Discover the Newest Lake in All of Colorado

Wolford Mountain Reservoir is the newest lake in all of Colorado. It was built in 1996 when the Ritchard Dam was created through Muddy Creek. 

This lake is a man—made reservoir we created to store water. Typically, a reservoir sits above a dam constructed across a river. The dam controls how much water flows down the river. 

The reservoir can hold 66,000 acre-feet of water when filled. It lives in Grand County, Colorado, about 5 miles north of Kremmling County. 

This lake supplies water for the surrounding areas but is excellent for much more. People enjoy coming to the lake for hiking, fishing, boating, and many other activities. 

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They Built the Reservoir to Keep Water Flowing

The Wolford Mountain Reservoir keeps the water flowing throughout the Colorado River and Muddy Creek. 

The streams’ flow begins to die back at the end of the season, which can cause problems for the river and creek. These issues arise because of “diversions to the Front Range in the headwaters of the Colorado River.” 

Officials release the water in the reservoir during this time to keep the water flowing. The release keeps water levels up, which benefits the fish and wildlife. It also ensures that Western Colorado’s agricultural business can keep going. Plus, it provides water to Colorado’s West Slope communities during the end of the season. 

What Activities Can You Do in the Reservoir?

You can enjoy the still waters of the Wolford Mountain Reservoir when the waters are not flowing. The mass of water creates 1,550 surface acres, perfect for boating and other activities. 

There is a boat ramp and marina for you to enjoy. You can also go swimming at the swimming beach, or enjoy your lunch at the many picnic areas. There are public restrooms on-site, and you can go camping. You can bring your pet along if you keep them on a leash.

Boating

Boaters should note that the boat ramp is open from May 15 through October 15 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are some rules about which boats can launch at the boat ramp. Find the restrictions on their website.  

Fishing 

The Wolford Mountain Reservoir is a popular spot for anglers. The lake contains brown and rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, roundtail chub, northern pike, and other species. 

Roundtail chubs can only be found in the Wolford Mountain Reservoir. They do not live in other reservoirs across the state, though they live in natural water bodies. They are unique, so officials ask anglers to release any roundtail chubs they catch.

The reservoir has too many invasive northern pike. So, officials encourage anglers to catch them. They even offer a $20-a-fish incentive for anglers to catch northern pike. They must bring the fish to the Wolford Campground and Marina. 

Are you feeling extra adventurous? Come to the reservoir in winter when the lake freezes for ice fishing. Make sure to check the Grand Gazette for ice measurements before going to ensure it’s safe. Follow regulations about foot, ATV, and vehicle traffic to ensure your and other’s safety. 

If you decide to fish, ensure you have a valid Colorado fishing license. Always follow the reservoir’s regulations. 

You can even use their convenient fish-cleaning station. It is open from May 20 through September 30. 

Admission Cost 

Access to the Wolford Mountain Reservoir and its surrounding areas is not free. Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much. 

Those who want to experience the area once or twice can buy a day pass for $10 per vehicle. 

Those who live in the area and want to visit the reservoir often can buy an annual day-use pass for $100. The annual pass is good from May 1 to April 30 — a full year. Locals, seniors, and veterans can get a discount on their passes. Keep in mind that the annual pass does not include camping fees. 

You can also wait to buy your annual pass until October 1, when the pass drops to $30 per vehicle. The pass still expires on April 30, so it’s cheaper. 

You can also visit the nearby Wolford Mountain Area. It contains 120 miles of trails, roads,  and spectacular views. Explore the area in your 4-wheel-drive vehicle, motorcycle, UTV, or ATV. The Wolford Mountain Area sits next to the Wolford Mountain Reservoir and the nearby town of Kremmling. 

The Animals that Live Around Wolford Mountain Reservoir

Besides the fish in the reservoir, many animals live in the surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for large elk, deer, and smaller critters like ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls. 

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The Chimney Hollow Reservoir will Soon be the Newest Lake

The Wolford Mountain Reservoir is the newest lake in Colorado, but it won’t be for long. Officials are currently building the Chimney Hollow Reservoir. The reservoir is in Northern Colorado in Larimer County. 

The reservoir will be an astounding 90,000 acre-feet and supply water for future generations. 

The project began in August 2021 and is expected to finish in the summer of 2025.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nadja Rider/Shutterstock.com