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Harvey Gap State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Campfire and Hotdogs © stateparks.com
Roasting hot dogs over an open fire.
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HARVEY GAP STATE PARK
HARVEY GAP STATE PARK
Silt, Colorado   81652
(lat:39.6147 lon:-107.6562) map location

Phone: 970-625-1607
Harvey Gap State Park is a favorite spot for anglers in the winter and summer.

Anglers catch catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike at Harvey Gap. Ice Fishing draws anglers to Harvey Gap in the winter. Before heading to the park, check the current fishing and ice conditions. The reservoir is about 190 surface acres when full.

Harvey Gap also offers shaded picnic tables by the water, boating with small boats and a swim beach. Harvey Gap is a day-use area, but overnight camping is available nearby at Rifle Falls State Park and Rifle Gap State Park, which are approximately six miles west of Harvey Gap. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet in an area of cedar and sagebrush, but the lakeshore has many shady cottonwood trees. Visitors may see a variety of wildlife, including migrating waterfowl. The Grand Hogback, the ridge that marks the edge of the Rocky Mountains, runs along the south end of the reservoir.
History of the Area
Located in Garfield County, Colorado, the park was established in 1987. It spans over 320 acres and includes Harvey Gap Reservoir. The reservoir dates back to 1888 when it was built for irrigation purposes by local ranchers.

The area is known for its diverse wildlife including deer, foxes and various bird species. Fishing became popular due to a variety of fish such as rainbow trout stocked regularly into the lake since early times.

Water levels have fluctuated significantly causing temporary closures but efforts are ongoing to maintain this recreational site's appeal.

Passes
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.
Swimming
In the summer, the Harvey Gap Swim Beach is a great place to beat the heat. Swimming is allowed along the eastern shoreline. There are shaded picnic tables with grills, trash cans and restrooms. A park pass is required.
Fishing
Located near Silt, the park offers a tranquil fishing experience with options for shore and boat anglers. Common catches include rainbow trout, perch, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Ice-fishing is popular in winter months.

Location
Harvey Gap State Park is
Picnicking
Take in the beautiful views while you eat close to the water at Harvey Gap. The park has 30 picnic sites with grills. Many sites are in the shade. Please remember that fires are permitted only in the grills. The picnic areas have trash cans and restrooms. The picnic sites are available on first come, first serve basis. A group picnic site is available nearby at Rifle Gap State Park, which is six miles west of Harvey Gap. The park closes at 10 p.m.
Trails
- Harvey Gap Trail: A 1.8-mile loop trail, moderately trafficked with a lake view; suitable for all skill levels.

- Grass Valley Connector Trail: This is an easy level 2.5 miles out-and-back trail that offers scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

- Rifle Falls to the North Pasture Loop via Coyote Run and Squirrel Trails: An intermediate-level hiking route of approximately 6 miles round trip featuring waterfalls along its path.

- East Elk Creek Road Hiking Route: Approximately four-miles long, this lightly-trafficked backtrail provides hikers with beautiful wildflower sightings during springtime months

-Silt Historical Park Pathway - Not directly in Harvey Gap State Park but close by, it's a short .4 mile walk filled with historical landmarks from Colorado's past.

-Coyote Run Nature Preserve - Located near New Castle just outside of the park boundaries; features several trails ranging between one to three miles each offering diverse terrain including forests and meadows.

-Harvey Draw Hunting Access Point- While primarily used as hunting access point during season timeframes also serves as starting points for off-trail hikes into surrounding wilderness areas not officially marked or maintained by state parks department
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Directions
Directions from Denver, Colorado:

- Start on I-25 N.
- Take exit 194 for E470 toward Limon.
- Continue onto CO-E470 (toll road).

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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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