Colorado River Headwaters Byway
Windy Gap Reservoir and the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, CO

Windy Gap is a natural water-carved notch in the volcanic flow where the Fraser and Colorado Rivers meet. After much controversy and debate, construction of the reservoir gave the Colorado-Big Thompson Project additional water storage. West slope residents were afraid of total depletion of the Colorado River by greedy East Slope farmers and communities. Many on both sides of the issue hoped that this would be the last trans-mountain diversion project planned for the Rockies.

Windy Gap also offers wildlife viewing that includes HQ-accessible viewing blinds, a 1/2-mile trail and information kiosks. A variety of birds and animals can be spotted here. The roadside pull-off offers restrooms and covered picnic tables. This area was inhabited between 4000-8500 years ago by PaleoIndians, revolutionizing archaeological thought that they weren't nomadic. Fire pits and stone cutting tools have been unearthed, along with "wattle and daub" construction artifacts.