Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
A nine-mile scenic canyon drive with a crystal-clear river, renowned for fly fishing and stunning rock formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and dust
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
Best Time
Beat the crowds and dust
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nine-mile scenic canyon drive with a crystal-clear river, renowned for fly fishing and stunning rock formations.
"Stunning, well-kept park great for camping and fishing with crystal clear water."
Bring Cash for Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is $10-$11 cash or check only. No cards accepted!
Go Early to Avoid Dust
:car: Unpaved road gets dusty. Arrive early for fewer cars and better air quality.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eleven Mile Canyon Road
Main scenic drive
A nine-mile unpaved road winding along the river, offering stunning rock formations and numerous pull-offs.
Eleven Mile Canyon Tunnels
Along the main road
Drive through three historic tunnels carved into the canyon walls, adding a unique element to your exploration.
Eleven Mile Canyon River
Throughout the canyon
Crystal clear waters perfect for fly fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the scenic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King for Entry
Dusty Roads & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is $10-$11 cash or check only. No cards accepted!
Go Early to Avoid Dust
:car: Unpaved road gets dusty. Arrive early for fewer cars and better air quality.
Fishing Hotspots
:fishing_pole: Great for fly fishing, especially for trout. Kayaks offer unique access.
Pack for Picnics
:sandwich: Numerous picnic areas along the river. Enjoy the views while you eat.
Eleven Mile state park
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
:moneybag: Entry fee is $10-$11 cash or check only. No cards accepted!
Go Early to Avoid Dust
:car: Unpaved road gets dusty. Arrive early for fewer cars and better air quality.
Fishing Hotspots
:fishing_pole: Great for fly fishing, especially for trout. Kayaks offer unique access.
Pack for Picnics
:sandwich: Numerous picnic areas along the river. Enjoy the views while you eat.
Cell Service is Spotty
:iphone: Limited cell service in the canyon. Download maps and inform others of your plans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is praised for its stunning natural beauty, clear river, and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors appreciate the scenic drive through the canyon and the historic tunnels. However, the area can get crowded and dusty, and it's essential to bring cash for the entrance fee.
"Beautiful day up in the canyon. Entry fee of $11 is pretty reasonable. No cards accepted so make sure to bring cash. Well maintained dirt road the whole way up. A bit narrow and rough/washboard-y in spots but nothing terrible; definitely doable with a sedan. Clean, well maintained pit toilet restrooms. Nice picnic areas available periodically along the road.
Accidentally locked my keys in my truck out where there was no cell service. Shout out to the 2 retired Colorado Springs firefighters turned fishing guides who helped me out initially, then the guy from the front kiosk (sorry I forgot your name!) who brought me back to the lovely camp host (Sarah) at the Spillway Campground to get cell service then to both of them for immediately starting to call around to get someone up into the canyon to unlock the truck."
Jenny Powell
"Beautiful area! The only reasons it’s not five stars is because it is highly populated and dusty!
It cost $11 to get in, cash or check only at the little fee booth. There’s only day passes. Nine miles of river front that dead ends at the dam and utilities.
The river and rock formations are astoundingly beautiful. The road runs directly along the river and there are tons of places to pull out and go down to the water. The negative is the dust. People do not drive slowly on the road and they kick up a ton of dust. The utilities trucks are especially dusty. So once you park, get down off the road quickly.
There were a lot of people on the weekday in early August that we went. People swimming, fishing, camping, etc. It is mot a secret or solitude-seeking place. As far as fishing goes, we tried for a while and saw a few fish in the areas we stopped, but they are well trained and it is clear that the river is overfished."
Ashley Stacer
"Stunning, well kept state park that is great for camping and for fishing. The water is crystal clear and offers great fishing spots that are accessible by land and water, and camp sites are available with electric hookups and can be found right water front and next to boat ramp, or if you prefer a more laid back atmosphere with less traffic, campsites are also further back with a more view from a higher vantage point. There is a little convenient store that has fishing tackle and to purchase basic items to restock such as bait and ice. I highly recommend this park to nature and fish enthusiasts, it's one of the best the State of Colorado has to offer!"
Jennifer Ortega
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is located west of Colorado Springs, near Florissant. The main access is via a well-maintained, but unpaved, dirt road that winds through the canyon for about nine miles. While doable for sedans, be prepared for washboard sections and dust.
No, the primary road through Eleven Mile Canyon is unpaved. It's generally in good condition but can be washboard-y and dusty, especially during peak times.
Yes, RVs and trailers can navigate the road, but it's advisable to drive cautiously due to the unpaved surface and potential for dust. Some areas might be tighter than others.
The driving conditions are generally good for an unpaved road, with some washboard sections. Most drivers are courteous, and there are passing spots. Be mindful of dust kicked up by other vehicles.
Access in winter can be limited due to snow and ice. It's best to check current road conditions with the park service before planning a winter visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $10-$11 per vehicle. It's crucial to bring cash or a check, as credit cards are not accepted at the fee booth.
No advance booking is required for day use. You pay the fee upon entry at the kiosk. Campsites may require reservations, especially during peak season.
The recreation area is generally open year-round, but hours for the fee booth may vary. It's best to check with the park service for specific operating times, especially for the entrance kiosk.
The primary pass is a day pass, which is what you'll purchase upon entry. There are also camping fees if you plan to stay overnight.
While Eleven Mile Canyon is a State Wildlife Area managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, it's often treated as a separate fee area. It's best to confirm if a general state parks pass covers entry, but typically, the specific canyon fee applies.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Eleven Mile Canyon is popular for fly fishing, kayaking, photography, picnicking, and scenic drives. The canyon's rock formations and river provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities.
Yes, it's renowned for its trout fishing, particularly for fly fishing. The river is accessible from the road and by kayak, offering many fishing spots.
Yes, there are campgrounds, including Spillway Campground, with some sites offering electric hookups. Some are waterfront, while others offer higher vantage points.
Clean, well-maintained pit toilet restrooms are available periodically along the road.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, as it's a popular spot. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire canyon offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the rock formations and river to the historic tunnels. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light.
Look for the unique rock formations, the three tunnels, the clear river, and potentially wildlife like bald eagles, which have been spotted near the park office.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide golden hour hues. The infrared photography potential is also noted by visitors.
Yes, kayaking on the river provides a unique perspective for photography, allowing you to capture the canyon walls from a different angle.
Generally, no specific restrictions beyond respecting private property and other visitors. Drone usage may be subject to park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main road is unpaved, it's generally manageable for most vehicles, making it accessible for family cars. The clean pit toilets are a practical plus for families. Consider bringing along some simple fishing gear or even just buckets and nets for exploring the river shallows, which can be a hit with younger children.
🎣 Anglers and Fly Fishermen
Many fishermen recommend bringing kayaks to access prime fishing spots that are difficult to reach from the shore. Be prepared for potentially 'trained' fish due to the area's popularity; patience and varied techniques are key. Consulting local fishing reports or experienced anglers can provide an edge.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Don't miss the experience of driving through the three historic tunnels carved into the rock. The journey is as much about the drive itself as the destinations within the canyon. Be mindful of the dust and washboard sections, and enjoy the unique landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing in Eleven Mile Canyon
For those new to the area, seeking advice on specific techniques and tackle is common. Redditors often share tips on what's biting, suggesting that spinners and nymphs can be effective. Kayaking offers a unique advantage, allowing anglers to reach less pressured spots and cast into areas inaccessible from the shore.
While the fishing is generally excellent, some reviews note that the river can be overfished in certain accessible areas, meaning the fish can be 'well-trained.' This highlights the importance of patience and perhaps exploring further off the beaten path for the best results.
Navigating the Canyon Road
Courtesy and speed are key to a pleasant drive. Many reviewers mention that most drivers are courteous and that there are ample passing spots, even on the narrower sections. However, the dust can be significant, especially when larger vehicles like utility trucks pass by. Getting off the main road and down to the river quickly after parking is a common tip to avoid the dust.
Driving through the three historic tunnels carved into the rock is a unique experience that adds to the charm of the canyon drive. These tunnels are a distinctive feature and a popular photo opportunity.
Photography Opportunities
Many visitors enjoy capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the canyon walls, the reflections in the water, and the unique architecture of the tunnels. Some photographers even experiment with specialized techniques, like infrared photography, to capture unique perspectives of the natural beauty.
Beyond the landscapes, keep an eye out for wildlife. While not guaranteed, sightings of bald eagles have been reported near the park office, offering a special photographic subject. The accessibility from both the road and the water via kayak also allows for varied vantage points.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit