Curt Gowdy State Park

A recreational gem sits in the lumpy, rolling Laramie Range of southern Wyoming.  Curt Gowdy State Park has something for everybody: hiking, mountain biking, wildlife, boating, and even waterside camping!  The state park has become quite popular among Wyoming residents and Coloradoans exploring beyond the state's borders.  For stand-up paddleboarders, the park has three different lakes with their own personalities.  The most interesting paddling is in the lakes' inlets, which meander through the granite outcrops and mid-elevation pine forests that typify the region.  

Granite Springs Reservoir

Even though Curt Gowdy is in a different state, it's a surprisingly quick trip from Denver.  The route to Gowdy follows Wyoming State Highway 210 (Happy Jack Road), exit 10D from Interstate 25.  The exit is about 1.5 miles past Interstate 80, and the route to the park is clearly signed from this point onward.  The main entrance to the park is about 24 miles west of Interstate 25, for a total travel time from Denver of around 2 hours (without traffic).  If you're traveling from Colorado (or any other state), the non-resident fees are $12 for day use and $32.34 for camping.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    (Granite Springs / Crystal / 

        Upper North Crow)

    Scenery: 4 / 4 / 3
    Shoreline Interest: 4 / 4 / 3
    Use: Moderate / Low-moderate / Low
    Fee: $12/veh day use (non-res)
    Access: Paved/Gravel
    Full elev: 7200 / 6990 / 7500
    Rec info 
    Rec map
    Weather 

Meadow Creek Reservoir

Meadow Creek Reservoir is a nice paddleboarding spot on the Fraser Valley side of Grand County.  It is less known than the lakes in the Granby Area and consequently sees far fewer visitors.  As an added bonus, only non-motorized boating is permitted.  Its proximity to Fraser makes Meadow Creek a local favorite in the Winter Park area, but it rarely feels crowded.  The sprawling forests at the Indian Peak's western foothills create a beautiful Colorado panorama that wraps around the lake.    

Blue waters of Meadow Creek Reservoir

Meadow Creek Reservoir is vehicle-accessible between June 15 and November 15, when Forest Road 129 is fully open.  The approach route to the lake is more obscure than the prominent lakes on the north side of the county.  The turn-off from U.S. 40, County Road 83, is 0.9 miles east of Tabernash and 2.7 miles north of Fraser.  It's at the north end of the long straightaway from Fraser, just before the obvious railroad bridge.  Go east on County Road 83 for 0.4 miles to a Y-ish intersection, then left on County Road 84.  From this intersection onward, there is signage for the route to Meadow Creek Reservoir at every major junction.  After 5.7  miles on County Road 84, go left onto forest service road 129.  Continue for 2.6 miles to the Meadow Creek Dam.  The reservoir is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area and there are intermittent zones of day use fees for amenities, marked yellow on this map.   Most of the logical launch points are within the fee areas so come prepared with cash for the fee station or a valid America the Beautiful Pass. 

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]
    

    Non-motorized

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 3
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: $5/day
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 9980; best near full
    Rec info 
    Rec map        

    Weather

Empire Area

The West Clear Creek Valley above Empire hides two paddle spots that are fairly close to Denver but less busy than other lakes of similar proximity.  Upper Urad and Hassell Lakes are at the top of Woods Creek basin, beyond the disturbances of Henderson and Urad mines.  The valley of Woods Creek can be clearly seen from the descent of Berthoud Pass toward Empire.  The valley's massive tailings flats and unnatural appearance do not give an inviting impression.  But for those who persevere past all the mining operations are rewarded with some surprisingly pleasant mountain waters.  If the thought of a pre-dawn departure or timed-entry permit in the Indian Peaks area causes anxiety, Upper Urad or Hassell might be good alternatives.  

Hassell Lake

The turn-off to Upper Urad and Hassell is 8 miles west of Empire on U.S. 40.  It is just before the first hairpin turn at the base of Berthoud Pass.  Woods Creek Road is a prominent left turn 0.4 miles from U.S. 40.  The parking area for Upper Urad Lake and the Hassell Trailhead is at the end of the road, 3.0 miles further up Woods Creek.  The road is not open all the way to Upper Urad Lake; a 300 yard walk up and around the dam is necessary to get to the water.  

Vicinity Map

    Location info: [key]

    (Upper Urad / Hassell)

    Scenery: 3 / 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2 / 2
    Use: Low-moderate
    Fee: None
    Access: 2WD Dirt 

    (+ 1.8 mi. hike for Hassell)
    Full elev = 10700 / 11350
    Weather