Steady progress of road and access improvements occurring at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir

As winter approaches, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR), in partnership with the Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), will continue to advance a multi-year, multi-phase construction project designed to improve roadways and enhance public access at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir. The effort is partially funded through the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP).

Active construction areas include:

• Eagle Campground main access road and parking lot (Carter Lake) - 50% complete
• Quarry Day Use Area and overflow parking (Carter Lake) -85% complete
• New left-turn lanes along N. County Road 31 (Carter Lake) - 5% complete
• Big Thompson Day Use Area (Carter Lake) - 20% complete
• North Pines access road and parking lot paving (Carter Lake) - 30% complete
• South Bay access road and parking lot paving (Horsetooth Reservoir) - 50% complete
• Inlet Bay access road and parking lot paving (Horsetooth Reservoir) - 25% complete 

Upcoming work planned to begin Spring 2026:

• Turn lane expansion along W. County Road 38E into South Bay (Horsetooth Reservoir)

All motorized boating inspection stations are closed for the season. Visitor access at Eagle Campground, North Pines, South Bay, and Inlet Bay are closed due to ongoing construction. Visitor centers at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake remain open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors are asked to demonstrate caution by respecting temporary closure areas. Public information of project status can be found at the FLAP project website.

Construction is estimated to be fully completed in 2027.  CFLHD is acting as the lead implementation agency. Funding from the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) has totaled $11 million, with a $1 million-dollar commitment from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), and a $3 million-dollar 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 ten statewide, attracting over 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, please visit https://engage.larimer.gov/flaphorsetoothreservoir 

For general information, please visit larimer.gov/naturalresources

About Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources' mission is to connect people, nature, and place.  Since 1954, Larimer County has acquired and conserved a vast network of public and private lands. Today, thirteen public properties are available for recreational access and enjoyment, and over 64,000 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved.