Safer, smoother access at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake
Completed in summer 2026, the $15 million Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) project modernized aging infrastructure at two of Northern Colorado’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations.
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources partnered with the Central Federal Lands Highway Division and the Bureau of Reclamation to improve roads, parking areas and recreation access at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir. Funding included $11 million from the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program, $1 million from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Federal Lands Transportation Program and a $3 million matching investment from Larimer County.
The project addressed long-standing challenges such as gravel roads, seasonal washouts, inefficient parking and traffic backups at busy entrances. Visitors now benefit from safer entrances, smoother travel, more efficient parking and expanded access to the shoreline.
Sustainability was also a project priority. Existing pavement was pulverized and reused as base material, eliminating the need to import approximately 5,200 tons of new aggregate. Old asphalt and demolished concrete were incorporated into new construction materials, while excavated rock, topsoil and existing traffic signs were reused on site whenever possible.
| Carter Lake Area | Horsetooth Reservoir Area | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Campground |
| Inlet Bay |
| North Pines | South Bay | ||
| Big Thompson | CR 38E turn lane | ||
| Quarry area | |||
| CR 31 turn lane | |||
FLAP at a glance
| Result | Project impact |
|---|---|
| $15 million | Total investment in reservoir infrastructure |
| Your $1 = $4 | Your local tax dollar quadrupled with federal grant awards |
| 8 improvement areas | Completed across Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir |
| 7.5 miles improved parking & roads | Smoother navigation, less dust, longer life span |
| 777 parking spaces | Reconfigured and freshly striped, a 13% net increase |
| 3 turn lanes | Improves traffic flow and entrance/exit safety |
| 25 additional years | Estimated extension to the life of these community assets |
From plan to completion
2017: Community vision
The Reservoir Parks Master Plan identified long-term priorities for improving recreation, circulation and visitor access at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir.
2020: Federal funding awarded
Larimer County secured federal funding to advance improvements at both reservoirs.
2021–2023: Design and permitting, public engagement
Project partners developed designs, completed permitting and refined plans for parking, roads, trails, recreation amenities and natural resource restoration. Meetings with neighbors, interested residents helped inform design.
2024: Community engagement
More than 5,100 community members engaged with Larimer County through neighborhood meetings, public information sessions, online updates and other outreach opportunities. Community input helped inform visitor amenities and recreation access.
June 2025: Construction begins
Construction began at Carter Lake, followed by work at Horsetooth Reservoir in fall 2025.
August 2026: Project complete
All eight improvement areas were completed approximately 14 months ahead of the original schedule.
Project Team
Thank you to the following main contractors and construction groups that assisted in completing FLAP, including twelve Colorado-based organizations:
| Partnering Agencies |
|---|
| FHWA – Central Federal Land Highways Division – Lakewood, CO |
| Larimer County Department of Natural Resources – Loveland, CO |
| Bureau of Reclamation – Loveland, CO |
| Designer of Record |
|---|
| DJ&A - Missoula, MT |
| Construction Management (contracted to FHWA-CFLHD) |
|---|
| Rocksol Consulting Group – Thornton, CO |
| Construction Prime |
|---|
| FDT Water Infrastructure - Tempe, AZ |
| Construction Subcontractors |
|---|
| Asphalt Testing Services, LLC – Loveland CO |
| AVI Professional Corp. – Ft. Collins, CO |
| CMT Technical Services – Centennial, CO |
| DNR Construction, LLC – Greeley, CO |
| Mountain Navigation Inc – Lakewood, CO |
| Quandary Consultants, LLC – Denver, CO |
| Radco Inc – Brawley, CA |
| S&S Striping and Signage – Brighton, CO |
| Simon Contractors - Ft. Collins, CO |
Explore the improvements
Carter Lake
Eagle Campground
The campground’s main access road and parking area were fully paved, creating a smoother approach to campsites, the shower house and restrooms. Grading and drainage improvements will also help reduce erosion and recurring maintenance needs.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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Quarry Day Use Area
A new day-use and overflow parking area provides additional access to Carter Lake’s eastern shoreline. The completed area includes 99 parking spaces, six accessible spaces, a vault toilet and connections to nearby recreation amenities.
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Big Thompson Day Use Area and Eastside Trail
The former seven-site campground has been redesigned as a multi-purpose day-use area with 72 parking spaces, including four accessible spaces. The area also provides improved shoreline access, restrooms, sheltered picnic areas and trail connections.
A new quarter-mile Eastside Trail extends shoreline access, while an expanded no-wake area and designated swimming area create more space for visitors to enjoy the water’s edge.
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North Pines
The main access road and parking areas at North Pines were paved and graded. The improvements provide smoother and more reliable access for visitors while addressing drainage and seasonal road maintenance concerns.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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New turn lanes on North County Road 31
Two dedicated left-turn lanes now provide access to the Quarry and Big Thompson day-use areas. The new lanes allow turning vehicles to move out of active travel lanes, helping improve entrance safety and reduce traffic backups.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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Horsetooth Reservoir
Inlet Bay
The Inlet Bay access road and parking lot were fully paved, with grading and drainage improvements throughout the area. The work provides smoother access to the campground, marina and boat ramp.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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South Bay
Roads and parking areas at South Bay were resurfaced and re-striped to improve circulation, parking efficiency and access to one of Horsetooth Reservoir’s busiest recreation areas.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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New turn lane on West County Road 38E
A dedicated left-turn lane was constructed at the South Bay entrance. The new turn lane allows reservoir-bound vehicles to move out of the active travel lane, improving traffic flow, safety, and reducing backups along West County Road 38E.
Project Area (Before)
Source: Google Maps
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