We’re rounding the corner on a extensive review of recreational impacts to a popular destination on Pikes Peak and will soon have final recommendations ready to share.
The North Slope Recreation Area along Pikes Peak Highway offers hiking, biking and fishing opportunities and is home to three of our drinking water storage reservoirs: South Catamount, North Catamount and Crystal Creek. We own and operate the reservoirs and associated infrastructure, while Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain (PPAM) manages recreation in the NSRA, including at our reservoirs. The area surrounding the NSRA is U.S. Forest Service lands.
We are collaborating with PPAM and other stakeholders to review existing access, enhanced public safety and protection of drinking water sources in the NSRA. A robust public process kicked off in June this year with two public meetings and surveys fielded over the summer followed by two additional public meetings in October.
The surveys, which concluded in September, showed that our customers and NSRA recreationists prioritize the protection of water supplies and operations, as well as protection of the environment and water quality. Additionally, they favor revenue generation strategies and increased fees over recreation limitations.
Findings from a smaller study completed in 2023 that identified commercial guided recreation models and best practices to protect natural resources are also included in the review.
Recommendations for changes to the existing NSRA recreation plan and/or policy changes will be presented to the Colorado Springs Utilities Board and City Council in early 2026. Proposed trail realignments that improve public access and minimize the potential for adverse impacts to utility operations, critical infrastructure and natural resources are expected to be included in the final recommendations.
Recordings of the public meetings, survey summaries and concept maps of proposed trail realignments can be found at csu.org/NSRAreview. If you haven’t had a chance yet to provide input, public comments will be accepted until Nov. 24 at engage@csu.org.