Antero Reservoir | Denver Water

The north boat ramp will open on Monday, May 6. It will be open every day from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Prior to entering the water, all trailered boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species.

The south ramp is still closed.

Antero Reservoir

An extinct volcano, Buffalo Peaks, looms above Antero.

Owned and Operated by Denver Water
Reservations: Not Accepted
Elevation: 8,942 feet (2,656 meters) — high water line
Capacity: 19,881 acre feet (1 acre foot = 325,851 gallons)
Contact:
Denver Water: 303-628-6000
U.S. Forest Service: 719-545-8737
Colorado Parks and Wildlife: 303-291-7227

Background

Antero is derived from the Spanish word "first," as it was the first dam on the South Platte River near the river's origin. Antero Dam is an earth-fill dam built in 1909. Geologists believe the reservoir occupies the site of a former lakebed, probably no more than 300 years old. Green Lake lies submerged within Antero Reservoir.

Directions

Take Highway 285 to Fairplay
About a mile south of Fairplay veer southeast on Highway 9 toward Hartsel
After about 15 miles you will reach a stop sign at the intersection with Higway 24. Turn right (west) on Highway 24
The entrances to Antero Reservoir will be on your right
The entrance to the north access will be first and the entrance to the south access next

Seasonal Information

Open year round

Operating Hours

24 hours a day

Special Events

Must be approved by Denver Water.

Recreation Opportunities

Overview of available activities

motorboating sailboating	All boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before entering the water. Inspection stations are located at each boat ramp. The north boat ramp, which opens Monday, May 6, will be open seven days a week. No announcement has been made when the south boat ramp will open for the 2013 season. Boating includes boat fishing, sail boating and recreational boating. Boaters must observe the Colorado Boating Statues and Regulations. Current water elevation at Antero.
canoeing kayaking small watercraft	Portable crafts allowed include kayaks, canoes and inflatable crafts. Only the south boat ramp may be used to launch small car top carried boats or small trailered boats.
fishing	Both lake and stream fishing is available. See Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s fishery survey summary for Antero.
ice fishing	Ice fishing when conditions permit. Denver Water does not monitor ice conditions and those entering onto the ice should be aware of changing ice conditions and proceed at their own risk.
camping	There are 38 campsites available at the south side campground and boat ramp.
picnicking	The north side area is day use area only, no camping is allowed.

Note: Water contact sports such as swimming, water skiing, wading, and scuba diving are prohibited.

Other rules and regulations.