Gold Camp Reservoir

Gold Camp Reservoir is a municipal water supply reservoir inside Stratton Open Space on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, and it is one of the most scenic — and most misunderstood — destinations in El Paso County. The reservoir itself is fenced off with barbed wire and closed to all public access because it stores raw, untreated drinking water for Colorado Springs Utilities. There is no fishing, no swimming, no boating, and no direct contact with the water. What Gold Camp Reservoir does offer is a striking visual centerpiece for one of the best trail networks in the Pikes Peak region.

The trails around Gold Camp Reservoir wind through Stratton Open Space, a protected natural area at the base of the Front Range foothills. The Gold Camp Reservoir loop via Mesa Reservoir Access Road covers about 2.2 miles and is rated easy, making it accessible for walkers, runners, and casual hikers. Longer options include the Chamberlain and Gold Camp Path Loop at roughly 3.8 miles, rated moderate, which connects through rolling terrain with views of the reservoir, Pikes Peak, and the city below. Mountain bikers frequent these trails as well, and the singletrack is well-maintained with good sight lines.

The drive to Gold Camp Reservoir along Upper Gold Camp Road is an attraction in its own right. The unpaved road follows the route of a historic narrow-gauge railroad, passing through tunnels carved into granite and offering panoramic views of the Front Range no matter the season. For newer off-road drivers, the road provides a manageable introduction to unpaved mountain driving without requiring high clearance.

Stratton Open Space sits at roughly 6,800 feet of elevation, and the trails are open year-round. Summer afternoons can be hot and exposed on the grassy sections, so sunscreen and extra water are essential. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable hiking temperatures, and winter visits offer quiet, uncrowded trails when conditions are dry. Parking is available at the Stratton Open Space trailhead, and the trails connect to a broader network that extends south toward the Broadmoor area.

The most common frustration visitors report is arriving at Gold Camp Reservoir expecting to fish, only to discover the entire shoreline is fenced. The reservoir is clearly a look-but-do-not-touch destination. For hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who understand that going in, Stratton Open Space and the trails around Gold Camp Reservoir are among the best outdoor experiences Colorado Springs has to offer.