Antero Reservoir

July 23, 2008: Zebra mussel update

Antero Regulations

Owned and Operated by Denver Water
Recreation Manager – Colorado Division of Wildlife

ANTERO 2002	ANTERO 2007

Reservations: Not Accepted

Elevation: 8,978 ft (2,656m)
– High water line.

Capacity: 20,000 acre feet*  (* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal.)

Antero is derived from the Spanish word "first," as it was the first dam on the South Platte River near the river's origin and first in storage capacity (at the time of construction). Antero Dam is a 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.

Getting There: Take Hwy 285 to Fairplay. About a mile south of Fairplay veer southeast on Hwy 9 toward Hartsel. After about 15 miles you will reach a stop sign at the intersection with Hwy 24. Turn right (west) on Hwy 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.

Phone Numbers:

Denver Water – 303-628-6000
U. S. Forest Service – 719-545-8737
Colorado Division of Wildlife – 303-297-1192

Inspecting the Berry Ditch headgate at Antero Reservoir, the first reservoir on the South Platte. Undated.
Sample Denver Water's Historic Photo Archive.