~ After a two-year closure, the North Slope Recreation Area (NSRA) will once again be open to visitors starting May 1. This comes as Colorado Springs Utilities and Pikes Peak – America's Mountain have completed a dam rehabilitation project at South Catamount Reservoir, allowing for full access to both North and South Catamount Reservoirs.

The NSRA is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as shoreline fishing, non-motorized watercraft, hiking and biking trails, and picnicking. However, while access to North and South Catamount Reservoirs will be available, Crystal Creek Reservoir will undergo separate warranty maintenance work starting May 1 and will not be open for in-water recreation. The reservoir's water level is currently being lowered to safely complete the work, which is expected to take approximately 14 days. The reopening of the reservoir for in-water recreation will depend on how quickly it refills to a safe level.

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Visitors can also look forward to expanded trail connectivity in the Crystal Creek Reservoir area. This includes a new trail from Crystal Overlook to the southeast end of the Crystal Reservoir dam, providing access between the overlook, dam, and Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center. Other improvements planned for May include shoreline stabilization work near the visitor center and accessibility enhancements to improve connections between the visitor center and fishing dock. Future enhancements are also in the works to support a new watercraft launch dock when reservoir levels allow.

The City of Colorado Springs manages recreation in the NSRA through Pikes Peak – America's Mountain. While reservations are not required for those planning to visit the NSRA, they are necessary if visitors also plan on driving up Pikes Peak summit. Daily entry tickets to the NSRA cost $5 per guest, with children under 16 being free with no reservation required. However, due to limited parking at the NSRA, an additional daily entry parking permit of $1 is required. Tickets and permits can be reserved online, and any remaining will be distributed daily on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pikes Peak Highway Gateway.

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The NSRA is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, until May 23 when summer hours begin. From then on, summer hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests must follow all posted rules and regulations while visiting the area. Additionally, those aged 16 and older planning to fish in any NSRA reservoir must have a Colorado fishing license purchased through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Colorado Springs Utilities and Pikes Peak – America's Mountain have worked closely to balance recreational access with responsible management of critical water infrastructure and natural resources. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check current conditions, follow posted signage, and call 719-385-7325 for the most up-to-date information before recreating.

For more information about recreation access and reservations at the NSRA, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/DrivePikesPeak. Information about Colorado Springs Reservoirs, including Crystal Creek Reservoir, can be found at csu.org/water-service/reservoirs.

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