Activities at Eleven Mile | Colorado State Parks

Quick Launch

Activities

Backcountry camping - 3/30/2012

Twenty-five beautiful and secluded backcountry sites are perfect for those who are willing to pack or boat in. This is the prettiest area of the park, so even if you don't choose to camp here plan on scheduling a hike through the area. For more information, click on the "Camping" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Biking - 3/30/2012

Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads. For more information, click on the "Trails" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Birding - 3/30/2012

Many migratory and resident birds inhabit the park, including a variety of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds that are all attracted to the reservoir. Three rare bird species observed at the park include the bald eagle, American peregrine falcon and white pelican. A downloadable PDF of Eleven Mile's Bird List brochure is available under the "Publications" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Boating - 3/30/2012

All types of boating are popular on this large reservoir including: Kayaking, canoeing, sailing and motor boating. Water-body contact activities including scuba diving, water-skiing, wading, swimming, etc., are prohibited. For more information, click on the "Boating" sub-link found under the Park Activity link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Camping - 3/30/2012

Eleven Mile State Park has 349 campsites in nine separate campgrounds scattered around the lake. From basic and secluded sites to electric or lakeshore sites, there is something for every camping style. The park does not have group camping facilities. Shaded sites will only be found in either the Backcountry Campground or Rocky Ridge Campground C or E Loops. For more information, click on the "Camping" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Cross-country Skiing - 3/30/2012

Best only after the lake surface is frozen solid and then covered with snow. Experienced cross country skiiers may wish to try out the fields and meadows of the Backcountry after heavy snowfalls.

Education Programs - 3/30/2012

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Interpreters present the park’s environmental education programs each summer. Check the calendar (available from the links at the top of the page) for a program schedule. Junior Rangers (6 - 12 year olds) who have completed the Eleven Mile Junior Ranger activity book are invited to participate in the Sunday morning ceremonies when Junior Ranger badges and certificates are awarded. For more information, click on the "Outdoor Education" sub-link found under the Park Activity link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Equipment Rental - 3/30/2012

The 11-Mile Marina has boat rentals available that include a 20' pontoon, a 16' Lund aluminum V-Hull, and several canoes and kayaks. Winter Ice Fishing equipment is also rented and includes augers, shelters, fish finders, and heaters. Call Larry at the Marina for details (719)748-0317.

Fishing - 3/30/2012

Gold medal fishing opportunities exist for brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The lake is one of a very few in Colorado stocked with kokanee salmon. Carp abound in the shallow bays and inlets, providing great bow fishing. A few fortunate anglers even take home an occasional yellow perch or smallmouth bass. Fishing tournaments are posted on the park’s calendar (available from the menu link at the top of the page). For more information, click on the "Fishing" sub-link found under the Park Activity link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Hiking - 3/30/2012

Visitors can enjoy nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails in the Coyote Ridge/Backcountry area. Both a self-guided Nature Trail and an Orienteering Trail are offered for hiking enthusiasts. Brochures for both are available at the park office. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails and are only allowed on designated roads. For more information, click on the "Trails" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Hunting - 3/30/2012

Big game, small game and water fowl hunting are all available during season. For more information, click on the "Hunting" sub-link found under the Park Activity link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Ice Fishing - 3/30/2012

Excellent ice fishing opportunities for kokanee, trout and pike all winter long once the ice cap forms sufficiently thick enough. For more information, click on the "Fishing" sub-link found under the Park Activity link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Ice Skating - 3/30/2012

Very good ice skating conditions, especially in the early portion of the winter after the ice forms solidly, but before too many pressure ridges have been created.

OHV Riding - 3/30/2012

OHV's are prohibited from operating anywhere in the park, either on or off designated roads. The park is located conveniently close to a number of USFS OHV accessible trails. OHV's must be trailered out of the park to these locations and unloaded at the trailhead.

Picnicking - 3/30/2012

Eleven Mile State Park offers 15 picnic sites, some are located close to shoreline fishing access areas, while others are found near the playground. A universal access picnic site is also located adjacent to the playground. There are no group picnicking facilities.

Rock Climbing - 3/30/2012

There are no rock climbing opportunities located in the park. However, the park is located conveniently close to a number of USFS locations, including Eleven Mile Canyon, where such opportunities do exist.

Sailboarding - 3/30/2012

The park offers tremendous sailboarding opportunities all summer long. Visitors participating in this sport need to understand that the winds here can make sailboarding a challenge even for the most experienced of sailboarders.

Swimming - 3/30/2012

Swimming is specifically prohibited.

Water Skiing - 3/30/2012

Water skiing is specifically prohibited.

Winter Activities - 3/30/2012

Ice boating is an unusual sport that is perfect for the lake's large frozen surface. Ice boating typically is best after the lake has frozen solid in the early winter before too many pressure ridges have been created. This is usually late December to early February. The lake's large ice surface is also ideal for ice skating (without snow on the ice) and cross country skiing (with snow on the ice).

Winter Camping - 3/30/2012

Rocky Ridge Campground A Loop (electric) remains open all winter long. Also open during the winter are North Shore Campground Loops A, B, C, and E, Stoll Campground East Loop, and the Cross Creek, Lazy Boy, Rocking Chair, Howbert Point, Witchers Cove and Backcountry Campgrounds. For more information, click on the "Camping" link on the left side of Eleven Mile's home page.

Last Modified Date: 2/23/2010 4:45 PM