Anglers and writers consistently tout Eleven Miles large reservoir for its outstanding fishing. When not reeling in a trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee or pike, there are nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that await exploration.

Canoe the day away around the shores of the backcountry. Fish from the shoreline or troll from a boat while enjoying scenic vistas. Camp comfortably in designated campsites located around the shoreline, nestled among trees in the backcountry.

Ideal wind conditions make Eleven Mile a popular, but not overly crowded destination for sailing, windsurfing and winter ice boating on this wide-open reservoir. Motor boaters and kayakers also find plenty of room to play during the summer months.

Many species of birds reside in or migrate through the park, making for wonderful bird watching prospects.

Waterfowl hunting chances for a wide variety of ducks are excellent and are available each fall

The dam was built upon a series of stair steps cut into the surrounding rock wall and rising 147 feet high above the bedrock. Because of this, the canyon walls hold the weight of the water, not the dam itself. When completed, the Eleven Mile Dam created the largest, artificial body of water in Colorado at that time. An extension to the spillway was added in 1957 which brought Eleven Miles bulk capacity to 97,779 acre feet of water. Meanwhile, the highway, running through the middle of the canyon and the proposed reservoir, was re-routed once more and moved back to its present location over Wilkerson Pass.

The Denver Water Department owns the dam, the water and most of the land that surrounds the reservoir. Eleven Mile is one of seven reservoirs that provide drinking water for Denver and because of the obvious need to protect against pollution, strict regulations prohibiting certain recreational activities are in effect.

The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation assumed management of the area in 1960 under a lease agreement with the Denver Water Board.

Today the waters of Eleven Mile Reservoir cover the ranches and towns that once prospered long ago. The water line cut some ranches in two, while others were totally submerged. Surrounding mountains and campgrounds in Eleven Mile State Park have been named after a few of the ranchers whose lands now lies underwater. Howbert cemetery is believed to be on dry land, but has not been located.

All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.

Eleven Mile State Park has 325 campsites in nine separate campgrounds scattered around the lake. From basic and walk in sites to electric or lakeshore sites, there is something for every camping style.

Rocky Ridge campground offers the only electrical sites in the park nestled among rocky outcrops, along with non-electric sites with trees.

The North Shore campgrounds offer open lakeshore sites and convenient access to boat ramps.

The Stoll Mountain, Cross Creek, Lazy Boy, Rocking Chair, Hebert Point, and Witcher's Cove campgrounds are less crowded, but they also tend to be more exposed to weather conditions.

The 14 backcountry sites are secluded sites located on a wooded peninsula that are perfect for those who are seeking fewer neighbors and who are willing to hike in with their supplies in to their sites.