Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
Scenic canyon, excellent fishing, 5 miles from camp.
Table of Contents
- What It Is
- Getting There
- Fishing in the Canyon
- Scenic Drive
- Picnicking
- Rock Climbing
- Camping
- A Canyon Day
- Combining with Other Activities
- Practical Information
- For Serious Anglers
What It Is
Eleven Mile Canyon is an 11-mile scenic canyon carved by the South Platte River, located just downstream from Eleven Mile Reservoir. The canyon offers excellent fishing, picnic areas, camping spots, and stunning granite scenery.
This isn’t a full day trip—it’s a nearby adventure that deserves its own exploration, even if you’re staying at the state park.
Why Visit
- Proximity – 5 miles from Eleven Mile State Park
- Fishing – Excellent Gold Medal water
- Scenery – Dramatic granite canyon walls
- Different experience – Moving river vs. stillwater reservoir
- Picnic spots – Beautiful riverside areas
- Rock climbing – Technical routes for experienced climbers
Getting There
From Eleven Mile State Park: ~5 miles, ~10 minutes
- Exit park toward Lake George
- In Lake George, head south on County Road 96
- Continue into the canyon
The road follows the river through the entire canyon.
Access Points
Multiple pullouts and designated areas along the 11-mile canyon road. Some areas require:
- Day use fee or valid State Parks Pass
- Fishing access points are marked
- Camping areas require reservations
Fishing in the Canyon
The South Platte River
The South Platte below Eleven Mile Dam is legendary fishing water.
Characteristics:
- Cold, clear tailwater
- Consistent flows from dam releases
- Selective fish (technical fishing)
- Both Gold Medal and Wild Trout water designations
Species
- Rainbow trout (primary target)
- Brown trout (especially larger fish)
- Brook trout (upper reaches)
Regulations
Critical: Canyon regulations differ from reservoir. As of recent regulations:
- Some sections: Catch-and-release only
- Artificial flies and lures only in some areas
- Special bag limits may apply
- Check current Colorado Fishing Regulations for exact rules
Techniques
Fly fishing dominant: This is primarily fly fishing water. Nymphing and dry flies in season.
Recommended flies:
- Midges (year-round, essential)
- Blue-winged olives (hatches in spring/fall)
- PMDs (pale morning duns, summer)
- Caddis (summer evenings)
- Streamers for large browns
Spin fishing: Permitted with artificial lures in most areas. Small spinners, spoons work but fly fishing generally more productive.
Where to Fish
| Area | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below dam | First access points | Most pressured, good fish |
| Mid-canyon | Multiple pullouts | Less pressure, wadeable |
| Lower canyon | Final miles | More remote, bigger water |
Wading tips:
- Felt or studded soles essential (slippery rocks)
- Wading staff recommended
- Cold water year-round—consider waders
- Watch for sudden flow changes (dam releases)
Scenic Drive
Even without fishing, the canyon drive is worthwhile.
What You’ll See
- Granite walls rising hundreds of feet
- Crystal clear river winding through canyon
- Pine and spruce forests on slopes
- Wildlife – deer, birds, occasional bighorn sheep
- Rock formations – technical climbing routes visible
Drive Duration
The full 11-mile canyon takes about 30 minutes to drive through without stops. With stops for photos and exploring, plan 1–2 hours.
Best Photo Spots
- First mile below dam (river and canyon views)
- Mid-canyon where walls narrow
- Anywhere the light hits the river
Picnicking
Several designated picnic areas along the canyon road offer:
- Tables
- Fire rings (check fire restrictions)
- Vault toilets
- River access
Popular areas:
- Spillway access (near dam)
- Springer Gulch
- Blue Mountain
- Multiple pullouts
Pack a lunch and enjoy a riverside meal with canyon views.
Rock Climbing
Eleven Mile Canyon is a climbing destination with routes on granite walls.
For experienced climbers:
- Sport and trad routes available
- Various difficulties
- Check guidebooks for specific routes
- Afternoon shade on west-facing walls
Not for beginners without professional guidance.
Camping
The canyon has its own camping areas, separate from Eleven Mile State Park.
Campgrounds:
- Multiple primitive sites along the canyon
- Reservations recommended for summer
- Different character than state park (smaller, more intimate)
If your state park sites are full or you want variety, canyon camping is an option.
A Canyon Day
Option 1: Fishing Focus (Half Day)
6:00 AM: Leave camp at dawn 6:15 AM: Enter canyon, find fishing spot 6:30–11:00 AM: Fish (prime morning hours) 11:00 AM: Break for picnic lunch by river 12:00 PM: Return to state park for afternoon activities
Option 2: Scenic Exploration (2–3 Hours)
9:00 AM: Leave camp 9:15 AM: Enter canyon, drive slowly through 9:30 AM: Stop at first viewpoint, short walk 10:00 AM: Continue drive, additional stops 10:30 AM: Picnic at scenic pullout 11:15 AM: Complete drive through canyon 11:30 AM: Return via Lake George
Option 3: Evening Run
5:00 PM: Head to canyon 5:15–7:30 PM: Evening fishing (excellent for dry flies) 7:30 PM: Return to camp for late dinner/campfire
Combining with Other Activities
The canyon is close enough to combine with:
- Morning fishing, afternoon at reservoir
- Canyon drive + Florissant Fossil Beds (same direction)
- Photography outing (canyon light + reservoir sunset)
- Rest day activity (low effort, high reward)
Practical Information
What to Bring
For fishing:
- Fly rod/gear (or spinning setup)
- Waders and boots
- Flies/lures appropriate to season
- Net
- Valid fishing license
- Polarized sunglasses
For exploring:
- Water and snacks
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sun protection
- Layers (canyon can be cool)
Fees
- Day use fee or Colorado Parks Pass required at many access points
- Same pass works for state park and canyon areas
Services
- No services in the canyon
- Gas and food available in Lake George
- Bring everything you need
Safety
- Watch for dam releases (water level changes)
- Slippery rocks when wading
- No guardrails on canyon road
- Wildlife on road, especially dawn/dusk
For Serious Anglers
Dream Stream Connection
The famous “Dream Stream” (Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area) is the section below the canyon—even more technical fishing. If you’re a serious fly angler:
- Research Dream Stream conditions
- Prepare for highly educated fish
- Consider guided trip for first visit
Guided Fishing
Several outfitters run trips in the canyon:
- Half and full day options
- Gear provided
- Local knowledge invaluable
- Good option for learning the water
Different Than the Reservoir: The canyon offers moving water—a completely different fishing and aesthetic experience from the reservoir. Even if you’re fishing the reservoir all week, one canyon morning adds variety and different skills.