Clinton Gulch Reservoir
A serene alpine reservoir offering an easy 2.4-mile loop trail, fishing, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Clinton Gulch Reservoir
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene alpine reservoir offering an easy 2.4-mile loop trail, fishing, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
"Stumbled upon this beautiful little lake on our way back from Leadville. Perfect spot for a relaxing walk."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download trail maps on apps like AllTrails beforehand for easy navigation.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be primitive with rocks and varied terrain. Good footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Loop Trail
Around the reservoir
An easy 2.4-mile hike with diverse scenery, from lakeside strolls to wildflower meadows.
Alpine Fishing Haven
Reservoir waters
Popular for trout fishing, offering a peaceful angling experience with stunning mountain backdrops.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various points along the trail
Breathtaking views of surrounding peaks reflected in the clear alpine waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Trail Preparedness is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download trail maps on apps like AllTrails beforehand for easy navigation.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be primitive with rocks and varied terrain. Good footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
Pack Water & Snacks 🍎
This is a natural hike. Bring essentials as there are no facilities on the trail.
Best Parking for Views :camera_with_flash:
Park in the south lot for the best views and easiest trail access.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download trail maps on apps like AllTrails beforehand for easy navigation.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be primitive with rocks and varied terrain. Good footwear is a must for comfort and safety.
Pack Water & Snacks 🍎
This is a natural hike. Bring essentials as there are no facilities on the trail.
Best Parking for Views :camera_with_flash:
Park in the south lot for the best views and easiest trail access.
Family-Friendly Fun :child:
Great for picnics, easy hikes, and fishing. Kids will love the accessible nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Clinton Gulch Reservoir's stunning alpine beauty and the easy, scenic loop trail. It's praised as a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, fishing, and photography, offering breathtaking mountain views. Some note the trail can be primitive in sections and recommend downloading offline maps due to spotty cell service.
"We stumbled upon this beautiful little lake on our way back from Leadville. It was a perfect spot for a relaxing walk around the lake. The views were stunning, especially when you looked at the lake and the nearby mountains. The path around the lake was lined with trees, making it ideal for a sunny and hot day. The trail was easy to follow and very accessible. I recommend parking in the south out for the best views and easiest trail access."
Eddie Hurt
"Our family spent a lovely afternoon picnicking, hiking, and watching the kids fish. We hiked along the north trail. It was easy with some areas of thick, low growth, and narrow trail access to navigate. It felt very peaceful and secluded."
Jessica Thomas
"Excellent place to take a quick break with amazing views."
Lukas A.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir is typically less than 2 hours from Denver, depending on traffic. It's located along Highway 91 between Copper Mountain and Leadville. 
Yes, parking is generally easy and accessible. Many visitors recommend the south lot for the best views and trail access.
No, there are no parking fees at Clinton Gulch Reservoir, making it an accessible destination for a day trip.
While not explicitly mentioned as a SUP spot, the reservoir is a body of water suitable for water activities. Always check local regulations before heading out.
Clinton Gulch Reservoir sits at an impressive elevation of over 11,000 feet, offering a true alpine experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Clinton Gulch Reservoir. It's a public access area.
Clinton Gulch Reservoir is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific access might vary with weather conditions.
While the reservoir is accessible, winter conditions can make the roads and trails challenging. It's best to check local weather and road reports before planning a winter visit.
Dogs are generally allowed in outdoor recreational areas like Clinton Gulch Reservoir, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for specific rules.
The main trail is rated easy, but some sections can be primitive and uneven. While parts may be accessible, it's not fully wheelchair-friendly throughout.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is a 2.4-mile loop around the reservoir, rated easy with an elevation gain of about 230 feet. It offers varied terrain, including forest paths, lakeside shores, and some rocky sections.
The trail is generally considered easy and family-friendly, but some parts can be primitive and narrow, requiring careful footing. +1
You might spot cutthroat trout in the water. The surrounding alpine environment also supports various bird species and small mammals.
Absolutely! The reservoir offers stunning alpine beauty, mountain reflections, and beautiful sunsets, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Consider trekking poles for added stability on the primitive trail sections.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for cutthroat trout.
Cutthroat trout are commonly found in Clinton Gulch Reservoir.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in Clinton Gulch Reservoir. You can purchase licenses online or from authorized vendors.
There are no boat rentals available at Clinton Gulch Reservoir. Visitors typically fish from the shore or use small, portable watercraft if permitted.
Besides hiking and fishing, it's a great spot for picnicking, photography, and enjoying the serene alpine scenery.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic light for capturing the reservoir and surrounding mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant peaks. Consider a polarizing filter for water reflections.
Yes, due to its high elevation and relatively low light pollution, Clinton Gulch Reservoir can be an excellent location for Milky Way photography, especially during clear, moonless nights.
The reflections of the mountains in the calm water, the wildflower meadows in summer, and the dramatic sunsets are particularly photogenic.
Drone usage is generally permitted in many public lands, but it's crucial to check current FAA regulations and any local restrictions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack a picnic basket and enjoy lunch with a view, or let the kids try their hand at fishing for trout. +1 Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider downloading an offline map as cell service can be unreliable. 🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
+1 Ensure you have a valid Colorado fishing license before you go, which can be purchased online or from local vendors. While shore fishing is common, check local regulations for any opportunities with small watercraft. The tranquil setting, surrounded by mountains, enhances the overall fishing trip. +1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The reflections in the water are a key feature, creating symmetrical and breathtaking compositions. Don't miss the chance to photograph the wildflowers in summer or explore the potential for astrophotography under clear night skies. +1 Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Clinton Gulch Reservoir Trail Experience
It's important to note that cell service is unreliable in this area, so downloading an offline map via an app like AllTrails before your visit is a wise precaution.
The loop offers numerous vantage points for stunning photography, with reflections of the surrounding peaks in the reservoir's clear waters being a particular highlight. +1For those seeking a more secluded experience, hiking the trail during weekdays or in the shoulder seasons can offer a quieter atmosphere.
The trail's natural beauty, from the alpine lake to the surrounding mountains, provides a refreshing and immersive nature experience. +1Fishing Opportunities at Clinton Gulch Reservoir
+1 The calm, alpine waters provide a serene setting for a day of casting lines, with the majestic Rocky Mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop. To fish at Clinton Gulch Reservoir, a valid Colorado fishing license is mandatory. Licenses can be obtained online or from various authorized retailers.
While shore fishing is popular and accessible, some anglers may opt for small, portable watercraft if regulations permit. It's always a good idea to check the latest fishing regulations and any specific advisories for the reservoir before your trip. Photography and Scenic Beauty
+1 The reflections of the mountains in the still water are particularly captivating, offering a mirror-like quality that photographers love to capture. Golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – is considered the optimal time for photography here. During these times, the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on the landscape and creating long shadows that add depth to images.
Sunsets over the reservoir are often spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Beyond the grand mountain panoramas, the reservoir's surroundings offer diverse photographic subjects, including wildflowers in the summer meadows and the textures of the primitive trail itself. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit