Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir in Colorado offers paddlers a 3,400-acre expanse with spectacular rock formations along the shoreline. The reservoir features several walk-in/canoe-to campsites and provides great views of South Park and the Continental Divide to the west.

Paddlers can access the lake from the marina area or the backcountry camping parking area. The northeast shore at Coyote Ridge is particularly noteworthy, with huge rock formations creating inlets and narrows that are fun to navigate. Bird Island and Deer Island are also in this vicinity, offering enjoyable paddling and bird watching opportunities.

Due to the reservoir's role as a water source for Denver, no body contact with the water is allowed. Paddlers should be aware that the lake is known for windy afternoons and potential lightning/thunderstorms, making early morning the best time for paddling. The reservoir's extreme depth keeps water temperatures cool, with summer temperatures typically in the 50s Fahrenheit.

The dam, built in 1932, is an engineering marvel worth paddling to. It's a 147-foot gravity arch dam carved into the canyon rock. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with various bird species residing in or migrating through the park.

Eleven Mile State Park manages the reservoir, requiring an entrance fee. Facilities include four campgrounds and four designated picnic areas. Boating, fishing, and hiking are also popular activities. The park office is open Thursday through Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Paddlers should note that while the reservoir offers ample space, it can become challenging to locate fish due to its size, which may impact the experience for those interested in fishing from their watercraft.