Retreat to Lake George, Colorado

Lake George, Colorado, is a small unincorporated community in Park County, sitting along U.S. Highway 24, at an elevation of around 7,993. The drive from Colorado Springs is approximately 40 miles west and takes about 55 minutes. Along the way, you pass through Woodland Park, Divide, and just north of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

Lake George is popular for world-class trout fishing and is a gateway to Gold Medal waters like Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoir. Initially, the reservoir was created to supply ice. Today, the town retains a charming rustic feel with a historic post office and general store.

The Lake area is surrounded by Pike National Forest, providing access to hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and more. Additionally, the area features several campgrounds and RV parks, making it an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

• Eleven Mile State Park & Canyon
  Eleven Mile State Park is a massive reservoir and 7,662-acre park, ideal for boating, camping, hiking, windsurfing, and trophy trout, kokanee, brown & rainbow fishing .
  Eleven Mile Canyon features scenic river corridors, rock climbing, and historic railroad tunnels below the dam.
• Spinney Mountain State Park
  Spinney Mountain State Park is a seasonal gem for trout anglers—Gold Medal fishery in a quiet alpine setting
• Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area)
  Elite fly‑fishing spot known for trophy brown, rainbow, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon—world‑class fly‑fishing
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
  Famous for petrified redwood stumps and fossilized insect/plant beds—rich geology with self‑guided trails & junior ranger programs
• Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center
  Sanctuary offering interactive tours, wildlife education, and wolf howling experiences
• Tarryall Road & Lost Creek Wilderness
  A scenic 36‑mile drive winding through Pike National Forest, with trailheads, picnicking, and wilderness hikes.
• Wilkerson Pass
  A nearby mountain pass with easy hiking, scenic vistas, and plenty of wildlife. This area is an accessible outdoor location northwest of town.

Don’t Miss Outdoor Experiences at Lake George

• Happy Meadows, Riverside, and Round Mountain are all Forest Service campgrounds great for hiking, fishing, floating, and river access.
• Rock climbing, OHV trails, stargazing – Lakeside trails offer climbing in 11 Mile Canyon, off‑roading routes, and some of the darkest skies on the Front Range .
• Historic bridge – The 1920‑built South Platte River Bridge near town is on the National Register and a great fishing spot.

Lake George is a gateway town with a rich blend of outdoor activities—exceptional fishing, scenic driving routes, fossil monuments, wildlife encounters, and mountain passes—all set in the dramatic backdrop of central Colorado. It’s perfect if you're looking for a less crowded yet thrilling mountain escape.

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons