Spinney Mountain Reservoir - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Located in Park County, Colorado, the reservoir is just a short drive from Denver. There are plenty of things to do at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the area, offering stunning views of the reservoir and the Rocky Mountains. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it easy to find a spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the scenery, Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a great place to visit.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a man-made lake in Park County, Colorado. It is located near the town of Fairplay, about 60 miles south of Denver. The reservoir was created in 1978 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the dam impounding the South Platte River. The reservoir is named after John Spinney, an early settler and homesteader in the area who operated a sawmill on the river. The reservoir is a popular recreation spot for fishing, boating, and camping. It is also used for irrigation and domestic water supply. The reservoir has a capacity of 65,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,200 acres.

The best time to visit Spinney Mountain Reservoir in Park County, Colorado is in the summer. The temperatures are warm and the days are long, making it the perfect time to enjoy all that the reservoir has to offer. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. The reservoir is located at over 9,000 feet above sea level, so the weather can change quickly.
2.  Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The high altitude means that the sun is strong and can cause sunburns quickly.
3.  Don’t forget your fishing gear! The reservoir is home to rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older.
4.  If you’re planning on camping, reservations are required and can be made up to 6 months in advance. There are only 22 campsites available, so plan ahead!
5. Hiking is a great way to explore the area and catch sight of wildlife like bald eagles, elk, and deer. Remember to stay on designated trails and pack out all your trash.
6. For a unique experience, try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Spend an afternoon paddling around on the calm waters of the reservoir.9 SUP rentals are available at the marina.

1.  Spinney Mountain Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water in Park County, Colorado.
2. The reservoir is located at an elevation of 8,700 feet above sea level.
3. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
4. The reservoir is also popular with birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of waterfowl.
5. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is open to the public year-round. However, due to its high elevation, the reservoir is often iced over in winter.
6. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is named for George spinney, an early settler in Park County who operated a stagecoach station near the site of the present-day reservoir."

While there is no set time limit for exploring the reservoir, most visitors allow themselves at least 3-4 hours to take in all it has to offer. 

The best way to reach the reservoir is by taking Highway 24 west from Denver. After about an hour, you'll see a sign for the reservoir on the right-hand side of the road. Turn onto the gravel road and follow it for another 3 miles until you reach the parking area. From there, it's a short hike down to the water's edge. 

 Visitors to the Spinney Mountain Reservoir are required to pay an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle. This fee helps to cover the cost of maintaining the reservoir and its facilities. Annual passes are also available for $30. 

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are required to leave before the gate is locked at dusk. In addition, the park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.