Silver Jack Reservoir

Silver Jack Reservoir sits tucked into a high mountain valley in Gunnison County, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Uncompahgre National Forest. If you have never driven the Owl Creek Pass road east of Ridgway, this reservoir gives you a reason to make the trip. The water reflects jagged ridgelines and dense stands of spruce and aspen, and during autumn the hillsides light up with gold and orange that draw photographers from across the state.

Fishing at Silver Jack Reservoir targets stocked rainbow trout along with brown trout and brook trout in the feeder streams. Shore anglers find access along the dam and several pullouts on the north side, while small boats and float tubes open up deeper water near the inlet. A Colorado fishing license is required, and the reservoir follows standard state regulations. Ice fishing picks up in late November once the surface freezes solid, though the remote location means you should check road conditions before heading out.

Camping is the main draw beyond fishing. The Silver Jack Campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service sits right along the reservoir's edge with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Dispersed camping options line the road on both sides of the reservoir for those who prefer a more primitive setup. The campground typically opens in late May and closes after Labor Day, weather depending.

Hiking trails branch out from the reservoir in every direction. The East Fork Trail follows the Cimarron River upstream into the Big Blue Wilderness, and shorter loops wind through meadows full of wildflowers in July. Mountain biking is permitted on forest roads in the area, and horseback riders use the same trailhead network to access backcountry camps.

Winter brings snowshoeing opportunities along the unplowed forest roads, though access requires a snowmobile or a long ski in from the highway. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent, so plan accordingly. The nearest supplies are in Ridgway, about 25 miles west on Highway 550. Silver Jack Reservoir rewards visitors who are willing to travel a little farther for solitude, big views, and uncrowded water.