Gross Reservoir. Anyone go there, been there?
I've read that it was frequented by nudists a long time ago. Denver water owns it and there are strict rules about no swimming, wading or any breaking the water surface. The West side is National Forest, but I think near the water is still managed by Denver water. Boulder District Rangers handle the West side as well.
Anyone been up there? It seems like you might find some spots that are quiet, though probably not right on the water's edge.
I've read that it was frequented by nudists a long time ago. Denver water owns it and there are strict rules about no swimming, wading or any breaking the water surface. The West side is National Forest, but I think near the water is still managed by Denver water. Boulder District Rangers handle the West side as well.Anyone been up there? It seems like you might find some spots that are quiet, though probably not right on the water's edge.
I can't say about Gross Res, but Boulder Res is semi nude friendly. Been there over the last few years. The North side is known as the spot! Not 100% legal, but what is! Who is ready this summer?
Boulder law states that you can wear as little as a thong (not a g-string) and that goes for men and women. Gender equality, finally!!
There are regular visitors on the North that sometimes wear less. Go for a hike from the trailhead on the Northwest edge of the reservoir. Walk the water's edge and you'll find where you should be. The goal is to. It be seen by tori ole, if you can help it. Cover when people go by.
The visitors range from single males, to couples and the infrequent single females. Single means "one", not a person looking to hookup. If you see anyone being more than a nudist, ask them to cut it out. Not the place for that. Plus, they will ruin it for the regulars.
I'm waiting for the foliage to come in first. The buds are coming out already. The mosquitoes are currently making out. The females should start wanting to bite soon, so bring bug spray in case you need it. Just make sure you are secluded and try to avoid attention. If you go in for a swim, you will attract the lake patrol that will come over and tell you to get out. Swimming is only permitted on the South side, but swimming and wading is fairly common.
Bring a towel. A yoga mat helps too. This is not a white sandy beach.
I've read that it was frequented by nudists a long time ago. Denver water owns it and there are strict rules about no swimming, wading or any breaking the water surface. The West side is National Forest, but I think near the water is still managed by Denver water. Boulder District Rangers handle the West side as well.Anyone been up there? It seems like you might find some spots that are quiet, though probably not right on the water's edge.
I've been really busy lately and had hoped we'd get some other participation here so have not made time to post - guess sometimes you just have to make time... I don't have a lot of experience above Gross dam but there are opportunities.
My experience has all been on the south side. If you follow the road that leads to the parking lot at the top of the dam there is a left turn that will take you to the boat launch area. This turn is prior to reaching the parking lot at the dam. It's been awhile since I've been there but I believe it's marked. Don't take your power boat there, it's not allowed. They do however allow kayaking (interesting possibilities there).
At the launch parking area bear to the left, there is a trail that follows the south shore to the inlet area. The times I've been on this trail, I've encountered only a very few other users (mostly on weekends). I have had several very enjoyable naked hikes on this trail but would advise caution based on the number of cars in the parking lot. Even when there are other folks around, there are several areas where you can get naked in the sun with little chance of unwanted encounters.
Watch for the areas where the trail cuts over ridges. I've explored at least two of these and there was little to no sign of other users frequenting them. Londo is correct that there are few areas where you can get down to the water as the canyon the reservoir has flooded is very steep. These peninsulas however are great for sunning with a view. If you continue along the south shore trail, you will reach the inlet area after a steep descent from the ridges.
At the inlet, you will find some very nice flat areas that will make you want to spend the day there (the fishing is also great). If you do, keep clothes handy as anyone who takes this trail will end up here. Also, as Londo pointed out the area is patrolled by Rangers who use power boats to visit this area. Though I don't know what their stance on nudity is, don't get caught in the water as you will be ticketed, Denver Water takes a very dim view on any form of water contact activity. If your still up for it, you can head upstream from there.
As you head upstream, the canyon grows very steep and rugged. Good news is that because of this, you will see very few others. Bad news is that if you encounter difficulties, you're on your own - cell phones don't work and you most likely will not see others even on a weekend. Be careful. That having been said, you will find some very nice flat areas particularly well suited to a day sans clothes. These ares are generally separated by steep ridges with the flats between them so expect to do a lot of climbing if you wish to visit here. Should you really want a work out, you can follow the canyon up to Pinecliff where highway 72 crosses the creek. I've never hiked the entire length of this canyon but have been probably 1/4 of the way from both the top and bottom of this stretch. It's very wild and if you make the trip, I'm sure you won't regret it.
I would feel myself remiss if I didn't include the usual cautions:
Go prepared, take water, clothes (yes clothes, the weather changes rapidly and you don't want to be caught without protection from the elements), food, and most importantly, a companion. You get hurt back here and you're screwed big time!! Please pick up any trash you find, don't burn fires, and although tempting, stay away from the railroad tracks.
Has anyone been to the west/north side? If so please share your experiences.
I'll save my thoughts on the north side for another post. I've yet to visit there but have some thoughts and am looking forward to doing some exploration in the area. Meantime, think Summer!
Great infoIFishNeked. Thanks. On the Western shore (Northern part) I do know that there are camp sites (first come, first served) and it was really busy when we were there. Although there are a limited number of camp spots, people didn't adhere to that and found somewhere if everywhere else was taken. Going for a nude walk is not really an option on that Northern part.
That said, it would be a good camping location if you want to search the Southern part of the Western shore, but it was a loud camping site with many college aged kids there to party and listen to music. Wasn't fond of that. If you look at a map, the camping spots are on the peninsula that has county rd 359 going right into it. That's how you get to the camping spots.
If you're into searching, go between the parking area for the camping spots on 359 and walk South towards Winiger Gulch.
If I go camping there again, I'll try to head out that way. As IFishNeked mentioned, cell signal is either not there or weak. You might get some signal by the parking lot.
If I were alone and wanting to hike and sun, I'd probably follow IFishNeked's advice on the Southern shore.
Actions
Back to TopicsReply to TopicShare this topic
Get paid just by sending us users/traffic.
Signup takes seconds, start now!
Signup as an affiliate!