Segment A extends from below the dam for Elevenmile Reservoir to Lake George. The ORVs are:
Recreational:
This segment in Elevenmile Canyon is one of the most popular destination sites in the Pike National Forest and attracts people from all over the region. Because of the accessibility, scenic beauty, and facilities provided, this area receives heavy year-round use. To control use and limit environmental damage, a parking fee system has been implemented here. Rock climbing, camping, picnicking, fishing, water recreation (floating and tubing), hiking, and sightseeing are the primary recreation activities. User density is high from early spring through late fall.
Fisheries:
This segment contains nationally renowned brown and rainbow trout populations and habitat. This segment and Segment B contain some of the most diverse habitat conditions of any of the study areas, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife recognizes the two segments together as an important, high quality trout fishery. Along with other study segments of the South Platte, this segment is a nationally important producer of brown and rainbow trout and draws people from all over the region. The upper 3 miles of the segment is a designated quality fisheries area with special fishing regulations in effect.
Geologic:
The area is known for its variety of rare and exemplary geologic features. The segment lies in an area of relatively young topography, with north-south- trending complex mountains cut by deep, rugged canyons. The entire area is underlain by Precambrian granite, which forms rocky outcrops throughout the segment. Massive rock outcrops are exposed in the canyon walls, except where the bedrock has been covered by talus and soil.
Scenic:
The quarter-mile study corridor is located between 8450 and 9200 feet on either side and possesses a great deal of diversity in landform, water, color, and vegetation, notable in the geographic region. This includes the granitic rock formations, the steep forested canyon with several small waterfalls, and the old railroad tunnels one passes through along the gravel road that parallels the river. In addition, there is the diversity of vegetation, including meadows, aspen, willows, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine forests. The corridor draws people from all over the region because of the area’s ruggedness, remoteness, and scenic beauty. A forest-wide visual resource inventory classified the entire canyon as “Class A–Distinctive” due to the highly scenic features found in the area.