Dear Horsetooth recreation area user,

This note and map is designed to keep you safe by helping you plan recreation activities around the Horsetooth construction closures.

Construction at all four Horsetooth Reservoir dams is underway. The dams are in various stages of construction. However, ALL dams remain closed to public access.

There are numerous "No Trespassing" signs, fence lines, and other barricades posted across popular portions of the Foothills Trail, the Michaud/Reservoir Ridge and Maxwell Natural Areas, as well as the western-most boundaries of Pineridge Natural Area.

The Natural Areas remain OPEN. It is westbound trails out of the natural areas and into Bureau of Reclamation property that pose a safety risk.

In April 2002, new signs and barricades were designed and placed in areas difficult to recognize as construction zones. In fact, some areas with signs are actually not construction zones, but lead directly into construction zones through "back door" trails. Visitors to these areas can inadvertently wind up in a dangerous construction site. So, we placed outlying signs to warn visitors like you to stay out of the construction area and stay safe.

The map on the other side of this note highlights what is open and what is closed. Centennial Drive between Soldier Canyon and Horsetooth Dam is CLOSED, with no exceptions. We have had many incidents of vandalism and criminal trespass along this section and have had to close it entirely.

Foot and bicycle traffic can access a different section of Centennial Drive from the Maxwell Natural Area through trailheads at The Ponds residential subdivision off of West Prospect. The hike up is not too challenging and provides access to additional mountain biking, hiking, running and rock climbing areas otherwise inaccessible.
The County Road by Hughes Stadium is also open for local traffic. Rock climbers can use this road to access Duncan’s and Piano Ridge climbing areas. Signs mark where climbing areas cross into construction zones. Please stay outside of the signed areas.

Please respect the signs and barricades. Violators can and are being prosecuted. Consequences for trespassing range from $50 fines to arrest. The construction project will complete in late 2003. Until then, your cooperation regarding closed recreation areas is greatly appreciated.

Happy (safe!) trails,

Kara Lamb
Public Information
Eastern Colorado Area Office
Bureau of Reclamation
(970) 962-4326
klamb@gp.usbr.gov

Horsetooh Reservoir Recreation Open and Closed Areas