Montgomery Reservoir: A High-Altitude Alpine Escape

Montgomery Reservoir, situated at an elevation of 10,873 feet (3,314 meters) in Park County, Colorado, is a picturesque destination surrounded by the towering peaks of the Mosquito Range. Located a few miles north of Alma and near Hoosier Pass, this man-made reservoir was completed in 1957 by the city of Colorado Springs. The reservoir was created by the construction of the Montgomery Dam, which is 1,900 feet long and 113 feet high. The reservoir serves as a crucial water source for Colorado Springs, receiving water from the Middle Fork of the South Platte River and the Hoosier Tunnel, which diverts water from the Blue River on the western side of the Continental Divide. The town of Montgomery, founded in 1861 during the area's mining boom, was flooded to create the reservoir. Today, the reservoir offers various recreational activities, including fishing and hiking. Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Hiking trails around the reservoir provide opportunities to explore the alpine scenery and see the historic Magnolia Mill. Visitors can take a short hike from the parking area to reach the reservoir's shores and walk along the 4x4 road on the north side of the lake. The Wheeler Lake Trail on the opposite side of the reservoir offers views of the Magnolia Mill and waterfalls. While swimming and boating are prohibited, the reservoir's serene environment and stunning mountain views make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Colorado Rockies.