• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
Skaguay Reservoir Victor Colorado Pikes Peak
Skaguay Reservoir south of Victor, CO. Photo: jaygannett

Skaguay Reservoir SWA – Victor

FacebookTwitter

East of Victor Colorado, the Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA) is a picturesque, protected area of Teller County centered around the 114 acre Skaguay Reservoir. Despite its reasonable proximity to Colorado Springs, the Skaguay Reservoir is in a very remote area which is popular among local fishing enthusiasts.

Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area History

When construction started in 1899, the Skaguay Dam became the first rock dam with reinforced steel components in the United States. The dam created the Skaguay Reservoir, which diverted water through a 5 mile power plant downstream. The power plant supplied electricity to the towns of Canon City & Victor from 1901 to 1965.

Skaguay Reservoir Victor CO Fall
Fall at Skaguay Reservoir. Photo: jaygannett

Activities at Skaguay Reservoir SWA

In order to access any of Colorado’s State Wildlife Areas, a valid public land or state hunting/fishing license is required for everyone over the age of 18. Visitors can access the reservoir from the parking area on the water’s southwest shore. There are bathroom facilities onsite.

Skaguay Reservoir Frozen in April Pikes Peak in Distance
Pikes Peak rising over the frozen Skaguay Reservoir. Photo: Brad Patterson

Birding & Wildlife: While enjoying the breathtaking scenery, visitor’s have a great likelihood of viewing a variety of birds and wildlife in the remote Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area. Onsite, beavers, elk, bears, chipmunks, eagles, migratory birds and waterfowl have all been spotted.

Boating: Wakeless travel in both motorized and non-motorized boats is permitted on the Skaguay Reservoir. Visitors can use the designated boat ramp adjacent to the parking area and restrooms.

Camping: Ordinarily, dispersed camping is permitted within the Skaguay Reservoir area, although conditions make availability subject to change. Dispersed camping does not require a fee, but visitors are required to pack out all of their trash.

Fishing: More than anything, the Skaguay Reservoir SWA is a beautiful setting for cold water lake fishing. Each year, the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife stocks the reservoir with cutthroat and/or rainbow trout. Beyond that, licensed anglers may also be able to catch and bag native pike. In the winter, the reservoir is also very popular for ice fishing.

Hiking: For those looking for a challenge, experienced hikers can access many abandoned buildings including the Skaguay Power Plant roughly five miles downstream from the reservoir. Although the trail is contained completely within the State Wildlife Area, it is not well maintained and is considered challenging with a variety of terrain, large bushes and several stream crossings.

Swimming: Swimming is permitted in the Skaguay Reservoir, although this may be subject to change due to current conditions and the increasing numbers of visitors.

Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area Beaver Creek
Skaguay Reservoir SWA near Victor, CO. Photo: Photo: aspenlakehouse.com
Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek flowing out of Skaguay Reservoir. Photo: aspenlakehouse.com

Details

Address: Skaguay Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Skaguay Road, Penrose, CO 81240 (closer to Victor)

Phone: 719-227-5200

Season: Year round

Hours: 24/7

Fees: None, Colorado Hunting/Fishing License or Public Land Use License Required

Maps: cpw.state.co.us/learn/Maps/SkaguayReservoirSWA_geo.pdf

Website: cpw.state.co.us/…

Latest in Skaguay Reservoir

Fly Fishing at Arkansas River Pueblo Colorado

9 Fishing Spots near Colorado Springs

If you find yourself in the Colorado Springs area with an uncompromising desire to fish nearby,…

9 Fishing Spots near Colorado SpringsRead More

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Colorado State Wildlife Areas

  • All State Wildlife Areas
  • Adobe Creek Reservoir
  • Beaver Creek
  • Beaver Lake
  • Bellaire Lake
  • Blue River
  • Bosque Del Oso
  • Brush Hollow Reservoir
  • Cowdrey Lake
  • Dan Noble
  • Delaney Butte Lakes
  • Dowdy Lake
  • Haviland Lake
  • Hot Sulphur Springs
  • Lake John
  • Lake Meredith Reservoir
  • Mount Evans
  • North Lake
  • Prewitt Reservoir
  • Road Canyon Reservoir
  • Rosemont Reservoir
  • Russell Lakes
  • San Luis Lakes
  • Sanchez Reservoir
  • Skaguay Reservoir
  • South Suburban (Bonny Lake)
  • Smith Reservoir
  • Tarryall Reservoir
  • Two Buttes Reservoir
  • West Lake
  • Windy Gap WWA

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer