Sitting at 9,873 feet in elevation above Georgetown, Colorado, Clear Lake is a small reservoir that can be found along the scenic Guanella Pass Road in Clear Creek County. Only about 5 miles from Interstate 70, Clear Lake is a popular stop for overnight camping, fishing, or taking in the alpine views.
Clear Lake History
The Public Service Company of Colorado developed Clear Lake after damming South Clear Creek. Along with the neighboring Upper and Lower Cabin Creek Reservoirs, Clear Lake is a part of the Georgetown Hydro Project, which stores water and creates hydroelectric power.
Activities at Clear Lake
At Clear Lake, there is a small parking area, a few picnic tables and bathroom facilities available for use without a fee. The rugged terrain offers visitors a chance to take great photos and enjoy a handful of outdoor activities. The Georgetown-side of Guanella Pass lies within the Arapaho National Forest.
Boating: Non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards are permitted on top of Clear Lake. Inflatable tubes, floaties and swimming are prohibited.
Camping: Camping is not permitted on site at Clear Lake. Instead, the United States Forest Service maintains the Clear Lake Campground roughly 1.5 miles south of the reservoir along Guanella Pass Rd. The facilities are open from mid-June to mid-September with space for tent camping as well as small trailers and RVs (15-25 feet).
At the campground, there are shared vault toilets and eight first-come, first-served campsites available with picnic tables and fire rings. Reservations cannot be made in advance and the campground typically fills up quickly during the summer.
- Read about the camping near Georgetown and Guanella Pass.
Fishing: With close proximity to Front Range cities, Clear Lake is a popular fishing hole in the spring and summer while the water levels are still high. Licensed anglers are welcome to fish from the shore or from a non-motorized boat. Clear Lake offers a chance to catch a variety of trout species.
Additional fishing can be found back in town at Georgetown Lake.
Picnicking: There are a few picnic tables with grills available near the shores of Clear Lake. They are first-come, first served and free to use.
Details
Address: Guanella Pass Road, Clear Lake, Georgetown, CO 80452
Phone: 303-569-3238
Season: Access along Guanella Pass is open to motorists from late-May to Late- November. The Campground is open from mid-June to mid-September,
Hours: Daylight Hours Only
Fees: No Day Use Fee
Map: Picnic Area (link)
Campground: Clear Lake Campground (US Forest Service)
Website: georgetown-colorado.org/clear-lake-colorado
