Reservoir Access

As a community-owned utility, we are responsible for the safe, reliable flow of water to customers. At the same time, we want to provide access to our reservoirs for recreational purposes.

Rampart Reservoir

The reservoir will be opened to general recreation with the following details:

• Effective July 24, 2008, motorized boats are only allowed in Rampart Reservoir Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to zebra mussel risk. Non-motorized, non-trailored boats, such as kayaks, canoes, float tubes, etc., are allowed on all days.
  • We are partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Wildlife to allow motorized boats in the reservoir.
  • DOW is providing staff to inspect boats during these days and times.
  • The rules prohibiting motorized boats will remain in effect for days and times not included above.
  • The limited opening will allow the public to enjoy boating at the reservoir while protecting our water supply from zebra mussels.
  • Learn more about zebra mussels on Wikipedia and at Fish Explorer.
  • Download a fact sheet (PDF) on Rampart Reservoir and zebra mussels.
• Access across the dam is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from May 16 to approximately October 17, 2008.
• General recreation activities - such as fishing - are permitted.
• Public vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be allowed to cross the dam. 
• There will be a Security Guard at the entrance to the dam during hours of operation.
• Colorado Springs Utilities will work with the Forest Service to close the dam should security threat levels increase.

Please note the following exceptions to dam access:

• Rental vans (U-Haul, Ryder etc.) or Recreational Vehicles (Class A, Class B, Class C, Fifth Wheels or Travel/Pop-up trailers) will NOT be allowed to cross the dam.
• Tow vehicles longer than 22 feet will NOT be allowed to cross the dam.
• Vehicles of any kind are NOT allowed to stop on the dam.

North Slope (Crystal, North & South Catamount Reservoirs)

The reservoirs will be open to general recreation with the following details:

• Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Hours are subject to change.
• Camping will not be allowed on any part of the North Slope watershed.
• Fishing will be allowed from May 1 to September 28, 2008.

South Slope

South Slope will continue to be closed to general public access until access levels are reviewed and completed as a part of the trail development process which concludes Summer 2009.

Rosemont, Montgomery and Pikeview Reservoirs

Reservoirs will be open for fishing during the following months:

• Rosemont - May 1 to November 1 (contact the Division of Wildlife for fish stocking information)
• Montgomery – From ice melt until freeze
• Pikeview – Year round