Grizzly Reservoir

Grizzly Reservoir is one of those Colorado destinations that feels like a secret, even though it sits just off the Independence Pass corridor in Pitkin County. Reached via a six-mile unpaved road that winds through dense forest and alpine meadows, this high-country reservoir rewards the patient driver with striking turquoise water set against a backdrop of rugged peaks. The color of the lake alone makes the bumpy ride worthwhile, and the sense of seclusion here is hard to match at more accessible Front Range reservoirs.

Camping is the centerpiece of the Grizzly Reservoir experience. Dispersed campsites along the shoreline and surrounding forest offer a genuine backcountry feel without a multi-mile hike. Visitors who favor this spot return season after season, drawn by the combination of mountain scenery, running water from feeder streams, and wildlife sightings that range from marmots to elk. The camping community here tends to be respectful and low-key, and regular visitors ask that newcomers keep it that way by packing out all trash and keeping noise to a minimum.

Fishing at Grizzly Reservoir has historically been part of the draw, though conditions can vary from year to year. Fish kills have been reported on occasion, likely tied to low water levels or temperature fluctuations in the shallow areas. Check current conditions before planning a fishing-focused trip. When the fishery is healthy, brook trout and cutthroat trout are the species most likely to be present at this elevation. Fly fishing along the inlet streams can be productive during summer mornings.

The access road requires a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle. Plan for roughly 30 minutes of slow driving over rocky, uneven terrain. Nothing about the road is technically extreme, but low-clearance sedans will bottom out. The road is typically passable from late June through September, depending on snowpack. Once on-site, hiking opportunities extend into the surrounding White River National Forest, where trails lead deeper into the backcountry toward mountain passes and additional alpine lakes.

Grizzly Reservoir sits between Aspen and Twin Lakes along Highway 82, one of Colorado's most scenic driving corridors. Whether you are setting up camp for a long weekend or pulling off the pass road for an afternoon of exploration, this reservoir delivers the kind of remote mountain experience that defined Colorado before the resort towns took over.