Major paving improvements are occurring in the Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir areas this month, marking the next phase of a multi-year effort to enhance public access. Since last June, Larimer County Natural Resources has partnered with federal highway officials to modernize day use areas, parking lots and connecting county roads. Supported by the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), this project ensures smoother travel for visitors to two of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations.
All project areas at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir are in differing stages of asphalt application. Visitors are asked to be aware of construction equipment and to respect all temporary closures.
Areas impacted at Carter Lake include:
- New left-turn lanes along N. County Road 31
- Eagle Campground main access road and parking lot
- Quarry Day Use Area and overflow parking
- Big Thompson Day Use Area
- North Pines access road and parking lot
Areas impacted at Horsetooth Reservoir include:
- Inlet Bay access road and parking lot
- South Bay access road and parking lot
- Turn lane expansion along W. County Road 38E into South Bay
Due to the fluctuating paving schedule, motorized boaters are encouraged to check boat ramp hours at larimer.gov/boating and to plan to be off the water by 7 p.m. Visitor centers at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake remain open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. seven days a week.
Construction is estimated to be fully completed later this year. Public information of project status can be found at the FLAP project website at engage.larimer.gov/flaphorsetoothreservoir.
Central Federal Lands Highway Division is acting as the lead implementation agency. Funding from FLAP has totaled $11 million, with a $1 million commitment from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Federal Lands Transportation Program and a $3 million matching commitment by Larimer County.
Horsetooth and Carter Lake reservoirs represent the two largest and most visited reservoirs in Larimer County, and in the top 10 statewide, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Since 1954, under an operating agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, LCDNR has operated, managed and maintained all recreation facilities at Horsetooth, Carter, Pinewood and Flatiron reservoirs.
For construction updates, visit engage.larimer.gov/flaphorsetoothreservoir. For general information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources.
