Our reservoirs are vital to our water system. They allow us to move and store water strategically, as well as provide reliable water service for our customers in drier years.
Many of the reservoirs across our expansive system are open to the public for fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating. To protect water quality and the surrounding watersheds in which these reservoirs are located, please follow posted rules and be respectful of natural habitats.
North Slope Recreation Area
The North Slope Recreation Area (NSRA) on Pikes Peak is home to three reservoirs that are essential to the city’s water supply system – North Catamount, South Catamount and Crystal Creek Reservoirs.
We operate this area as a city watershed, while Pikes Peak America’s Mountain (PPAM) manages recreational activities and access in the NRSA. The NSRA typically opens May 1 and closes mid-October.
Crystal Creek is the first reservoir you encounter when traveling up the Pikes Peak Highway. Continuing up the highway a little further, you will see the entrance to South Catamount and North Catamount Reservoirs on the right.
Visit Pikes Peak America’s Mountain to learn more about recreation opportunities.
NOTE: Access to South Catamount Reservoir is closed for the 2024-2025 seasons due to a dam rehabilitation project. Access to North Catamount Reservoir is hike-in only while work is underway.
South Slope Recreation Area
The South Slope watershed was Colorado Springs' first major water source, with development beginning in the late 1880s. It's a diverse and biologically rich landscape on the south side of Pikes Peak.
This sensitive and rugged area provides a backcountry experience for visitors. It’s home to bighorn sheep, cutthroat trout and an array of migratory birds. Hiking and biking are allowed on trails, and fishing is only allowed in McReynolds and Mason Reservoirs with flies and lures only. A permit is required to access this area when it is open for the season.
Please visit the city’s website for a full list of rules, hours, directions and permit information. To request a copy of our recreation plan for the South Slope Recreation Area, please email us at engage@csu.org.
Rampart Reservoir
Rampart Reservoir is located northwest of Colorado Springs, a little more than four miles from Woodland Park.
Rampart is our largest reservoir. It stores water from our high mountain systems, which powers our Tesla Hydro Power Plant, generating electricity on its way to treatment for our customers.
It's also a popular recreation destination for fishing, boating and camping. The U.S. Forest Service manages recreation at Rampart Reservoir. Please visit its site for operating hours and more information.
Nichols Reservoir
Located directly below Rampart Reservoir, Nichols Reservoir is another opportunity for fishing. It's accessible by a 0.8 mile trail.
The U.S. Forest Service also manages recreation at this smaller lake. Please visit its site for information about fishing at this location.
Rosemont Reservoir
Rosemont Reservoir is located about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs, reached via Old Stage Road and Gold Camp Road. After you’ve parked, it’s about a half-mile hike/walk to the shoreline. Fishing is allowed with a valid license, but camping and swimming are prohibited.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages recreation at this reservoir; please visit its site for hours, activities, access and more.
Pikeview Reservoir
Pikeview Reservoir is a convenient angler’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 might spot Great Blue Herons. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited.
The reservoir is open as long as it’s not frozen.
South Suburban and Gold Camp Reservoirs
Colorado Springs purchased the South Suburban Water Company, including water rights on North and South Cheyenne Creeks, in 1966. These reservoirs, in Stratton Open Space in Colorado Springs, help us store and move water to treatment and/or for non-potable use. Recreation is not allowed at these reservoirs.
Montgomery Reservoir
Located in Park County, Montgomery Reservoir is between Alma (north of Fairplay) and Hoosier Pass. This reservoir holds water sourced from the Colorado River Basin, as well as a small amount of supplies from the South Platte Basin. The Blue River Pipeline brings water from this reservoir toward Colorado Springs. Fishing is allowed with a valid license; however, camping and swimming are prohibited.
No fishing Dec. 1 - May 31 and as posted at the reservoir.
Homestake Reservoir
Colorado Springs and Aurora are equal partners in the Homestake Authority. We share in the ownership, costs and yield of the water rights, collection system and much of the transmission system.
The reservoir at full capacity holds nearly 43,000 acre-feet of water, enough to fill more than 21,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It's located in southern Eagle County approximately 30 miles northwest of Leadville, Colo. and is accessible via Highway 24 and Homestake Road.
The U.S. Forest Service manages recreation at the reservoir. Activities include fishing, hand-launched boating and camping nearby.