Sitting at the base of Mt. Sopris, the Lake Ann Reservoir, also known as Dinkle Lake, is a manmade lake located in the White River National Forest south of Carbondale, Colorado. The Lake Ann Reservoir is surrounded by thick forests, seasonal wildflowers, and mountain views, offering a generally uncrowded escape into nature.
It’s located at 8,510 ft in elevation and amasses approximately 5 acres in Pitkin County.
Note: To avoid confusion, it is important to know that there is a natural body of water also named Lake Ann located approximately 70 miles southeast of the reservoir in Chaffee County. This natural Lake Ann sits at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation on the west side of the Collegiate Peaks near Granite, CO.
Lake Ann Reservoir / Dinkle Lake Accessibility
To reach the Lake Ann Reservoir, most motorists drive along Prince Creek Road, which is located just south of Carbondale and closed in the winters. Dinkle Lake Road (Forest Service Road #311) is located about 6 miles from Highway 133, and the Lake Ann Reservoir is located at the end of the route, approximately 2.5 miles after turning off of Price Creek / West Sopris Creek Rd.
Activities at Lake Ann Reservoir / Dinkle Lake
The surrounding White River National Forest holds additional activities.
Boating: Non-motorized boating is permitted on the Lake Ann Reservoir, and the water is popular for kayaks, canoes, floats, and stand-up paddleboards.
Camping: There are no designated campsites at Dinkle Lake, but overnight stays are permitted in the neighboring BLM land, with a few obvious sites located along Prince Creek Road. The Lake Ann Reservoir is also adjacent to some areas of private land, so visitors must be aware and respectful of the property.
- Read about camping near Aspen and Basalt.
- Read about the camping near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted in the Lake Ann Reservoir and its surrounding waters so long as every participant over 16 has a valid state fishing license. Anglers can enjoy generally peaceful fishing conditions with the opportunity to catch rainbow, cutthroat, and other trout species. Fishing is both permitted from the shore or a boat on the water.
Picnicking: The Dinkle Lake Picnic Site is a great place to enjoy the day outdoors with facilities maintained by the US Forest Service. Only about 10 miles from Carbondale, the picnic area is easy to access and escape into nature for the day.
Trails: Just before reaching the Lake Ann Reservoir along Dinkle Lake Rd, motorists can stop to park at the Thomas Lakes and Mount Sopris Trailhead. Here, there are options to explore the scenic area on foot, mountain bike, or horseback.
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Dinkle Lake, but the chilly waters are typically only utilized by dogs or people in the heat of summer.
Details
Address: Lake Ann Reservoir, near El Jebel and Basalt, CO 81621
Phone: 970-945-2521
Season: Year-round, access may be limited by snow
County: Pitkin
Hours: 24/7
Fees: None
Maps: Basalt Forest Service Topo (PDF)