Hiking at Eleven Mile
From shoreline strolls to backcountry adventures.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Altitude Hiking
- In-Park Trails
- Hikes for Every Level
- Hiking with Different Age Groups
- Trail Safety
- What to Bring
- Nature Observation
- Tracking Your Hikes
Understanding Altitude Hiking
At 8,600 feet, even easy trails feel different. Before hitting the trails, internalize these realities.
The Physics
- 25% less oxygen than sea level
- Your heart works harder for the same effort
- Breathing feels labored sooner
- Recovery between efforts takes longer
The Adjustment Period
- Day 1–2: Easy walks only (1–2 miles, minimal elevation gain)
- Day 3–4: Moderate hikes (3–5 miles, some climbing)
- Day 5+: More ambitious objectives
Do not attempt the Manitou Incline before Day 5 unless you’re already altitude-acclimatized.
Warning Signs to Stop
- Persistent headache unrelieved by rest and water
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or unusual fatigue
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Rapid heartbeat at rest
If these occur, descend and rest. Altitude sickness is real and can be dangerous.
In-Park Trails
Eleven Mile has limited formal trails, but plenty of hiking opportunities.
Trail System (Area 15 on Map)
The main trail system is located in the central portion of the park near Rocky Ridge Campground.
Characteristics:
- Moderate terrain, rolling grassland
- Views of reservoir and surrounding peaks
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Not heavily trafficked
Best for: Morning walks, wildlife spotting, photography
Shoreline Walking
The reservoir’s shoreline offers miles of informal walking paths.
Best sections:
- Rocky Ridge to North Shore (relatively flat)
- Around Howbert Point (rocky, scenic)
- Backcountry area (more remote)
Tips:
- Stay on established paths when visible
- Watch footing on rocky sections
- Bring binoculars for bird watching
- Early morning is magical
Backcountry Area
The eastern end of the park, near the backcountry campsites, offers more remote terrain.
Getting there: Drive or walk past Rocking Chair Campground toward the restricted area. The backcountry zone is north of the restricted dam area.
What to expect:
- Less defined trails
- Solitude
- Rocky terrain
- Views of the dam and upper reservoir
Hikes for Every Level
Easy: Reservoir Loop Sections (All Ages)
Distance: 1–3 miles (variable) Elevation Gain: Minimal (<200 feet) Time: 30–90 minutes Best for: Grandparents, young children, Day 1–2 acclimation
Pick a shoreline section and follow established paths. Turn around when ready. No wrong way to do it.
Highlights:
- Water views throughout
- Wildlife (waterfowl, deer, antelope)
- Wildflowers in June
- Photo opportunities
Moderate: Full Park Exploration
Distance: 4–6 miles Elevation Gain: 300–500 feet Time: 2–4 hours Best for: Active adults, teens, Day 3+
Connect multiple areas of the park on foot:
- Start at your campsite
- Walk shoreline to a different campground
- Loop back via the trail system
- Explore the backcountry area
Bring map, water, and snacks. Afternoon storms can develop quickly.
Challenging: Off-Site Options
The best challenging hikes require leaving the park. See Day Trips for:
- Manitou Incline (extreme)
- Garden of the Gods (moderate-challenging options)
- Pike National Forest trails (various difficulties)
Hiking with Different Age Groups
With Toddlers and Young Kids (Ages 2–5)
Expectations:
- 0.5–1 mile maximum
- Frequent stops
- The destination is not the point
- Every rock and bug is interesting
Strategy:
- Let them lead (within reason)
- Bring snacks (hiking is hungry work)
- Make it a game (find 5 different colored rocks)
- Carrier/backpack for when they’re done
- Know when to turn around
Good spots:
- Flat shoreline near campsites
- Any area with rocks to climb
- Near water for throwing rocks
With Kids (Ages 6–10)
Expectations:
- 1–3 miles possible
- They want to accomplish something
- Competition can motivate
- They need more water than they realize
Strategy:
- Set a destination (that tree, that point)
- Bring a nature scavenger hunt
- Let them carry their own pack (light)
- Teach trail marking and navigation
- Make it educational (plants, animals, geology)
Games:
- First to spot a bird/squirrel/deer
- Guess how long until we reach [landmark]
- Nature bingo
- I Spy
With Tweens and Teens (Ages 11–17)
Expectations:
- Can handle adult distances if fit
- May complain but will remember fondly
- Want to feel challenged
- Don’t want to feel babied
Strategy:
- Give them responsibility (navigation, pace-setting)
- Choose actually challenging hikes
- Allow independence (within sight lines)
- Connect to their interests (photography, fitness)
- Don’t over-structure
Motivation:
- “We’ll see views you can’t get from a car”
- “Instagram doesn’t have filters this good”
- “Bet you can’t beat me to the top”
With Grandparents
Expectations:
- Pace varies widely by individual
- Joint/balance issues may limit terrain
- They may have more endurance than you expect
- Altitude may affect them more
Strategy:
- Ask about their comfort level
- Choose flat, well-defined paths
- Bring trekking poles (even if they don’t “need” them)
- Plan for rest stops
- Avoid rough/rocky terrain unless they’re experienced
Best options:
- Shoreline walks (mostly flat)
- Paved or well-maintained paths
- Out-and-back routes (turn around anytime)
Trail Safety
The Ten Essentials (Modified for Day Hikes)
Always carry, even for short hikes:
- Navigation: Map/compass or charged phone with offline map
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Insulation: Extra layer (weather changes fast)
- Illumination: Headlamp (in case you’re out later than planned)
- First aid: Basic kit
- Fire: Lighter/matches (emergency signaling)
- Repair: Knife/multi-tool
- Nutrition: Extra food (more than planned)
- Hydration: Extra water (more than planned)
- Shelter: Emergency blanket or rain jacket
Water Requirements
At altitude, you need significantly more water:
- Minimum 0.5 liter per hour of hiking
- More in heat or sun
- Kids need reminding to drink
Signs of dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue beyond expected
Wildlife Encounters
What you might see:
- Mule deer (common)
- Pronghorn antelope (common)
- Coyote (common, usually keep distance)
- Black bear (rare but possible)
- Mountain lion (rare, avoid dusk/dawn solo hiking)
- Rattlesnake (possible, watch where you step)
General rules:
- Never approach wildlife
- Make noise on trails (prevents surprise encounters)
- Keep dogs on leash
- Store food properly
- If bear encountered: Don’t run, back away slowly, make noise
Weather Awareness
Morning: Usually clear and calm. Best hiking time.
Midday: Building heat, clouds may develop.
Afternoon: Thunderstorms common 2–5 PM June/July. Be off exposed areas by early afternoon.
Signs of incoming storm:
- Building cumulus clouds
- Darkening sky to west
- Thunder (sound carries far at altitude)
- Sudden temperature drop
- Wind picking up
If caught in storm:
- Get below tree line if above
- Avoid isolated trees, ridge lines, water
- Crouch low, minimize ground contact
- Spread out the group (one strike shouldn’t hit all)
- Wait 30 minutes after last thunder
What to Bring
Day Hike Checklist
On your body:
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
- Moisture-wicking clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
In your pack:
- Water (at least 2 liters per person)
- Snacks (trail mix, bars, fruit)
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Rain jacket
- Extra layer
- Map/navigation
- Phone (charged, in protective case)
- Headlamp
Nice to have:
- Trekking poles
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Field guides (birds, plants)
- Bug spray
For Kids Add:
- Extra snacks (double what adults need)
- Extra water
- Their own small pack (feeling grown up)
- Whistle (safety signaling)
- Small toy or activity for breaks
Nature Observation
Birds You’ll See
| Species | When/Where |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed hawk | Soaring overhead, all day |
| Bald eagle | Near reservoir, especially morning |
| Western meadowlark | Grasslands, singing |
| Mountain bluebird | Everywhere, stunning blue |
| Magpie | Around camp, unmistakable |
| Osprey | Fishing the reservoir |
| Various ducks | On the water |
| Great blue heron | Shoreline |
Mammals
| Species | When/Where |
|---|---|
| Mule deer | Dawn/dusk, throughout park |
| Pronghorn | Open grasslands |
| Coyote | Often heard at night |
| Ground squirrel | Everywhere, especially campsites |
| Beaver | Signs along shoreline |
| Muskrat | In reservoir coves |
Wildflowers (June–July)
- Indian paintbrush (red/orange)
- Blue flax (delicate blue)
- Wild iris (purple)
- Golden banner (yellow)
- Various wild roses
Geology
Eleven Mile sits in South Park, a high-altitude basin formed by ancient faulting and erosion. The surrounding peaks are part of the Front Range, with visible granite outcrops and sedimentary layers. The reservoir itself is a man-made feature, created by the dam completed in 1932.
Tracking Your Hikes
For Kids
Create a simple hike journal:
- Date and trail name
- Distance walked
- Weather
- Wildlife spotted
- Favorite part
- Pressed wildflower (if allowed)
- Drawing of something seen
For Adults
- GPS track on phone (Strava, AllTrails, etc.)
- Download tracks before leaving cell service
- Note times for future planning
- Record conditions for family reference
The Goal Isn’t Miles: At altitude, with mixed ages, success isn’t measured in distance. A half-mile walk where everyone’s happy and sees something memorable beats a death march where nobody talks for the last two miles. Read the group. Adjust expectations. The mountains will still be there next time.