What amenities does Alberta Park Reservoir have?

Alberta Park Reservoir has Boat Ramp, Dock, Parking, Unpaved Trail, Camping Sites.

Where is Alberta Park Reservoir located?

Alberta Park Reservoir is located in Mineral County, Colorado.

Is a permit required at Alberta Park Reservoir?

Permit information is not currently available. Check with the managing agency for current requirements.

Alberta Park Reservoir

reservoir

Mineral County, Colorado

4.7(19 reviews)

About Alberta Park Reservoir

Alberta Park Reservoir is a small, high-elevation impoundment at roughly 10,190 feet in Mineral County, tucked into a narrow valley directly below the Continental Divide and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Managed by the Rio Grande National Forest, this alpine reservoir delivers an accessible mountain lake experience with far less effort than most Colorado backcountry destinations. From South Fork, drive west on US Highway 160 for about 19 miles to the Wolf Creek Ski Area entrance, turn into the parking lot, and follow Forest Road 391 to the boat ramp and parking area.

Fishing at Alberta Park Reservoir is governed by special regulations: artificial flies and lures only, no bait. The reservoir holds Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brook trout, and all cutthroats must be released immediately. The bag and possession limit for trout is two fish. Anglers who have fished here describe the trout as abundant, especially when the snow is melting and the water runs clear through late spring and early summer. A small creek-like canyon on the west side offers productive fly fishing when the water level drops later in the season, though reaching the water can mean navigating silty mud.

A concrete boat ramp accommodates canoes, kayaks, and small boats, making this one of the higher-elevation launch points in southern Colorado. Beyond the dam, a scenic hiking trail climbs above the reservoir and rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, a small waterfall below the dam, and a mountain stream that tumbles through the forest. Dispersed camping is available near the reservoir, and visitors report rarely seeing more than a handful of other people on any given day.

Winter transforms the area into Wolf Creek's ski terrain, but the reservoir remains accessible for those willing to brave frigid temperatures. The Milky Way is visible year-round thanks to minimal light pollution, and moonlit nights on the lake are unforgettable. Bring warm layers regardless of the season; at over 10,000 feet, temperatures drop fast after sunset. Dam repair work has been conducted periodically, so check with the Forest Service or local sources for any current closures before planning a visit.

Reviews (10)

Josh Spiegel

Beautiful lake near Wolf Creek Ski Area. We took the family and did some fishing and hiking. There is a beautiful hike just past the dam where you can get above the lake for beautiful views. There’s also a small river and waterfall below the dam.

Richard

Worth the drive. Beautiful!

Byron Bacon

Amazing scene

Michell Stovall

Loved the waterfall and views

Andre Perera

Beautiful lake! However, fishing failure while we were there. Only lures and flies at this lake! If you want to catch fish try Pass Creek Lake. Within 45 minutes we had our limit.

Paul White

Pretty place.

Ben Clement

Secluded lake. Beautiful stream

J Davis

A short hike from wolf creek is a reservoir tucked between mountains. It was a good day adventure.

Becky Dixon

Love this lake. Note: Flies and lures only.

David Reece

I live in Arkansas, and travel to Colorado whenever I have at least 4 days off work. I have been to this lake three times in the past 2 years, and the experience was different each time. When the snow is melting (usually through June), the lake is clear and absolutely spectacular! There is a lot of wildlife that roam through the area. The trout are abundant if you know where to flip your fly. Another time, in September, the water was very low due to the snow all being gone off the mountain. The trout fishing was still very good since there is a small creek-like canyon on the west side that cuts a narrow channel through the silty mud. It is quite a trek to be able to walk out to the water, but if you can keep from sinking to your knees, you will catch as many trout as you want to catch. In the winter, the water is high and the air is frigid. The milky way is visible year round, and the lake, when lit by the moon is a site to behold. I have never seen more than 6 or so people camping, so you also get lots of privacy. This is a little gem when the temps are just dropping, so get out there and pitch your tent!