Top 7 Lakes around St. Ann Highlands

St. Ann Highlands features a variety of water bodies, including large reservoirs like Gross Reservoir and Barker Reservoir, which serve as water supply sources, alongside smaller, more intimate natural lakes such as Mud Lake.

Yes, both Gross Reservoir and Mud Lake are considered family-friendly. Mud Lake, in particular, offers restrooms and covered picnic tables, making it convenient for families. Gross Reservoir also has picnic areas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Gross Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing (including ice fishing), hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. It also features picnic areas and is known for its wildlife. However, please note that water-contact sports such as swimming or wading are not permitted.

At Gross Reservoir, water-contact sports like swimming or wading are explicitly not allowed. For other lakes, it's best to check local regulations and conditions, as many reservoirs in the region are used for water supply.

The lakes in St. Ann Highlands are home to various wildlife. Gross Reservoir is a great spot for wildlife watching, and you might also encounter animals near Mud Lake, which is surrounded by natural habitats.

Yes, there are numerous trails. For instance, the area around Gross Reservoir offers hiking opportunities, including a trail into Forsythe Canyon. Mud Lake Open Space also features a network of nontechnical singletrack trails that weave around the lake and through the forest. You can find more hiking options in the cycling guides for the region, which often share paths with hikers.

Barker Reservoir, also known as Barker Meadow Reservoir, is a significant water supply lake. Its dam was completed in 1910 and it continues to provide water to Boulder, as well as powering a hydroelectric plant downstream.

The St. Ann Highlands area offers various cycling routes. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like Gordon Gulch or Blue Dot Trail, as detailed in the MTB Trails around St. Ann Highlands guide. Road cyclists can find routes such as Brainard Lake from Nederland or Los Lagos Reservoirs, available in the Road Cycling Routes around St. Ann Highlands guide. There are also general cycling routes like the Rollinsville & Barker Reservoir loop in the Cycling around St. Ann Highlands guide.

Yes, both Gross Reservoir and Mud Lake offer picnic areas. Mud Lake specifically has covered picnic tables, providing a comfortable spot for a meal outdoors.

Visitors to the St. Ann Highlands lakes appreciate the diverse experiences they offer, from the opportunities for fishing, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking at Gross Reservoir to the peaceful, wildlife-rich environment of Mud Lake. The unique transformed landscape around the reservoir beds and the surrounding trails are also highly valued.

Yes, Gross Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, including ice fishing during the colder months. It is stocked with trout, salmon, and muskie.