Gross Reservoir

Total Miles
2.5

Elevation

2,389.08 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

Easy

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

This is a super fun, single lane road to amazing camping. You'll camp above the reservoir and fish, canoe, kayak and relax. No swimming. Open to licensed and unlicensed vehicles. Trail is open from May 15 to November 30.

Photos of Gross Reservoir

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Difficulty

Easy. Route has small ledges and one steep, chewed-up hill (likely caused by two-wheel-drive vehicles spinning tires during climbs). Fourwheel drive and higher ground clearance is recommended. Road is very narrow in spots and backing may be necessary to get around oncoming vehicles.

History

Reservoir Expansion: At the time of this writing, a project was underway to raise the dam 131 ft., which would nearly triple capacity of reservoir. Our map shows the approximate location of the new shoreline. The road ends at a new parking lot at Waypoint 03. Access to campsites around the parking area is by hiking and horseback only.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Access Description

From Nederland: Head south from roundabout 2 miles and turn left on Magnolia Drive, C.R.132. Go 5.4 miles east and turn right on C.R. 68. Go another 2.0 miles to fenced parking area on right. From Boulder: Take Canyon Highway 119 about 4 miles west to Magnolia Drive on left. Go another 6.6 miles to C.R. 68 on left. Parking lot at start of trail is on right in another 2.1 miles.