Living in Colorado offers a number of outdoor opportunities, among which includes access to some of our reservoirs.
Clean, reliable drinking water will always be our priority. Still, our reservoirs are a natural gathering place for anglers, families, hikers and more. For us, it’s a balance between water quality and responsible eco-management. Please help us protect our waterways by respecting the natural habitat of these areas.
The following reservoirs are open to the public, but may be temporarily closed or hours may change depending on emergency situations. Check back for updated access dates and times, or call us at 448-4800.
2012 Reservoir Information
Rampart Reservoir
Rampart is one of the most popular recreational reservoirs in the Pikes Peak region. On any given day, you’ll find friends and family enjoying a picnic lunch, boating, camping or checking out the many trails this area has to offer. We’ve partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to help manage Rampart Reservoir. To learn about summer and winter activities, including campsites, visit the Forest Service site.
- Effective May 10, 2012, the boat ramp and launching area will be reopened for the summer season.
- When the boat ramp is open, normal operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, and closed to motorized boats on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer.
Watercraft inspections are normally required for all gasoline powered and trailered boats prior to entering the water due to the threat of zebra and quagga mussel infestation. Non-gasoline powered, non-trailered boats, such as kayaks, canoes, float tubes, etc, are allowed on all days throughout the season.
Boaters are strongly encouraged to have their vessels cleaned, drained and dry prior to arrival.
Other important details to note:
- Access across the dam, with some restrictions (see below), is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from now until some time in October.
- Rental vans or recreational vehicles (Class A, Class B, Class C, Fifth Wheels or Travel/Pop-up trailers) are not allowed to cross the dam.
- Tow vehicles longer than 22 feet are not allowed to cross the dam.
- Vehicles of any kind are not allowed to stop on the dam.
Crystal Reservoir
This reservoir is the first one you reach as you travel up the Pikes Peak Highway and is adjacent to the visitor’s center. There are nature trails, docks and picnic areas along the shores. Plenty of parking is available. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited.
- Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Highway. Hours are subject to change.
North & South Catamount Reservoirs
Simply continue on the Pikes Peak Highway, past Crystal Reservoir, and the entrance to the Catamounts will be on your right. You are invited to picnic and hike and bike on designated trails. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, only artificial flies and lures are allowed at North Catamount. Camping and swimming are prohibited at both reservoirs.
- Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Highway. Hours are subject to change.
Pikeview Reservoir
Don’t have time to head for the mountains for some fishing? Pikeview Reservoir is a convenient fisherman’s find right here in our own city. It’s located off Mark Dabling Boulevard, just south of Garden of the Gods Road. Pikeview offers shore and dockside fishing. On some days, visitors have seen a Great Blue Heron. In 2007, in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs, we upgraded the parking lot and restroom. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited.
Rosemont Reservoir
Set back from the hustle and bustle of the city, this reservoir is located in the southwest portion of town. After you’ve parked, it’s about a half-mile hike/walk to the shoreline. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited. To reach Rosemont, begin at the intersection of Penrose Boulevard and Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard. Take Old Stage Road (FDR 368) six-and-a-half miles from there to Gold Camp Road (FDR 370). Travel five miles on Gold Camp Road to the trailhead.
- Open: From ice melt to freeze
Montgomery Reservoir
Located in Park County, Montgomery is set between Alma (north of Fairplay) and Hoosier Pass. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited.
- Open: From ice melt to freeze