Taylor Park Reservoir sits at over 9,000 feet in Gunnison County, ringed by snow-capped peaks and reached via the stunning Cottonwood Pass road from Buena Vista or the route from Gunnison. This high-mountain reservoir has drawn multi-generational Colorado families for decades with its combination of boating, fishing, off-road trails, and dispersed camping across a vast backcountry landscape where cell phone service effectively disappears. The water is remarkably clear, the sandy beaches invite launching boats or simply kicking back, and the surrounding mountains provide a backdrop that visitors consistently describe as one of the most beautiful in the state.
Fishing at Taylor Park Reservoir targets lake trout as the premier species, with anglers also working the streams feeding the reservoir. Pontoon boat rentals are available at the marina, and the knowledgeable staff provide tips on what species are biting and where to find them. Boat launching is possible both from the beach and the marina boat ramp. Fishing success varies by season and time of day, with midday producing fewer bites according to experienced visitors. The reservoir and connecting waterways support fly fishing opportunities in the creeks that feed the lake.
Boating and kayaking thrive on Taylor Park Reservoir. The marina rents pontoon boats at competitive rates, and a food truck on-site serves meals including chicken quesadillas. Motorized boats are welcome on the reservoir, and the expansive surface means crowding on the water is rare. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the calm conditions on still mornings when the water goes glass-smooth. A sandy beach area accommodates direct boat launching for those who prefer to skip the marina ramp.
Off-road vehicle riding is the dominant land activity at Taylor Park. Hundreds of miles of ATV, side-by-side, and dirt bike trails radiate from the reservoir into the surrounding mountains, passing ghost towns, abandoned mines, and aspen groves that blaze gold in September and October. Singletrack motorcycle trails offer scenic riding, though many routes feature rough, basketball-sized rocks that demand capable vehicles and careful driving. The southwest trails tend to be smoother than the rest of the network.
Dispersed camping and boondocking sites surround the reservoir with no reservation needed, and larger RVs can access flat staging areas near the riding trails. The Taylor Park Trading Post offers rustic cabins, a gas station, and a general store, plus trash disposal for five to ten dollars per bag. Bring warm layers for cold nights at altitude and sunscreen for intense high-elevation sun during the day. Bears have been spotted in camp, so proper food storage is essential. Cottonwood Pass closes in winter, cutting off the eastern approach and limiting access to the Gunnison side only. Generators must be off by 10 PM. The fall aspen season and elk hunting draw visitors into September and October, while summer weekends bring heavy off-road vehicle traffic that generates dust and noise throughout the campgrounds and access roads.