Lake George, Colorado

Lake George is a tiny Highway 24 town known for its world-class trout fishing. Both Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoir call Lake George home.

The elevation of this unincorporated community is 7,992 feet. There’s one commercial strip with a bar, general store, motel, and Tumbling Trout fly-shop. It’s a gateway town to some tremendous recreation and natural landmarks, making a great basecamp to explore the South Park basin due west.

Lake George Colorado Sign Highway 24 — Entering Lake George on Highway 24. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

In addition to fishing, you can view petrified redwoods at the nearby Florissant Fossil Beds, a unique national monument. Scenic driving is also an option in Park County, with trips through the historic Eleven Mile Canyon and the Tarryall Valley, both close by.

Take the beautiful paved County Road 77 north to reach Tarryall Reservoir and further north connecting with Highway 285 at Jefferson.

History

Lake George CO Post Office Circa Early 1900s — Henry Rocket and wife in front of their store and the post office in Lake George, Colorado, early 1900s.

Established in 1891, Lake George was originally a railroad stop for the Colorado Midland Railway, which was completed in 1887. The manmade lake beside the town, Lake George, was originally created to supply ice to the railroad. It freezes over the winter.

At the turn of the twentieth century, the population was around 30. After 1900 some area farmers began growing high-altitude potatoes. This kept the economy going after the railroad was torn up. By 1941 there were 100 people living in Lake George, which had become a hub for potato growing.

Main Attractions

Eleven Mile Reservoir Sunset Lake George CO Continental Divide — Sunset over the Great Divide and Eleven Mile Reservoir. Photo: Cody Wellons

Eleven Mile Resrvoir – A short drive from town, Eleven mile offers camping, boating, and fishing. There’s also five miles of hiking trails around the lake.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir – Small than neighbor lake Eleven Mile, Spinney Mountain is another awesome place to cast a line.

Tarryall Reservoir – Thirty minutes north on the beautiful, and paved, County Road 77 leads you to the Tarryall Reservoir. Boat or fish in this manmade lake, with both campgrounds and dispersed camping found nearby.

Recreation

Camping: Read about the camping near Lake George and Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Hotels and lodging:

Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills – Stay in the lodge, or go glamping in a tipi, bubble tent or private cabin.
Black Tree Resort – Spend the night in tent structures at this Lake George glamping resort.
Read about the best hotels by Fairplay.
Read about the cabins to rent near Colorado Springs.

Lake George Cafe & Pizzeria (now closed).