Beckwith Reservoir
Beckwith Reservoir
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 3
- Campsites
- 0
Lake Beckwith, a 70-acre reservoir in Colorado City, permits non-motorized paddling with specific restrictions. Only hand-launched vessels propelled by hand, wind, or electric motor are allowed on the water. The lake features a boat dock on the east side for launching.
Located at 6,100 feet elevation at the base of Greenhorn Mountain, the reservoir serves as both a recreational destination and drinking water supply for Colorado City residents. The imposing mountain backdrop creates a distinctive setting for paddling, with the 12,000-foot peak dominating western views.
A 1.4-mile paved path encircles the lake, providing easy access to multiple put-in points. Several parking areas surround the shoreline. The west side features a gazebo, and benches along the path offer rest spots with views of the surrounding foothills.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include resident osprey, winter bald eagles, deer, foxes, and occasional bears. The lake is stocked with trout by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, though fishing activity can be heavy, especially on summer weekends.
The reservoir typically experiences partial ice cover in winter, though it rarely freezes completely. Ice access is explicitly prohibited for safety reasons. The lake sees consistent visitor traffic throughout the year, with early mornings and evenings being particularly popular times.
Basic amenities include picnic areas and the gazebo. The nearby Greenhorn Meadows Campground provides year-round camping options. The lake is maintained through community involvement, with regular cleanup events occurring three times annually.
No swimming is permitted in the reservoir. All dogs must be leashed. While the lake once supported abundant aquatic vegetation, current conditions feature minimal plant growth, resulting in clear water conditions for paddling.
Water access, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Beckwith Reservoir. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. PaddleWays's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Paddle smarter with real-time insights
Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.





Find Places to Paddle
Over 400,000 Places to Paddle
Every user gets free access to launch points, boat ramps, and public property parcels.
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to paddle Beckwith Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Paddling near Beckwith Reservoir
Explore Colorado waters
Top paddling waters
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Explore near Beckwith Reservoir
Access points
Nearby waters
More in Colorado
Smarter Paddling Starts in the App.
Paddleways gives you everything you need to plan smarter, paddle better, and own every trip from first launch to takeout.

















