South of Norwood in Western Colorado, the Miramonte Reservoir is a remote lake found within the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area. With a valid state hunting, fishing, or public land’s license, the Miramonte Reservoir is free to visit and extremely popular for overnight or multi-day fishing and hunting trips.
Onsite, there are 405 surface acres of fishing water with ample restrooms, parking areas, and primitive campsites. The Miramonte Reservoir is located in San Miguel County and sits at approximately 7,703 feet above sea level.
Activities at Miramonte Reservoir
Birding & Wildlife: When the water is not frozen, the Miramonte Reservoir is home to many bird species including sparrows, loons, shorebirds, and even the endangered Gunnison Sage Grouse. There are designated bird-watching areas available for viewing the action from the car. The Miramonte Reservoir is also often visited by mule deer and elk.
Boating: There are two boat launches available on the eastern shore of the Miramonte Reservoir. Boating of all kinds is permitted including motorized, sail, and self-propelled (kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc.) watercrafts. In order to protect the wildlife, water skiing, jet skiing, and other water contact activities are only permitted on the western side of the reservoir.
Camping: Free, primitive campsites are available in several areas around the Miramonte Reservoir. Camping outside of designated areas is prohibited, and the sites are generally unshaded. Although the road to the SWA can be a bit challenging, there is room for RV and trailer camping here as well.
Read about the camping near Naturita, Norwood, Nucla and Gateway.
Fishing: The Miramonte Reservoir is well-stocked annually by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers generally regard the Miramonte Reservoir as one of the state’s best fisheries, with healthy populations of a variety of trout species including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat. In addition to shore and boat fishing, the Miramonte Reservoir is also very popular for trapping crayfish.
Hunting: The Dan Noble SWA is located within Colorado GMU 70, with licensed and permitted hunting available for waterfowl, elk, and deer on the Greager Tract. Disarming firearms at the Miramonte Reservoir is strictly prohibited, except if hunting waterfowl.
Picnicking: Picnic tables and bathrooms around the Miramonte Reservoir are free for public use, so long as everyone over 18 has a valid Colorado hunting, fishing, or public lands license. Although there are many scattering parking areas around the water, the primary day-use area is located near the boat ramp on the northeast shore.
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in designated areas of the Miramonte Reservoir.
Details
Address: Miramonte Reservoir, Norwood, CO 81423
Phone: 970-252-6000
Season: Year-round
Hours: 24/7
Fees: Colorado fishing, hunting, or public land license required
Maps: Dan Noble SWA Map (PDF)
