Gross Reservoir | |||||
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Reservations: Day use area Elevation: 7,285 ft (2,220m) Capacity: 43,065 acre feet* |
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal. |
Named for Denver Water former Chief Engineer Dwight D. Gross, the reservoir was completed in 1954. It serves as a combination storage and regulating facility for water that flows under the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. Standing 340 feet above the South Boulder Creek streambed, Gross Dam contains some 627,559 cubic yards of concrete. Gross Reservoir has a surface area of 440 acres and 10.9 miles of shoreline.
Getting There: Take Hwy 93 north from Golden to Hwy 72. Turn left (west) on Hwy 72 toward Pinecliffe to County Road 85. Follow County Road 85, which turns into western Gross Dam Road. It will take you to both the north and south access points. To reach the dam from Boulder, take Flagstaff Road west until it turns into eastern Gross Dam Road.
Seasonal Information |
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| Description | Start Date | End Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open year round | |||
| Operating Hours: one half hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. | |||
| Kokanee snagging | Sept. 1 | Jan. 31 | Check wildlife regulations for bag limits. |
| West side USFS closure | Late Fall | Early Spring | Check with USFS Boulder District for closure dates. |
| Special Events: | |||
Recreation Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Activity | Remarks |
 Fishing |
Cold water fishing; stocked by Colorado Division of Wildlife (Stocking Reports). |
 Picnicking |
The east side developed areas are for day use only. Sheltered tables available. |
 Hiking |
Access to the reservoir from North Point picnic area, South Shore Recreation Area trailhead to South Boulder Creek Inlet. |
 Camping |
Limited access. High clearance vehicles required. West side managed by Roosevelt National Forest. Area has seasonal closure; check with Boulder District. |
 Boating |
Boating includes boat fishing and recreational boating. Boating is allowed (car-top non-motorized only) from Memorial Day through the end of September. [Boating Regulations] |
No contact with water is allowed on the reservoir. Swimming, wading, scuba diving or other water activities are not allowed on the reservoir. |
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Phone Numbers: Denver Water – 303-628-6000 |
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August 2, 1955 – Dedication of Gross Dam and Reservoir. Participants include Mayor Will F. Nicholson and Sharon K. Ritchie, Miss Colorado and Miss America (the woman in the dark dress and hat). |