Pikes Peak North Slope

South Catamount, North Catamount and Crystal Creek Reservoirs are a cluster of three scenic lakes that are readily accessible from the Colorado Springs region.  These lakes all sit around 9,200 feet in elevation on the northern flank of Pikes Peak.  Together, they comprise the North Slope Recreation Area.  

South Catamount Reservoir

The North Slope is accessed from the Pikes Peak Highway and requires a $5/adult day pass to get through the entrance gate.  Children under 16 get in for free.  A limited number of free parking passes area also available to reserve online, but these may run out on busy days.  The North Slope day passes are labeled as "fishing" passes, but are good for all permitted water activities.  Fishing is not mandatory.  The North Slope recreation passes are separate from the timed entry reservations that are required to drive the full length of the Pikes Peak Highway.  They are not valid for access to the Pikes Peak summit.  

Vicinity Map

Location info: [key]

Forested reservoirs in Pikes Peak foothills
Scenery: 3
Shoreline Interest: 3 / 4 / 2

   (North / South / Crystal)
Use: Moderate
Fee: $5/adult; day pass required
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 9200+/-; Best near full
Rec. map 
Rec. info
Weather 

The lakes of the North Slope recreation area are part of the water supply network for the City of Colorado Springs.  Consequently, swimming in the water by people or pets is strictly prohibited.  Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are required to be worn by everyone on the water here, not just those under 13.  Pets must be leashed at all times.  (Alcoholic beverages are also prohibited.)  Please review the rules that govern the recreation area, as they are different than most other Colorado waters.  Rules are posted here, under the "rules and regulations" tab and the "boating and fishing" tab.  

Paddling the east prong of South Catamount

South Catamount Reservoir

South Catamount--the central of the three lakes--probably has the best waters for stand-up paddleboards.  It also has multiple access locations along its dam and north shore, and a reasonable number of designated parking spots on the adjacent road.  The junction to access North and South Catamount is about 6 miles up the Pikes Peak Highway, or 0.6 miles past Crystal Creek Dam.  The access drive is a one-way gravel road that makes a counter-clockwise loop.  This map is useful for navigating this area.  The best spots for launching area arguably near the east end of the reservoir, beyond the dam on the one-way loop.  But if you drive too far, or if all the spots are taken, you may have to circle back around the loop to find a space.  

☆ Rocky cove on South Catamount

☆ Calm southern cove

The narrow, eastern prong of South Catamount is somewhat protected from northerly and southerly winds.  In particular, the coves that branch off of the eastern prong are good places to find calm water.  The terrain of the shoreline varies from forested hillsides, to flat meadows, to pink granite crags.  Some of these areas are identified on the map below.  The larger western prong of the lake offers even more miles of shoreline to explore when conditions accommodate.  

North Catamount Reservoir

North Catamount is notably larger than South Catamount, and provides many miles of scenic shoreline to explore on a calm day.  North Catamount's coves are less protected than its southern neighbor but more plentiful.  The lake is accessed from a short spur that intersects the one-way loop just before the South Catamount Dam (map).  The lake is big enough that a breezy day can make for difficult conditions.  Review the weather, and check the wind speed and direction on the hourly forecast before embarking on a big tour of the lake.  

North Catamount Reservoir

Crystal Creek Reservoir

As of June 2022, Crystal Creek Reservoir is drained for dam maintenance work.  The lakebed is plainly visible from the Pikes Peak Highway as it wraps around the dam end of the reservoir.  It is easily accessible from the Crystal Creek Visitor Center, just past the dam.  When full, Crystal Creek is larger than South Catamount and more simplistic in shape.  It will provide a nice change of scenery once refilled.  

Water Levels

The lakes are most scenic when they are full or nearly full.  Reservoir levels tend to fluctuate throughout the season.  The Colorado Springs monthly water report gives a summary of reservoir levels by sub-region (page 5; Pikes Peak region), but does not break out each individual lake in the system.  Another useful tool to anticipate water levels is the egularly updated satellite imagery on Sentinel Hub Playground.  If the reservoirs are drawn down, a red-hued bathtub ring will plainly appear on the aerial image.  

☆ East cove of South Catamount

Shoreside outcrop

Nearby Hiking and Biking

Many miles of hiking and multi-use trail crisscross through the North Slope area.  These trails are clearly shown on the recreation map.  It is possible to do a mountain bike loop around North Catamount Reservoir, but a significant portion of the marked multi-use route is actually dirt road.  For more singletrack, countless other options in the Colorado Springs area can be found on mtbproject.com.

The North Slope is a great mountain escape when summertime temperatures climb.  Be sure to get a day pass and parking pass ahead of time.  Have fun, be safe, review the rules, and wear a PFD.