Central City

Gilpin County--known best for its casinos and rich mining history--has a great paddleboard spot!  Chase Gulch Reservoir is part of the municipal water supply for Central City and it is open to public recreation.  Much to the delight of paddleboarders, the small but tranquil lake is open to non-motorized boating only.  

Chase Gulch Reservoir

Chase Gulch Reservoir is not hard to get to, but it's easy to spend lots of time in Gilpin County and not stumble upon it.  To reach the reservoir, just head uphill on Eureka Street from the center of Central City and continue for 2 miles to the reservoir.  Eureka Street becomes Upper Apex Road and bends right at a prominent Y junction after 1.5 miles, but the route is easy to follow.  An alternate route to the Chase Gulch Reservoir is from Apex Valley Road, which goes west from Highway 119, 1.8 miles north of Blackhawk.  From the beginning of Apex Valley Road, it is 2.3 miles west to Upper Apex Road, then 1.4 miles southeast to the reservoir.  

Vicinity Map

Location Info: [key]

Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 2
Non-motorized
Use: Low-moderate
Fee: None
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 8750
Rec info 
Weather 

Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel is a lesser-known gem nestled in Colorado's Wet Mountains.  It is not the same place as the more familiar Lake Isabelle in the Brainard Lake basin.  So, where exactly are the Wet Mountains?  They parallel the more prominent Sangre de Christo Range on the east, but are less lofty, shorter in length, and without features like 14ers or sand dunes that attract widespread attention.  True to their name, the Wet Mountains receive plenty of precipitation and are home to some lush pine, spruce & fir forests.  

Lake Isabel from the east; St. Charles Peak beyond

Lake Isabel is conveniently located right next to State highway 165, about 18 miles west of the Colorado City exit from I-25 (Exit 74).  The drive time from Denver is just under 2.5 hours.  An alternate route can be navigated along highways 115, 67 and 165 from the north, which adds a modest 20 minutes.  There are two primary parking areas to access Lake Isabel. The North Shore parking area is 1/4 mile west on forest service road 371, which is the first road north of the dam.  The south parking area is on the east side of highway 165, just south of the dam.  Both parking lots are $10/day fee areas.  An America the Beautiful Pass (national parks pass) is also valid here.  

Vicinity Map [click to enlarge]

    

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: $10/day use
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 8500
    Rec. info 
    Weather