Windy Gap Reservoir sits along the Colorado River corridor in Grand County, just east of the town of Granby. Formed by a small diversion dam operated by the Municipal Subdistrict of the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, this reservoir has long served as both a water-management hub and a surprisingly rewarding stop for wildlife enthusiasts traveling the Highway 40 corridor between Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs.
Birding is the standout draw at Windy Gap. The reservoir and its surrounding wetlands attract American white pelicans, great blue herons, bald eagles, and a rotating cast of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl throughout the spring and fall seasons. A dedicated wildlife viewing area on the north side of the reservoir gives visitors a convenient vantage point, and local Audubon chapters have historically included Windy Gap on their field-trip routes. Water levels fluctuate significantly depending on snowpack runoff and diversion schedules, so the mudflats and shallow margins that appear during drawdown periods can actually improve shorebird habitat and create excellent viewing opportunities.
Because Windy Gap is primarily a water-diversion facility, recreational access is more limited than at nearby Lake Granby or Shadow Mountain Reservoir. There is no formal boat ramp, and swimming is not permitted. Fishing pressure is light, but anglers occasionally pull brown trout and rainbow trout from the Colorado River channel that feeds the reservoir. The surrounding landscape offers wide-open views of the Williams Fork Mountains and the Byers Peak Wilderness to the south, making it a worthwhile scenic detour even when water levels are low.
Visitors should be aware that the Windy Gap Firming Project, a major infrastructure effort designed to improve water storage reliability, has brought construction activity to the area in recent years. Conditions around the reservoir, including access points and parking areas, may change as that project progresses. Restroom facilities exist on-site but have been inconsistently maintained according to recent visitors, so plan accordingly. For a quick stop to stretch your legs, scan for birds, and take in the mountain panorama, Windy Gap Reservoir delivers an understated slice of Grand County scenery that most travelers along Highway 40 drive right past.