Waterwheel, Historic waterwheel in McCoy, Eagle County, Colorado, United States.
This 46-foot tall wooden waterwheel stands along the Colorado River, featuring 35 handcrafted buckets that rotate continuously to lift water 32 feet high for irrigation purposes.
Constructed in 1922 by rancher Earl Brooks using jackpine logs and hand tools, this waterwheel served as essential irrigation infrastructure during the early agricultural development of Eagle County.
The waterwheel represents the resourcefulness and engineering ingenuity of early 20th-century Colorado settlers who utilized local materials and natural river power to sustain their agricultural communities.
Located at coordinates 39.902786, -106.717235 in McCoy, the site is accessible year-round with interpretive signage explaining its historical function and significance to visitors.
This structure remains the last surviving waterwheel of many that once operated along the Colorado River, making it an extremely rare example of early water-lifting technology.
Location: Eagle County
Inception: 1922
GPS coordinates: 39.90279,-106.71724
Latest update: July 25, 2025 20:24
Hanging Lake
52.7 km
Camp Hale
61.1 km
Glenwood Canyon
56.6 km
Mount of the Holy Cross
52.6 km
Dotsero
38.3 km
Flat Top Mountain
33.7 km
Eagles Nest Wilderness
45.9 km
Gore Canyon
20.4 km
Flat Tops Wilderness Area
46.3 km
Mount Werner
61.6 km
Holy Cross Wilderness
52.5 km
Sylvan Lake State Park
40.1 km
Red Cliff Bridge
52.7 km
Stagecoach State Park
44.7 km
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
42 km
Byers Canyon
53.2 km
Wolford Mountain Reservoir
34.8 km
Williams Fork Reservoir
45.1 km
Mount Jackson
49 km
Castle Peak (Sawatch Range)
17.4 km
Williams Peak (Colorado)
43.8 km
Stagecoach Dam
43.7 km
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
35 km
Slate Creek Bridge
49.3 km
Lake Charles Trail
49.6 km
State Bridge
7.7 km
Walking Mountains Science Center
33.6 km
Red Cliff Truss Bridge
52.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes