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.
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| 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.
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| Vicinity Map |
Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 2
Non-motorized
Use: Low-moderate
Fee: None
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 8750
Rec info
Weather
Chase Gulch Reservoir has no formal boat ramp, and reaching the water requires a 100-yard carry down an easy trail. The lake doesn't see much change in water level, which helps in maintaining its scenic framing between the shorelines. The lake also doesn't have a huge amount of wind exposure distance, so its waters remain relatively calm. If exploring near the dam on the reservoir's far side, take caution around the spillway on the north end. The northeast corner doesn't have anything too menacing under normal conditions, but it could become hazardous during high-runoff periods.
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| A silly day on Chase Gulch |
Nearby Mountain Biking
Some fantastic mountain biking can be found at Maryland Mountain, 1 mile north of Blackhawk on Highway 119. The new-ish trail system opened in 2021 and is already one of Gilpin County's best-loved recreation hubs. The well designed trail network has hospitable climbs and directional downhills from the high point, like fun and flowy Fast Money, or steep and aggressive Hard Money, or--if you're pro--Ore Chute. A float on Chase Gulch Reservoir is a great way to wind down after hammering out a couple loops on the bike. Maryland Mountain was developed through a partnership between the City of Blackhawk and Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA). Another exciting trail network is planned nearby at Virginia Canyon in Idaho Springs. Consider donating to or volunteering for COMBA if you're excited about their mission.
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| Chase Gulch from the top of Claimjumper |
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| A local resident |
Other things to do around Central City
Central City has numerous places to dine or drink that are closer than Black Hawk or Idaho Springs. Its 19th-century streetscape and hilly terrain give it a personality that is unique among Colorado's mining towns. There are plenty of historic structures to wander through, and even the cemeteries up the hill see their fair share of curious visitors. And for disc golf afficinados, the Ghost Town Course`winds through the forests, meadows and ruins of Russel Gulch.
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| Chase Gulch looking east |
Chase Gulch Reservoir is one of the best places to find a quiet mountain paddleboarding experience without traveling far from Denver. And it has plenty of great options to extend into a longer day of adventure or leisure. Have fun exploring in the hills of Central City! Stay safe, bring along your curiosity and support local businesses!
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