Willow Creek Reservoir in Colorado

Trip Overview

Since one of us was a first time kayaker we chose a calm stretch of flatwater to test the boat out. Willow Creek only allows non-motorized boating so it was perfect, especially with the Pelican being a sit on top.

We had beautiful weather, sunny and in the 70's with a light breeze throughout most of the morning. Paddling was easy on the main part of the reservoir, but got a little tricky when you had to fight the wind gusts going down through the south side where it snakes through the mountains a bit.

We saw a few Osprey nests along the shore as we paddled along. Didn't do any fishing on this trip, but there were plenty of anglers out who said the fishing was good.

Overall, a great location to just enjoy paddling and relax with nature.

Accommodations:

Willow Creek Campground, $17/night.

Vault toilets only, drinking water, firepits and foodlockers on each site.

Outfitting:

Pamlico 100 & Pelican Apex80

Fees:

$5/24 hr. period to park in one of the lots, but there is a launch available from the campground if you're willing to cart your boat a ways.

Directions:

In the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA), six miles northwest of Granby on US Highway 34, then three miles west on County Road 40 (on Willow Creek Reservoir)