South Catamount Reservoir - Image 1
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South Catamount Reservoir

4.7
Β·95 reviewsΒ·, United States

A picturesque mountain reservoir offering stunning Pikes Peak views, excellent trout fishing, and scenic hiking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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South Catamount Reservoir - Image 1

South Catamount Reservoir

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque mountain reservoir offering stunning Pikes Peak views, excellent trout fishing, and scenic hiking trails.

4.7
(95 reviews)

"Breathtaking views and wonderful fishing spots make this a must-visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Pikes Peak Highway Fee

Be aware of the entrance fee for Pikes Peak Highway to access the reservoir.

🎣 Stocked Trout Fishing

The reservoir is well-stocked with trout, making it a great spot for fishing.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 95 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

South Catamount Reservoir Views

South Catamount Reservoir Views

Along Pikes Peak Highway

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, with Pikes Peak towering in the background.

Fishing Opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

Reservoir shores

Well-stocked with trout, offering a rewarding experience for anglers of all levels.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Surrounding mountains

Explore trails like Catamount Falls for varied terrain and rewarding reservoir views.

Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive

Pikes Peak Highway

A beautiful drive with opportunities to stop and admire the landscape, leading to the reservoir.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to South Catamount Reservoir

While South Catamount Reservoir offers stunning views year-round, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. The drive up Pikes Peak can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for photography and a more serene experience.

Accessing South Catamount Reservoir

South Catamount Reservoir is accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway, which has an entrance fee. While some mention it's a 'little treasure right off the Pikes Peak Hwy',Instagram be prepared for the drive and potential weather changes at higher elevations. Electric motor boats are permitted, making it ideal for a peaceful day on the water.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer
Why
Ideal for paddleboarding & boating
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Everything you need to know πŸ‘‡πŸΌ Location? πŸ“ Lake Irwin Vibes? ✨ I M M A C U L A T E✨ πŸ“Œ Save this video to refer back to for later planning πŸ•οΈπŸ™ŒπŸΌ πŸ•οΈ Lake Irwin is located 25 min West of Crested Butte, and is a first-come-first-serve campground with 32 campsites available. It’s $24-$34 a night (2 vehicle max per site & cash or check ONLY) with a 14 day stay maximum. 🚽 Vault toilets on site, no hooku...
@ilariajessica
26.5K likes β€’ 288.6K views

πŸš— Pikes Peak Highway Fee

Be aware of the entrance fee for Pikes Peak Highway to access the reservoir. Instagram

🎣 Stocked Trout Fishing

The reservoir is well-stocked with trout, making it a great spot for fishing. Reddit

my most asked about campsite by farπŸ•οΈ πŸ“Chinns Lake #campsite #inspo #camping #colorado #getoutside #alpinelake #Hiking #dispersedcamping #carcamping
@jordan.baggot
17.6K likes β€’ 259.2K views
πŸ“Catamount Falls Trail 8.18 miles, 2,036’ elevation gain Ended at South Catamount Reservoir: 9,229’ I am loving exploring hikes closer to Colorado Springs more, since most 14ers are too icy for my comfort at this point. This beautiful hike was only 30 min. from my place. The best part of the hike was ending at the reservoir. I could have sat along the shore for hours, mesmerized. 🏞 #coloradohikin...
brooke.wellness
53 likes β€’ 580 views

πŸ›Ά Electric Boats Allowed

Electric motor boats are permitted, perfect for a peaceful day on the water. Reddit

🐢 Pet-Friendly (with caution)

Pets are welcome, but keep them out of the water. Reddit

Pike's Peak is absolutely captivating at over 14,000 feet in elevation. This stunning view is from the South Catamount reservoir on the drive up to the summit.
travelwithcharissa
26 likes β€’ 144 views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Pikes Peak Highway Fee

Be aware of the entrance fee for Pikes Peak Highway to access the reservoir. Instagram

🎣 Stocked Trout Fishing

The reservoir is well-stocked with trout, making it a great spot for fishing. Reddit

πŸ›Ά Electric Boats Allowed

Electric motor boats are permitted, perfect for a peaceful day on the water. Reddit

🐢 Pet-Friendly (with caution)

Pets are welcome, but keep them out of the water. Reddit

πŸ₯Ύ Hiking Options

Consider hiking trails like Catamount Falls for stunning views. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(95 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of South Catamount Reservoir, highlighting the breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. The fishing is frequently praised for being excellent due to consistent stocking, and the option to use electric motor boats adds to the appeal. While the drive up Pikes Peak Highway has an entrance fee, most agree the scenery and recreational opportunities make it well worth the visit.

"This lake is amazing. You can use boats with electric motors there. There are 2 other lakes in the area, and they keep them STOCKED. I've caught so many trout here. Water is so clean, and the view is just stunning. There are restrooms, and parking lots. You can bring your pets, but don't let them swim in the water."

Brittany G

"Beautiful views. Fishing is pretty good. Usually not to crowded. Great place to hike around with kids"

Philip Meyer

"I've lived here all my life and driven up Pikes Peak many times, but this is the first time I've ever been to the Catamounts. Lots of great hiking, wonderful fishing spots, and breathtaking views all around! We'll definitely go back."

Leea McCollum

What People Like

Stunning mountain views
Excellent trout fishing
Scenic drive access

What People Dislike

Pikes Peak Highway fee

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

South Catamount Reservoir is accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway. Be prepared for an entrance fee to use the highway. The drive itself offers beautiful scenery. Instagram+1

Yes, there are parking lots available near the reservoir, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

You can drive to the reservoir via the Pikes Peak Highway. It's a scenic drive that takes about 20-30 minutes to loop through the area. Reddit

South Catamount Reservoir sits at an elevation of 9,229 feet. Instagram

The drive is scenic but involves higher elevations. Be mindful of potential weather changes and take your time. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While there isn't a separate fee for the reservoir itself, you will need to pay the entrance fee for the Pikes Peak Highway to access it. Instagram+1

Operating hours for the Pikes Peak Highway can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Pikes Peak website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Yes, boats with electric motors are permitted on South Catamount Reservoir, offering a great way to enjoy the water. Reddit

Restrooms are available at the reservoir, adding to the convenience for visitors. Reddit

Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in South Catamount Reservoir. You can purchase licenses online or from authorized retailers.

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities

The reservoir is known for being well-stocked with trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities. Reddit

Many visitors report good fishing success, catching numerous trout. It's considered a great spot for anglers. Reddit

Absolutely! Paddleboarding is a popular activity here, and many visitors have had unforgettable summers enjoying the scenery. Reddit

While specific real-time reports might be scarce, general consensus from reviews indicates consistent stocking and good fishing. Reddit

South Catamount Reservoir is frequently recommended as a good fishing spot in the vicinity of Colorado Springs. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography & Scenery

The reservoir offers stunning views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains, especially beautiful during golden hour. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's described as having breathtaking views and being a beautiful drive with stunning scenery all around. Reddit

Late afternoons, during the golden hour, provide beautiful lighting for capturing the reservoir and mountain landscapes. Instagram

The area is known for its natural beauty, including nearby waterfalls like Catamount Falls, offering diverse photographic subjects. Instagram

Yes, Pikes Peak is a prominent feature in the views from the South Catamount Reservoir, offering iconic photo backdrops. Instagram

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