After a collaborative process with community members and partner agencies, we have finished the study of the North Slope Recreation Area.
The revised plan recommends improvements to recreation access while protecting water infrastructure. It also addresses sustainability, security and public safety while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Goals of the study
• Strengthen protection of critical drinking water infrastructure.
• Improve public safety through clear rules and procedures.
• Support recreation that aligns with our mission and remains financially and environmentally sustainable.
• Ensure long term resources for managing the North Slope Recreation Area.
Public comments
We received 58 comments during the public comment period. Our team carefully reviewed all submissions and incorporated revisions into the plan where appropriate.
A summary of those comments is included below.
| Theme | Comment summary | Response/action |
| Terminology | Commenters oppose the use of the term “decommission” and “unauthorized”. Another commenter suggested further defining "e-bikes". | We revised the narrative to clarify that definitions apply only to trails on Colorado Springs Utilities property. |
| Connectivity to Green Mountain Falls | Commenters expressed the desire to maintain or enhance trail networks to Green Mountain Falls. | We intend to continue discussions with neighboring land managers on connectivity. |
| Crystal Trail | Commenters oppose the closure of Crystal Trail. |
We recommend that the Crystal Trail (on Colorado Springs Utilities property) be closed until a safe sustainable alternative route is established due to the significant safety hazard and risk to infrastructure. |
| Commercial recreation | Comments are split between supporters and opponents of commercial recreation. | We recommend the approval of commercial recreation. As part of this recommendation, Colorado Springs Utilities will oversee this program and tours must follow best practices to protect resources. |
| Trail assessments | Some commenters believe not enough consultation with stakeholders was conducted on trail alternatives. | We will keep working collaboratively on trail connections and reroutes on trails owned by others. |
| Reference to other area plans | Some commenters wanted references to other recreation plans. | We revised the narrative to address these recommendations. |
Utilities leadership will present the plan to the Utilities Board on April 22, 2026. A resolution related to commercially guided recreation will be presented to Colorado Springs City Council on April 28, 2026. This meeting will have another opportunity for public comment.
Project timeline
- May 2022: Recreation visitor surveys on commercial guided recreation
- Sept. 2022: Stakeholder and outfitter discussion
- Jan. 2023: Customer survey on commercial guided recreation
- Aug. 2024: Began watershed access and recreation review
- May 2025: Recreational visitor survey
- Jun. 2025: Two public meetings
- July 2025: Customer Recreation Survey
- Oct. 2025: Two public meetings
- March 6-31, 2026: Draft plan public review period
- April 22, 2026: Final plan presented to Utilities Board
- April 28, 2026: Resolution regarding commercial guided recreation presented to Colorado Springs City Council
