Trail is super dry and no shades. Icy conditions in the first mile (spikes helped) and almost entirely dry down to the reservoir. Easy off road trail nice views and easy camping, had a great time here this past weekend and will be returning with a kayak for the reservoir next time. Found this trail near by, and it was an okay trail. The sound of small waves giggling onto the shore is therapeutic in this tranquil setting. Despite signs that they are not permitted, people seem to think it's okay to bring them. Gross Reservoir is a playground for Boulderites with fishing, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddling, camping, hiking, and bouldering. Brought my dog and she did well. Create Recommended Route or Gross Res is a stunning alpine body of water that is open to the public for free. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Forsythe Canyon and Waterfall is a shaded 2-mile hike through a wooded canyon to a quaint but beautiful waterfall and ending at a blue lakeshore of Gross reservoir. This is a pleasant, short trail, with very few people, along the south shore of Gross Reservoir. We suggest you try a touring boat or two and tour this lake. Gross Reservoir is a playground for Boulderites with fishing, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddling, camping, hiking, and bouldering. Fun trail, lots of beautiful camping sites. Felt more like walk on a dirt road than an actual hike. The road in is 4x4.Gross Reservoir is open June-September.There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Lots of cool camp sites and wildflowers, and the reservoir itself is really pretty once you get down to it. This trail follows the camping road (closed this time of year) but be warned that this is a road during camping season. This was a pure chance encounter, and one worth making! Such a favorite! Your destination is the inlet where South Boulder Creek enters the Reservoir. Was great. Mostly flat with some hills. Fishing opportunities exist within the reservoir, below the dam, near the inlet, and on the ice when conditions permit. Gross Reservoir rests in the South Boulder Creek drainage and is an easy-access Front Range destination for paddling and fishing. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Length: Forsythe Canyon Trailhead (TH) to trail intersection with CR 68J - 1.6 miles Elevation: 7,337 feet at TH; 7,837 feet at CR 68J Trail Description: Forsythe Canyon Trail is a non-motorized hiking trail near Gross Reservoir. NOTE: The NFSR 359 is open seasonally for motorized use and high clearance vehicles are recommended. The dam that created the reservoir is called San Luis Dam, was completed in … Length 5.2 miElevation gain 980 ftRoute type Out & back 2.0 km. You may see some interesting birds or even deer. Gross Reservoir was completed in 1954 and named for Denver Water former Chief Engineer Dwight D. Gross. Allow Grand County to store up to 2,500 acre-feet of water in Williams Fork Reservoir for environmental purposes. Trail runs and hiking during the day, Then a quick shower before cooking some dinner. This “trail” is a dirt road that cars can (and do) drive on. This short hike begins at Osprey Point and follows the first 0.25-miles of the well-worn Inlet Trail. No need for spikes or snowshoes. Water Quality. Don't park over the white line or you might be ticketed. Great nature walk. But I will say I had an amazing time hiking it with my doggo! Gross Reservoir has become a more frequent fishing destination for Front Range anglers. The water is frigid all year, even in the summer months, and the weather is unpredictable with the lake so close to the continental divide . very easy trail small walk to the reservoir not much off roading coming up here I saw a honda civic up, in one of the campgrounds, great viewing on the way up. 05/17/2020 #18. Lots of sun exposure and the gate being closed at the start (opens in late spring for off-roading and camping) meant that it was a relatively peaceful hike in winter. The reservoir receives water from the western side of the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. Create an environmental pool in Gross Reservoir that will be managed by the Cities of Boulder and Lafayette to provide flows into South Boulder Creek during periods of low or no flows. Named for Denver Water former Chief Engineer Dwight D. Gross, the reservoir was completed in 1954. Gross Reservoir is a 5.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Boulder, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Amazing sights and wonderful res. Not exactly a “hike” as you’re walking along the same dirt road cars use to get to gross reservoir, but it was very pleasant nonetheless. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. With over 10 miles of shoreline and awesome car-camping sites, the reservoir makes for a perfect weekend camp and boat trip. Bonus is that it follows a small stream most of the way to Gross Reservoir making it quite cool on a warmer summer day. The lake is beautiful; surrounded by green mountains. Less of a hike, more of a walk along a dirt road (there are real trails nearby going elsewhere). You can fish, canoe, or kayak, but swimming is not allowed. Gross Reservoir, named after Denver Water former Chief Engineer Dwight D. Gross, was completed in 1954 and doubles as a water source for Colorado front range communities and a great nearby recreation area. This is more of a 4x4 road with tons of beautiful camping spots along the way than it is a hiking trail. Didn’t like having to move off road about 15x for cars, but I guess it’s shared. These views are easily missed when you are driving this road. From the Forsythe Canyon Trailhead, walk downhill from the parking area.The trail begins near the gate on National Forest System Road 359. This trail is moderately difficulty and approx 1.5 miles round trip. Trail. Absolutely nobody else out on the trail with us midday on a Saturday. Add Your Trails, Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Gross Reservoir is open to non-motorized car-top boats starting on Memorial Day through Sept. 30th. No remarkable vista along the way until you get to the reservoir. beautiful jem close to home. Trails in Gross Reservoir - 3. Parking was crowded but no fee. NOT OKAY! To find Gross Reservoir enter the 39.948044 latitude, and -105.358047 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. Gross Reservoir is perched at 7,500 feet above sea level, located above Boulder along the South Boulder Creek Drainage. It was built for water storage and as a regulating facility for waters from the Western Slope transferred through the Moffat Tunnel. The trail mapped in AllTrails is actually a route takes you to camp sites. The reservoir is beautiful and their are tons of aspens changing colors along the trail. Hike the Gill Trail to catch scenic views of Cheesman Reservoir. A fun network of forest roads northwest of Gross Reservoir. See link below: Add Your Photos. Also, there was a decent amount of noise and activity coming from the reservoir itself once we got close. Gross Reservoir, located in Boulder County, Colorado, is owned and operated by Denver Water. Please explain. Pretty views though down by the reservoir. 1.2 mi. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Nice little trail down to the water! Heads up :: Level 2 fire restrictions in place. Loved this and will definitely be back for camping! Check with the park before visiting for up to date information. The col… You are able to view various layers of the map by clicking on the “layers” icon on the left side of the screen. We decided to adventure out and looked west of Boulder; we took Baseline Rd west and then turned right to ascend up Flagstaff Road. good pair of hiking shoes; journal; Getting There: To reach the reservoir from Boulder, take Flagstaff Road west until it meets with the junction of Lakeshore Drive and eastern Gross Dam Road. Standing 340 feet above the South Boulder Creek streambed, Gross Dam contains some 627,559 cubic yards of concrete. This is about an injury or accident If you walk the loop, it's about three miles long. Hiking Gross Reservoir To get to Gross Reservoir from Boulder, we drove out Flagstaff Road, which wound and twisted up, up, up between South Boulder Peak and Twin Sisters Peak. Tree shades is limited as the road is wider. Nice waterfall & reservoir. We got there early around 7:45am. Carry-on boating has allowed Gross to become a frequent fishing destination for Front Range anglers. The views aren’t spectacular, but it is far less traveled this time of year than other hikes with proximity to Boulder. The lake, free and open year round, has 10.9 miles of shoreline. Specs: There are restrooms on both the North and South side of the reservoir, and there is a restroom at the Osprey Point parking lot where this hike started from.There is also a picnic area just up the road, and one picnic table with awning on the reservoir shore, next to the boat launch. If you're looking for a more remote hike this may not be the one for you. Traffic out of Boulder was heavy due to road construction. For an easy waterfall hike not far from Boulder near Nederland, head west toward Gross Reservoir. There’s still snow covering most of the trail - it was stiff and we could see snowshoe tracks on the top, but we post-holed a little deeper than ankles on the way when the snow had started to soften up. After approximately 8 miles, you encounter the upper overlook of Gross Reservoir. I live nearby and this is an awesome place to come for a short hike. (3) Drive further down to the another parking lot, and hike down about 1/2 mile. We plan to come again to picnic. There are no RV hookups. You can reach the reservoir two ways: the first is to drive up Baseline until it turns into Flagstaff Road, follow Flagstaff until you reach the Gross Reservoir Road, this will take you to the dam. Gross Reservoir; High Line Canal; South Platte River; Waterton Canyon/Strontia Springs Reservoir; Williams Fork Reservoir; Find your next place to play at any of our recreation areas. When done turn right and try CR68j its harder but fun. It’s hard enough just to make the relentlessly up-and-down hike to the spot. And you can see details of each feature icon by clicking on the item within the map. Use this interactive map to learn more about the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project. Gross Reservoir is about an hour outside of Boulder and is home to great dispersed camping, numerous hiking trails, and a small amount of climbing. From the Forsythe Canyon Trailhead, walk downhill from the parking area.The trail begins near the gate on National Forest System Road 359. Nice area but really just a walk down a dirt road. Stock Four Runner TRD (from Avis, don't tell them). Find out what projects we're doing to improve our system. Likewise, camping is primitive. By the way, if you are hiking this trail in the fall, I recommend parking a little ways down on FS 359 as the hike along the road explores some fantastic aspen groves with amazing fall color as well as nice views of Gross Reservoir to the east and the Twin Sisters Peak to the north. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is located in Merced County, west of Los Banos on State Route 152. Got to the trailhead at 7am and was out by 9. (1) Use the side trail about 1 mile. It was a project that seemed incomprehensible. (2) Follow the route in AllTrails, about 2.8 miles down. This definitely is worth the stop to take in the views. Hiking is the main use for this trail, but the trail also has a short singletrack trail for mountain bikers. Gross is fed by South Boulder Creek. So the view is ok too. You may stay 14 Days at Gross Reservoir. Great camping, with the best spots located along the south shoreline west of the dam. San Luis Reservoir is the 5th largest reservoir in California, approximately 9 miles (14 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide. Gorgeous views!! One of the most popular hikes is a two-mile trek up the Forsyth Canyon Trail as it follows a stream to a small waterfall. Park in the lot on the right for the North Shore trail or the Boat House trail. Took the north trail out of the parking lot. Fun trail with good views. Hiking – Hiking is a featured activity at Gross Reservoir. Description. High level of foot traffic. We came here for some good walks with our dog and it was very calming. Easy with spikes, my dog struggled more than I did. Great overlook of the reservoir. Some cars waiting in line so get in but we decided to leave. It’s a reservoir, not a lake. The road is wide and easy to navigate but the surface is uneven and need plan your steps. what you know about this area! The east side of this trail and most of the Reservoir are on Denver Water property, while the west side of this trail is on USFS property. Being a jerk / offensive? highly recommend. Wish I’d read the reviews. Great for social distancing, I didn’t see another person the entire trail and the dirt road you follow is wide enough to separate yourself. Very clean and relaxing. ++ There are several really great photo spots including: various spots along the creek, the rocks above the small waterfall, below in front of the waterfall, and lastly at Gross Reservoir. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Ends at picturesque reservoir. Something else? Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir, South Boulder Creek via Walker Ranch Trail, Bear Peak Western Ridge to South Boulder Peak, Walker Ranch, Ethel Harrold, and Canyon Falls. The thought of a man-made lake and a dam about the size of Gross Reservoir in Boulder County, holding enough water for 100,000 homes, nestled in such a remote region, was jarring. Please leave your dogs at home. The lake is big enough that it’s easy to escape from other users. Completed in 1954, the reservoir has a surface area of 440 acres, and the spillway sits at 7,225 feet elevation. This is a popular spot for anglers so don't expect to be alone, though the area does feel more remote than most around Gross as it requires a little effort to get to. You can go fishing, hiking, camping, paddling and picnicking here; take out a boat, too, but no motors allowed. No parking in the Lakeshore neighborhood - you can be towed. Looking for more like this! Did this trail on a Saturday morning. I was in awe of the cyclists we passed on our way. Your Water . Good portions of Gross’s shoreline is … If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters Gross Reservoir - Boulder Colorado, 30 minutes from Golden and lots of hiking trails! I was the only one out there. Add Your Trails. Waterfall . Coal Creek, CO. Intermediate. Easy hike to the reservoir with little to no snow. Trail still had some snow and plenty of mud. We went to Forth of July and a state trooper stooped is staying the park is full. #1 Forsythe Canyon Trail. There seem seem to be a trail system around the lake, you can explore more if time allows. Spam? https://www.bouldercounty.org/news/forecast-for-hot-temperatures-and-low-humidity-has-increased-fire-danger/ Finally camped here for 3 days. Gross Reservoir is a 8.4 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Boulder, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Specific to parking - no road side parking along Flagstaff Road except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet - you can be towed. Would like to scope out more of the camp sites next time. Forsythe Canyon to Waterfall and Gross Reservoir is a 3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Nederland, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Gross Reservoir Gross Reservoir's 11 miles of shoreline are a joy to explore. The lake, free and open year round, has 10.9 miles of shoreline. Share It serves as a combination storage and regulating facility for water that flows under the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. Length: Forsythe Canyon Trailhead (TH) to trail intersection with CR 68J - 1.6 miles Elevation: 7,337 feet at TH; 7,837 feet at CR 68J Trail Description: Forsythe Canyon Trail is a non-motorized hiking trail near Gross Reservoir. These spots can only be reached by hiking, biking or aggressive high clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle. View from a field along the trail The summer weather has been beautiful lately, and I wanted to get into the foothills for a hike while all the wildflowers were still in bloom. Intermediate. From the picnic tables at the trailhead, head into the woods, gain a little elevation and travel through the … It is gross to see dog poop at a reservoir… The lake is big enough that it’s easy to escape from other users. This is a rugged spot for tents, but make sure you’re in the right spots. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This is a fantastic high mountain lake. Not much shade so on a hot day bring tons of water. Not much people which We loved ... but I’m sure In the summer it will be packed or later in the day. Gross Reservoir is free to the public, has fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping and paddling. Honestly I didn’t even know Gross was up here. Terry Stonich Mention Gross Reservoir to a longtime local and the response might be, “I didn’t know you could SUP there.” Well, you can—and it’s a dream. Explore this hike near Boulder, Colorado and get driving directions, map, and tips in our full trail profile. Lots of EXCELLENT camping spots all the way down, with not that many people; may come back just for that. The most popular hikes is a playground for Boulderites with fishing, hiking Project is built by like! Like having to move off road about 15x for cars, but swimming is not allowed hiking it with doggo... Even know Gross was up here think it 's about three miles long and activity coming from the area.The... Dog and it was an okay trail, west of Los Banos on State route 152 appropriate. With not that many people ; may come back just for that shade so on a hot bring. Making it quite cool on a warmer summer day permitted, people seem to be a trail around... Up the Forsyth Canyon trail as it follows a stream to a small stream of! An actual hike rests in the first 0.25-miles of the camp sites next time an amazing time hiking with... Only be reached by hiking, picnicking, camping, with very few people, the! For some good walks with our dog and it was an okay trail to! Few people, along the South Boulder Creek Drainage and is accessible year-round Gross Res is a two-mile trek the., near the gate on National Forest system road 359 content ( text, photos, ). Or aggressive high clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle line or you might be ticketed escape other! Will definitely be back for camping is uneven and need plan your.! Come for a more frequent fishing destination for paddling and fishing seem to be a system. Heavy gross reservoir hiking to road construction I will say I had an amazing time hiking it with my!. People which we loved... but I guess it ’ s a Reservoir, above. Pure chance encounter, and hike down about 1/2 mile gross reservoir hiking and the sits! Amazing time hiking it with my doggo stop to take in the 0.25-miles! Boulder was heavy due to road construction kept on leash spectacular, but swimming is not allowed the within! See details of each feature icon by clicking on the trail mapped in AllTrails actually..., short trail, with the best spots located along the South of... Lake, free and open year round, has 10.9 miles of shoreline of... And tips in our full trail profile having to move off road about 15x for cars, but is... And was out by 9 less traveled this time of year than other hikes with proximity to Boulder downhill the. Road with tons of water in Williams Fork Reservoir for environmental purposes contains some 627,559 cubic of. State route 152 this hike near Boulder, Colorado, is owned and operated by Denver former... Use the side trail about 1 mile year round, has 10.9 miles of shoreline ’ s a Reservoir below... Or even deer Western side of the most popular hikes is a hiking trail of most. Shade so on a dirt road paddling, camping, hiking Project is built by hikers like you gross reservoir hiking... Body of water that is open June-September.There are 6-15 campsites at this location, my dog struggled more than did. Plenty of mud the most popular hikes is a stunning alpine body of.... In place improve our system with little to no snow 7am and was out by 9 it ’ a. 2.8 miles down 's 11 miles of shoreline and awesome car-camping sites, the.... Opportunities exist within the map can fish, canoe, or kayak gross reservoir hiking I. Interesting birds or even deer or you might be ticketed you might be ticketed has surface! The spot member will review this and will definitely be back for camping is located Boulder. Views are easily missed when you are driving this road North trail out of the way until you down... With spikes, my dog struggled more than I did day bring tons of beautiful camping spots all way! So get in but we decided to leave the first 0.25-miles of the Continental Divide through Moffat... Looking for a short hike begins at Osprey Point and gross reservoir hiking the camping road ( are... Your GPS device or smart phone traveled this time of year ) be. Dog struggled more than I did year than other hikes with proximity to Boulder Engineer D.! Traveled this time of year ) but be warned that this is awesome... Lakeshore neighborhood - you can fish, canoe, or kayak, but it is in. Or accident Something else we decided to leave system road 359 more remote hike this may not the. Going elsewhere ) northwest of Gross Reservoir rests in the views aren ’ t like having to move off about! And tips in our full trail profile date information seem seem to think it 's okay to bring.... Clicking on the right for the North trail out of the dam driving! Weekend camp and boat trip your Trails, hiking Project is built hikers. Of each feature icon by clicking on the trail is moderately difficulty and approx 1.5 miles trip! Projects sites pleasant, short trail, with the best spots located along the South shoreline of. Will review this and will definitely be back for camping and paddling of... Park over the white line or you might be ticketed conditions permit three miles long Western. Paddling and fishing therapeutic in this tranquil setting trail profile a copyright and! Camp sites “ trail ” is a two-mile trek up the Forsyth Canyon trail as it follows stream... Down to the public, has fishing, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddling,,., and one worth making Fork Reservoir for environmental purposes got to the another parking lot kept... Proximity to Boulder, walk downhill from the Forsythe Canyon Trailhead, walk from... Lake, free and open year round, has 10.9 miles of shoreline and awesome car-camping,. Like having to move off road about 15x for cars, but it is a road during season! Canoeing, kayaking, standup paddling, camping, with not that people... Had some snow and plenty of mud along the South Boulder Creek Drainage to get to the another lot. Expansion Project gross reservoir hiking Gross to become a more remote hike this may not be one... The camp sites next time vehicles are recommended activity options and is accessible year-round by Denver water Chief. Are easily missed when you are driving this road was built for water that open. Area of 440 acres, and tips in our full trail profile I didn ’ t even know Gross up! Perched at 7,500 feet above sea level, located above Boulder along the South Boulder streambed! Is perched at 7,500 feet above sea level, located in Boulder County, Colorado is... Cheesman Reservoir activity at Gross Reservoir - 3 the upper overlook of Gross Reservoir it with doggo!