Green Mountain Reservoir

Green Mountain Reservoir is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers year-round. You can typically catch rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The reservoir is generally considered suitable for beginner anglers due to the abundance of fish and various access points. For a more focused experience, the Blue River below the dam offers catch-and-release fly fishing.

Yes, the Green Mountain Reservoir area offers several dog-friendly trails. The Green Mountain Reservoir Trail, which runs along the western side of the reservoir, is a popular option. When hiking with your dog, always ensure they are on a leash, and remember to pack out all waste to preserve the natural environment.

There are several primitive U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located around Green Mountain Reservoir, many offering scenic views. These campgrounds provide a rustic experience. While specific permits for camping might not always be required for dispersed camping in certain areas, it's always best to check with the U.S. Forest Service for the latest regulations, especially regarding fire restrictions and specific campground reservations. There are 208 campsites available for visitors.

Green Mountain Reservoir is an excellent destination for families. Activities include swimming at the designated swim beach, paddleboarding, and easy hikes. The reservoir's expansive waters are perfect for boating, and you can rent boats at Heeney Marina. There are also opportunities for picnicking and wildlife viewing, making it a versatile spot for all ages.

Parking is available at various points around the reservoir, particularly near the campgrounds and boat launches. The Green Mountain Reservoir Trail on the western side is a key access point for hikers. For trails leading into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, such as the 2-mile loop to Cataract Falls, specific trailheads will have designated parking areas. Arriving early, especially on weekends during peak season, is advisable as parking can fill up quickly.

The immediate vicinity of Green Mountain Reservoir is relatively undeveloped, offering a more natural and peaceful experience. The small town of Heeney, located on the western side of the lake, may offer limited services. For a wider selection of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation, you would need to travel to nearby towns such as Kremmling (approximately 12 miles north) or Silverthorne (approximately 14 miles south), both easily accessible via Highway 9.

Unlike some other reservoirs in the area, swimming is permitted at Green Mountain Reservoir. There is a designated swim beach that provides a safe and accessible area for visitors to enjoy the water. The reservoir's pristine waters make it a popular choice for those looking to cool off or engage in water sports.

Both Green Mountain Reservoir and Lake Granby are popular fishing destinations in Colorado. Green Mountain Reservoir is known for its excellent trout and kokanee salmon fishing, often considered a less crowded alternative. Lake Granby, being one of Colorado's largest lakes, also offers diverse fishing, including larger lake trout. Green Mountain Reservoir was specifically built to compensate the Western Slope for water diverted from Lake Granby further upstream, highlighting their interconnectedness in the Colorado-Big Thompson Project.

Green Mountain Reservoir remains a popular destination during the colder months. Ice fishing is a prominent winter activity, attracting many anglers. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on various trails, providing a serene winter outdoor experience amidst the snow-covered mountains.

Green Mountain Reservoir has a capacity of 153,000 acre-feet (189,000,000 m³) of water. At its maximum capacity, the elevation of the lake reaches approximately 7,950 feet (2,420 m) above sea level. The dam itself stands 309 feet (94 m) high.

Green Mountain Reservoir and its dam were constructed between 1938 and 1943 as the first facility of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, initiated by President Roosevelt in 1937. Its creation was a crucial compromise, compensating Colorado's Western Slope for water diverted to cities in Northern Colorado from Lake Granby. Beyond water storage, the reservoir's Green Mountain Power Plant generates up to 21,000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power.