservoir is limited. It's more of a self-guided, peaceful fishing spot.
🎫 🚶 Hiking & Activities
Yes, there is a trail around the reservoir, though its full loop status is uncertain. There's also a blocked road with a gate that appears to be an excellent hiking path.
Swimming is generally permitted in Skaguay Reservoir, offering a refreshing option on warmer days.
Kayaking and other boating activities are allowed on Skaguay Reservoir, providing a great way to explore the water.
There are historical ruins accessible via an easy-to-follow trail near the reservoir, offering a unique point of interest for hikers.
Reviews consistently describe Skaguay Reservoir as very quiet and not busy at all, making it an ideal escape from crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Facilities
There are no restaurants directly at Skaguay Reservoir. The nearest dining options would be in the town of Victor, Colorado.
Yes, there is a small picnic area available at Skaguay Reservoir, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
Facilities are minimal, typically including a small picnic area. Restrooms are not commonly mentioned, so plan accordingly.
No, there are no concessions or stores at Skaguay Reservoir. It's essential to bring all your own food and beverages.
It is unlikely that potable water is available. Visitors should bring all the water they need for their visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure your vehicle can handle a 7-mile dirt road, or consider leaving it at a safe point and walking the rest of the way if necessary. Downloading offline maps is essential, as cell service is unreliable. The lack of crowds can be a huge plus for families, allowing children more freedom to explore safely within sight.
🎣 Anglers Seeking Peace
Remember to bring your Colorado fishing license and all necessary gear. The 7-mile dirt road access means you'll likely have fewer fellow anglers to contend with, especially on weekdays. Pack extra water and snacks, as amenities are scarce. This is the place to unplug and focus on the cast and the calm.
🐦 Birdwatchers' Paradise
Bring your binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your visit. The reservoir's expansive waters and surrounding habitat provide diverse niches for different bird types. It's an ideal location for photographers and nature lovers seeking to capture or simply observe avian life in its natural setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Skaguay Reservoir
While the road itself can be a bit of a challenge, the payoff is a sense of arrival at a truly tranquil destination. The drive offers glimpses of the surrounding mountain landscape, building anticipation for the reservoir's beauty. It’s a good idea to check recent road conditions if possible, though local knowledge is often the best source. The effort to get there is often rewarded by the lack of crowds and the pristine natural environment.
Fishing and Wildlife at Skaguay
Beyond fishing, Skaguay Reservoir is an outstanding location for birdwatching. The area is known to host a variety of avian species, including majestic osprey, graceful great-blue herons, and impressive American white pelicans. Bringing binoculars is highly recommended to fully appreciate the diverse birdlife. The quiet environment means you can often observe wildlife without disturbing them, making for memorable encounters.
For those interested in a bit of history, a trail near the reservoir leads to intriguing ruins. This adds another layer of exploration to a visit, combining natural beauty with a touch of the past. The trail is described as easy to follow, making it accessible for most visitors.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit