Williams Fork Reservoir

Background

Completed in 1959, Williams Fork Dam & Power Plant sends water and electricity to the Western Slope when Denver diverts water to the city elsewhere. Standing 217 feet above the Williams Fork River streambed, the dam backs up a reservoir of nearly 97,000 acre feet of water, and the power plant contains a 3,158-kilovolt generator. Williams Fork Reservoir's surface area is 1,860 acres with a shoreline of 15.8 miles.

Directions

• From Denver take Interstate 70 to the Highway 40 (Empire) exit
• Take Highway 40 past Empire, over Berthoud Pass, through Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs until you reach the town of Parshall
• At Parshall turn left (south) on Route 3; follow the road to the Williams Fork entrance

Seasonal Information

Open year round but services are limited

• No drinking water on site, we recommend bringing your own
• Fire wood is scarce, we recommend bringing your own

Snagging kokanee runs from Sept. 1 - Dec. 31. Check wildlife regulations for bag limits.

Recreation Opportunities

Overview of available activities

motorboating	Public boat ramp located at the east side campground. The Reservoir is full at elevation 7811 feet. The boat ramps are unusable for most motorized craft when the water elevation is 7790' or less. Most current water elevations at Williams Fork
windsurfing	Windsurfing (sailboarding) permitted with full wet or dry suits.
fishing	Reservoir stocked by Colorado Division of Wildlife (also see stocking reports). Northern pike 26 - 34 inches must be returned to water immediately.
ice fishing	Ice fishing when conditions permit. Denver Water does not monitor ice conditions and those entering onto the ice should be aware of changing ice conditions and proceed at their own risk.
camping	The majority of camp sites are set-up for trailer or RV camping. There are some tent camping sites on the peninsula and east side camping grounds.
hunting: big game	Big game hunting allowed in the surrounding area, but not within the posted "safety zone" on the northwest side of the reservoir.
picnicking	The inlet picnic area is for day use ONLY. No overnight camping is permitted on this site.

Note: Water contact sports such as swimming, wading, scuba diving or other water activities are prohibited.

Other rules and regulations.