Fall River Reservoir

Fall River Reservoir is a high-alpine lake at 10,843 feet in the Arapaho National Forest, hidden in the mountains of Clear Creek County above the old mining towns of the Interstate 70 corridor. Getting here is half the adventure: a rough four-wheel-drive road climbs from Fall River Road through private property and rocky switchbacks before delivering you to a pristine 17-acre reservoir ringed by wildflowers, subalpine forest, and views of surrounding thirteen-thousand-foot peaks. If you want a Colorado lake that feels earned, this is it.

Fishing at Fall River Reservoir targets rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. The stocked population sustains decent catch rates, especially in early morning and late afternoon when the water is calm and the trout are active. Shore fishing is the only option here since there is no boat ramp or dock. Work the inlet area or the eastern shoreline for consistent action. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.

The reservoir sits within the Roosevelt National Forest and dispersed camping is available wherever you can find a flat spot along the access road. There are no developed campsites, no toilets, and no potable water, so come fully self-sufficient. Campers who make the effort are rewarded with dramatic alpine scenery, dark skies, and the kind of quiet you cannot find at a frontcountry campground. The Continental Divide Trail crosses the ridgeline behind the reservoir, offering ambitious hikers access to a bigger network.

The four-wheel-drive road to Fall River Reservoir is the main barrier to entry and the reason the lake stays uncrowded. Take Interstate 70 to Exit 238 for Fall River Road, drive approximately six miles to the second switchback, then turn left onto Rainbow Road. Follow the signs at the split where Fall River Reservoir goes right and Chinns Lake goes left. The road includes large rocks, boulders, and steep grades that demand genuine four-wheel-drive capability; low-clearance vehicles will not make it. Snow can block access well into June, so check conditions before heading up.

Fall River Reservoir rewards visitors who bring the right vehicle and the right expectations. It is not a place for picnic pavilions and paved paths. It is a place for anglers, hikers, and off-road enthusiasts who want raw alpine Colorado without the crowds. The wildflowers in July, the aspens in September, and the quiet in between make every rough mile worth it.