North Slope Recreation Area
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The recreation area consists of 2,267 acres of forest type lands and the North and South Catamount and Crystal Reservoirs.
All three lakes serve as terminal reservoirs for the water supply of Colorado Springs and surrounding municipalities. Because protection of the watershed and maintaining high quality water standards have always been a high priority for the City of Colorado Springs and U.S. Forest Service, the reservoirs were closed to public recreation for many years. In 1967, the citizens of Colorado Springs passed a charter amendment allowing the City to open the reservoirs for recreational use when all municipalities receiving water from the reservoirs had water treatment capabilities. In late 1990, all communities began to receive treated water. In 1991-1992, the City Council appointed a North Slope Advisory Committee to develop a plan for recreational use. The area opened for its first season on July 8, 1992.
The Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area is managed by the City of Colorado Springs in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Recreational opportunities include bank fishing, non-gasoline powered boating, belly boating, mountain biking, picnicking, hiking and scenic enjoyment. These activities are regulated to assure relatively low environmental impact and minimal management requirements.
2013 Season and Hours
TBA - May 23 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
May 24 - Sept. 2 7:30 am - 7:00 pm
September 3 - 30 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
October 1 - 20 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on June 30, 2013.
Fees
(North Slope Recreation Area only)
NSRA fee is $4 per Person (16 years and Older)
Children under 16 are Free
Purchase a pass with 30 punches for $100
Pikes Peak Highway Fees
(Includes North Slope Recreation Area AND access to the summit)
