🌤 Weather at Eleven Mile State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13–60 °F | 40–77 °F | 15–69 °F | -1 to 36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lake George 8 SW, 3 mi away, elevation 8,550 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Eleven Mile State Park is a Colorado State Park located in Lake George, and is approximately 50 miles west from the city of Colorado Springs. The park offers hiking, fishing, biking, and birding with scenic views of Eleven Mile Reservoir.
Activities
There are a plethora of activities available to Eleven Mile State Park patrons. Here are several of the many things to do at Eleven Mile park:
Boating At Eleven Mile State Park
While there is no swimming at Eleven Mile State Park, there are plenty of boating and rivercraft options along the reservoir. Sailboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and motorboating are all welcome at this state park. The Eleven Mile State Park boat ramps are open until October 31st each year, at which point the park only allows kayaks, canoes, rafts, windsurfing and paddleboards, sailboards, float tubes, and windsurfing boats. In general, anything that does not need to be inspected for invasive species (such as propelled boats) is allowed until the ice comes in for the season.
Hiking At Eleven Mile State Park
Eleven Mile State Park is home to almost 5 miles worth of scenic hiking trails that span the Coyote Ridge backcountry area. Keep in mind that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails, and can only be used on the correct roads. Here are some of the trails at Eleven Mile State Park:
- Coyote Ridge Interpretive Trail – This self-guided nature trail offers a casual hike through several micro-ecosystems spread out across the park. Hikers can make their way through hills and meadows, and take one of the two loops at the split to see even more of the park. Pets are allowed on this trail, so long as they are leashed and under control. Length: 1.35 miles Degree of Difficulty: easy
- Black Bear Trail – Branching off of the Midland Trail and looping around the backcountry area of the park, this moderate difficulty trail weaves through the 25 backcountry camping sites, and does require some rock scrambling, as well as uneven steps. This trail can be combined with the Midland Trail to add another 2.9 miles to your loop. Length: 0.6 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- Orienteering Trail – This trail is unique to the park in that it is more of a course than it is a trail. Spread out over a large area of land, this course can only be taken with a compass and by following specific instructions. Made by the Boy Scouts of America Troop #198, this orienteering trail helps familiarize hikers with their GPS system and is a fun and educational way to get exercise. Length: 3.16 miles Degree of Difficulty: varies
Biking At Eleven Mile State Park
Mountain biking is welcome at Eleven Mile Stake Park along 5 miles of backcountry trails, as well as around the campgrounds, at Rocky Ride, and through North Shore. With the exception of the last two areas, which are paved, a majority of the park is unpaved and there are trials that require bikes to be carried due to uneven terrain. Keep in mind there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the trails.
Fishing At Eleven Mile State Park
Both traditional and ice fishing are permitted at Eleven Mile State Park, so long as visitors follow the posted catch regulations. Fishers can catch brown, cutthroat, cutbow, and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. Snagging for Kokanee salmon is prohibited, but there are plenty of bow fishing opportunities in the park. Competitive fishers can join some of the fishing tournaments offered at the park and can renew their fishing license at the park office. Keep in mind that all local and state regulations should be followed when fishing, and it is important to practice safe fishing, especially when ice fishing.
Birding At Eleven Mile State Park
Eleven Mile State Park is home to both migratory and resident birds. Birders can witness everything from songbirds and raptors to waterfowl and shorebirds along the reservoir. Dedicated birders may catch a glimpse of rarer birds like the white pelican, American peregrine falcon, and even bald eagles. The park has a handy birding brochure complete with a checklist to help beginner birders keep track of their finds, as well as to provide advanced birders a way to supplement their own knowledge.
Winter Activities At Eleven Mile State Park
Hunting is allowed in the park during the correct season, and hunting licenses can be purchased from the park office. Hunters should be aware of local and state requirements and restrictions before hunting at the park. Ice fishing is a popular pastime at the park and can be undertaken once the ice level at the lake is safe for human transportation. Keep in mind that ice fishing can be dangerous, and fishers walk on the ice at their own risk. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice boating are all popular activities in the park once the terrain is properly covered, and some daring visitors even ice bike along the trails and across the reservoir. It is best to ice skate from December to February, as the ice tends to be smoother, but one should always use cation when taking to the ice.
Picnicking At Eleven Mile State Park
With 15 picnic sites to choose from, Eleven Mile State Park is a picnicker’s paradise. There are several sites located nearby fishing areas, while others are close to the playground. Keep in mind there are no group picnicking sites, and that all sites are first-come-first-serve.
Pets At Eleven Mile State Park
Dogs are allowed at Eleven Mile State Park, so long as they are kept on a 6 foot or shorter leash and their waste is taken care of. Any dog on a vehicle, including a boat, or within a camping unit is allowed to be unleashed. Please keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the water for any reason whatsoever.
Camping At Eleven Mile State Park
Eleven Mile State Park offers a plethora of camping locations, including electric hookup sites, backcountry camping lots, and even winter camping. All campsites require advance reservation, and it is important to check which camping area you are reserving in order to know what amenities are located nearby. There are plenty of hiking trails that loop by the backcountry camping areas, making them ideal for the adventurous camper looking to explore more of the camp. Check out the Eleven Mile State Park website to make a reservation or to learn more.
Park Location
Eleven Mile State Park 4229 County Road 92 Lake George CO 80827 Phone: 719.748.3401 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Below is a brief YouTube video highlighting different activities at Eleven Mile State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Eleven Mile State Park?
Every park trail is dog-friendly; leashed pets also allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets may not be tied to park signs, trees, shrubs or hydrants, and may not be left unattended. Separately, CPW closes Eleven Mile Reservoir to body water-contact activities such as swimming and wading – a rule the park states for all visitors.
Explore More Colorado State Parks
Eleven Mile State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Colorado. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Spinney Mountain State Park is a short drive away, while Mueller State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Eleven Mile State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 326 sites — 326 sites across 9 campgrounds; basic sites $28/night, electric sites $36/night; multiple lakeshore sites near boat ramps. RV length limit not stated. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Leashed pets (max 6-ft leash) allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, designated trails; not left unattended or tied to signs/trees/hydrants; clean up required. |
| Reservations | cpwshop.com (Book Your Stay); park office 719-748-3401. |
| Special sites | 14 backcountry sites requiring 0.5-0.75 mile hike-in or boat-in access; walk-in sites available. |
| Season notes | Year-round camping; water shut off for winter, restored ~May 1; showers/flush toilets open May 1-Labor Day; winter service limited to vault toilets and request-based dump station; max stay 14 days within 28. |
Camping questions about Eleven Mile State Park
Can you camp at Eleven Mile State Park?
Yes. Eleven Mile State Park has 326 campsites. 326 sites across 9 campgrounds; basic sites $28/night, electric sites $36/night; multiple lakeshore sites near boat ramps. RV length limit not stated.
How do you reserve a campsite at Eleven Mile State Park?
cpwshop.com (Book Your Stay); park office 719-748-3401.
Are pets allowed at the Eleven Mile State Park campground?
Leashed pets (max 6-ft leash) allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, designated trails; not left unattended or tied to signs/trees/hydrants; clean up required.
Source: cpw.state.co.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Eleven Mile State Park
Park policy: CPW lists Eleven Mile as pet friendly and states that all trails in the park are open to dogs, with no trail-specific dog closures named. The park's permitted-animals listing covers leashed dogs, service animals and horses.
- Pets allowed?
- Every park trail is dog-friendly; leashed pets also allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Park-specific rules
- Pets may not be tied to park signs, trees, shrubs or hydrants, and may not be left unattended. Separately, CPW closes Eleven Mile Reservoir to body water-contact activities such as swimming and wading - a rule the park states for all visitors.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
- Dogs & wildlife
- Dogs must stay leashed and under control at all times; the park suggests leaving pets at home for the best wildlife viewing.
Are dogs allowed at Eleven Mile State Park?
Every park trail is dog-friendly; leashed pets also allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas.
Beyond that, Colorado’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Eleven Mile State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Colorado Parks and Wildlife counts 258 bird species at Eleven Mile, including white pelicans, bald eagles and peregrine falcons, while the mammal list runs from pronghorn and badgers to porcupines and black bears. Park guidance is to watch from a safe distance with binoculars or a spotting scope and to stay away from nests and dens.
Watch out for: Black bears are on the park's own species list, and CPW's camping guidance is specific: keep food and drinks in airtight containers locked in your vehicle or RV, put trash in bear-resistant cans, and cook and eat at least 100 yards from where you sleep. If a bear enters your campsite, make loud noise — yell, clap, use a horn — but never approach it.
Are there bears at Eleven Mile State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us.
Park Location
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