Wolford Mountain Reservoir – Kremmling, CO

In Grand County, Colorado, Wolford Mountain Reservoir is a 1,550-acre lake a few miles north of Kremmling. The reservoir is part of the Colorado River watershed and welcomes many visitors to enjoy a large variety of activities in the Wolford Mountain Recreation Area, managed by the Colorado River Water Conservation District.

History

Wolford Mountain Reservoir was created when Muddy Creek was dammed in 1996. The Ritchard Dam, as it’s called, was built 122 feet tall and 1,910 feet wide. In 2015, it was revealed that the Colorado River District had noticed the dam had shifted horizontally, however, experts have determined that the dam is safe and does not need any major renovations.

Wolford Mountain Reservoir Stillwater Kremmling CO — Stillwater on Wolford Mountain Reservoir in Kremmling. Photo: Adam Meek

Activities

The Wolford Mountain Recreation Area is well maintained with facilities allowing visitors to enjoy many outdoor activities in and around the reservoir. There is a large parking area with bathrooms on the west side of Wolford Mountain Reservoir, just off of Highway 40.

Biking: Across the reservoir from the main parking area, the Wolford Overlook Trail and Little Wolford Mountain Trail permit mountain bike usage. The trail system extends eastward, doubling as a popular snowmobile area in the winter.

Birding: Throughout the summer, but especially in the fall, the Wolford Mountain Reservoir is home to many species of waterbirds and it’s not uncommon to spot ducks, gulls, grebes, and even loons in and around the man-made lake.

Boating: There are no restrictions on boating on the Wolford Mountain Reservoir. Motorized, non-motorized, jet skis, water skis, and all other watercraft are permitted. Most popularly, boats access the boat ramp near the campground, marina, and main parking area. Non-motorized boats can also access the reservoir near the dam.

The lake usually opens to boats on May 15th. Boat rentals are available at the marina including pontoon boats and stand up paddle board/kayak hybrids. The former includes fuel and some allow pets, while others do not.

Camping: The Wolford Campground is a family-owned business located right on the shores of the reservoir. There are 75 campsites (and four group sites) with access to bathrooms, the boat launch, and a fish cleaning station.

Tent camping is popular, while some sites have full RV hookups. 2-night minimum stays may be required for weekend trips and weekly discounts are available. The campsites are lakeside and typically open by May 1st for the season.

Wolford Mountain Reservoir Area, CO. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Read about the Camping near Kremmling, around Grand County.

Fishing: The Wolford Mountain Reservoir is a well-stocked fishing destination all year round. In the winter, anglers flock to the reservoir for the annual ice fishing contest. A Colorado hunting and fishing license is required for fishing in the Wolford Mountain Reservoir, which yields high quantities of rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

Possession limitations and restricted areas apply. Fishing is popular both in the reservoir as well as below the dam along the Muddy Creek Fishing Access Trail. Read about ice fishing at Wolford Reservoir.

Hiking: If you’d like to stretch your legs, the Wolford Reservoir Trail is a great way to enjoy the scenery on foot. Alternatively, climbing up Wolford Mountain via the Wolford Overlook Trail is a great way to take in panoramic views of the area after a challenging upwards hike.

Hunting: The BLM land surrounding Wolford Reservoir is popular as a part of the Middle Park hunting area for big game, such as deer and elk. Travel management plans may be in place, so check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting regulations before traveling to the area.

Picnicking: Picnic tables and bathrooms are available near the swimming beach within the day-use area. Although an entrance fee is required, facilities are kept very clean and the views are quite pleasant.

Swimming: There is a designated swimming area in the Wolford Mountain Reservoir. It is located on the west side of the lake near the day-use parking area.