PARK COUNTY, Colo. (KOAA) — There is a new spot for recreation in Southern Colorado, according to the U.S Forest Service.
Located in the South Park Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is now open to the public.
The day use recreation area is located just below the dam of the Eleven Mile Reservoir, west of Colorado Springs near Lake George. The U.S. Forest Service says that, unlike the reservoir's open and rangeland environment, this area is quite the opposite, with lush trees, boulders, and the South Platte River of course.
The newly renovated Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is officially open.
— USFS_Pike&San Isabel (@PSICC_NF) August 4, 2025
Visit https://t.co/NavVZWzCAq for directions and more information. pic.twitter.com/clveNKo3lE
The canyon road is a dirt road that is atop the former Colorado Midland Railroad. The railroad was created by investors in 1883 and connected Colorado Springs to Buena Vista, according to the Historical Marker Database. The route marked some of the first railroad transportation connecting the Front Range to parts of western Colorado.
The route's tunnels can still be viewed as you travel along the former rail line, as pictured above.
Access to the area will be available all year long, weather dependent; however, this is a day-use area and camping will not be allowed.
For more information, click here.
___
Historic Colorado mining town gets grant to revive blighted buildings
Victor, Colorado's last gold mining town, receives $50,000 grant to restore historic buildings as the community works to revitalize while addressing housing affordability challenges.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
