Waterton Canyon/Strontia Springs | ||||
Owned and Operated by Denver Water
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Reservations: Not required Elevation: 6,002 ft (1829m) Capacity: 7,700 acre feet* Special events: Permit necessary |
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal. |
Strontia Springs Dam is six and one-half miles upstream of the mouth of Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River. Completed in 1983 as part of the Foothills Project, this dam towers 243 feet above the South Platte streambed, forming a 1.7 mile-long lake with 98 surface acres. Water is diverted from the reservoir into a 3.4 mile-long tunnel under the mountains to the Foothills Water Treatment Plant.
Getting There: Follow Wadsworth Blvd (Hwy 121) south of C470 past Chatfield Reservoir to the Kassler Center, where you will find public parking.
Seasonal Information |
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| Description | Start Date | End Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open year round | |||
| Waterton Canyon Trailhead provides parking for the start of the Colorado Trail | |||
| Special events | Permits must be obtained from both the U.S. Forest Service and Denver Water. | ||
Recreation Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Activity | Remarks |
 Scenery |
Wildlife viewing: Bighorn sheep are often seen in Waterton Canyon. Waterton also hosts more than 40 species of birds. |
 Fishing |
Stream Fishing: The fishery is managed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Bait may be used in river from above (upstream of) Kassler to the Marston Diversion Dam. Artificial flies and lures only, above Marston Dam. Lake Fishing: Strontia Springs has a bag limit of two trout 16" or longer. Note: The lake is difficult to access from the Bear Creek Trail above Waterton or at the South Platte. |
 Hiking |
Waterton Canyon offers a 6.5 mile hike to Strontia Springs Dam. The Colorado Trail continues above the lake approximately 10 miles to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte and the South Platte River. The Colorado Trail continues to Durango. Waterton also connects to the Roxborough State Park trail system. Note: Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail, but not in Waterton Canyon. Hikers must proceed past Strontia Springs before camping. Dogs are not allowed on the canyon trails, for protection of the bighorn sheep. |
 Biking |
For the first 6.5 miles of trail, road bikes are suitable. For the trail beyond the dam, mountain bikes are a must. |
 Horseback |
Waterton Canyon connects to two riding systems, Chatfield State Parks trail system and the U.S. Forest Service Indian Creek trail system. Trailer parking is provided both at Waterton parking and at the Discovery Pavilion parking. |
 Picnicking |
Picnic tables are provided in several areas. Sheltered tables available. |
Phone Numbers: Denver Water – 303-628-6189 |
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Looking upstream as the reservoir fills in October, 1982. |