Upgraded visitor access and expanded swim area to debut this summer at Carter Lake

LOVELAND - As the summer season approaches, Larimer County Natural Resources is nearing completion on a multi-year infrastructure project at Carter Lake. This project called the Federal Lands Access Project (FLAP) is being conducted in partnership with federal highway officials since June 2025, and aims to modernize aging infrastructure to enhance visitor safety and access. 

Key improvements include larger recreation spaces, streamlined reservoir access and parking, and an expanded swim and "no-wake" area now located near the improved Big Thompson Day Use area.

Major improvements expected to debut this summer: 

• An expanded no wake, swimming, and shoreline area: In a significant move to improve visitor safety and experience, the former swim area located near Dam 2—previously limited by its small footprint and congested entrance—has relocated adjacent to the newly improved Big Thompson Day Use area. Swimming and "no-wake" recreation now span a large portion of the eastern edge of Carter Lake, offering an expanded area for more visitors to enjoy. 
   
• The Eastside Trail: This new, quarter-mile shore trail accessed via Big Thompson Day Use area and the new Quarry parking lot provides entrance to the water and to the designated swim area. The trail allows visitors to spread out along the water’s edge, find their own space, and enjoy easier entry to and exit from the lake. 
   
• New Day-Use Areas: The Big Thompson Day Use area has been completely redesigned from a former campground (7 sites) to a large day use area with visitor parking to eliminate unsafe parking along the highway, restrooms, and picnic areas. The Quarry Day Use area has been installed on the east side of County Road 31 for overflow visitor parking and offers a restroom, picnic area, and crosswalk with direct connection to the Eastside Trail and lake access. 
   
• Enhanced Facilities: Visitors will enjoy improved ADA and conventional parking, new picnic shelters and tables, updated restrooms, and better overall connectivity to the water. 

While the multi-year asphalt project has neared its final stages at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir, it is not yet complete. Continued construction work is advancing at Big Thompson, Quarry, North Pines, Eagle Campground, and County Road 31 at Carter Lake along with South Bay, Inlet Bay, and County Road 38E at Horsetooth Reservoir. 

Visitors are encouraged to check COTREX (trails.colorado.gov) before arriving at Carter Lake to find any current closures. Upon arrival, visitors should also be aware that traditional access points may have shifted to the improved locations.

For general park information, please visit https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/carter-lake

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About the Project
This $15 million modernization effort was led by the Central Federal Lands Highway Division. Funding included $11 million from the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), $1 million from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), and a $3 million matching commitment from Larimer County. Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir are among the top ten most-visited outdoor destinations in Colorado, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. Since 1954, LCDNR has managed recreation at these sites under an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring these natural spaces remain safe and accessible for the community.

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. 
For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources