11 Miles Canyon greets the driver with a roar of clear water after the entrance. It is located on State Highway 96 just South of Lake George, Colorado west of Woodland Park, CO. We headed into the 11 Miles Canyon (cost is $8 per car) to find a quiet place for reflection, silence and solitude. The canyon and river dip deeply from the road and then appears right beside it again.
The fly fisherman slid down that steep river bank before and after the tunnels. Brave souls. At the end of the Canyon is the Watershed Campground that surrounds the beginning of the South Platte River. It has been dammed at 11 Mile Reservoir, but even the dam could not stop the waterfall from coming out of the rocks. There are several campgrounds and picnic sites as well as tents to rent in the Canyon.
There were bear warning signs everywhere, but I did not see in signs or scat. The dog and I left our shelter at Idlywild picnic area to explore. There is a good overlook path up into the mountains. I kept Tax on leash and close to me as I did not want him to return with a bear on his trail!
I did not take water. I did not notify my husband I was walking. I know better! I just went across the Aspen meadow and joined the trail. It was a good climb at 8,500 feet, but I took my time. When we reached the top, I could see the waterfall mentioned above. We sat for a few hours until the rain drove us into the car.
Back down to the road and crossing the waterway full of bushes that had seen a large animal seeking shelter and water. We spoke loudly and with great care, picked our way to the low part of the river. Yes, I can see the bears would love this spot for sure.
We stopped at water’s edge where we could meditate and listen to the roaring water, take pictures in the rain and sun, and sit and lay on the rocks. “How Great Thou Art” words flowed out of my head. Jesus, please let me have these clear rivers of Living Water in Eden to sit by and be nourished. Amen.
How Great Thou Art
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art