Mason Reservoir is a secluded mountain impoundment tucked into the forested slopes of Teller County west of Colorado Springs, managed by Colorado Springs Utilities. Reaching this reservoir takes effort and planning, which is exactly what keeps it uncrowded and makes it feel like a genuine backcountry discovery for those who make the trip.
Access to Mason Reservoir is restricted. Colorado Springs Utilities controls the surrounding watershed land, and visitors must make reservations and pay a fee before heading in. Do not attempt to walk in unannounced along Forest Service Road 376 or any other approach without authorization. Utility personnel actively patrol the area and will turn you away. Once you have a valid reservation, be prepared for a substantial hike from the parking area to the water. The walk is long enough to deter casual visitors, which contributes to the reservoir's uncrowded, almost private atmosphere.
Fishing is the primary reason people make the effort to reach Mason Reservoir. Anglers report excellent catch rates in a setting that feels nothing like the heavily pressured Front Range reservoirs closer to town. The reservoir sits at high elevation in a Pikes Peak region watershed surrounded by dense conifer forest, and the combination of cold, clean water and limited angling pressure supports healthy trout populations. Visitors describe the fishing here as a blast once you arrive and get a line in the water.
Beyond fishing, the hike to and around Mason Reservoir passes through striking high-country terrain with panoramic views. The trail system connects loosely to longer routes in the Pikes Peak area, and experienced hikers have made the trek from as far as Manitou Springs using trails that follow the Cog Railway corridor. The scenery alone makes the reservation and walk worthwhile, with visitors consistently calling it one of the most beautiful spots in the Colorado Springs watershed system.
Plan your visit carefully. Check the Colorado Springs Utilities website for current reservation windows, fees, and any seasonal closures. Facilities are minimal at best, so bring everything you need including water, food, and sun protection. The remoteness is the reward here. Mason Reservoir offers a fishing and hiking experience that most Front Range residents never discover, and those who do tend to come back again.