LOVELAND – Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) announces that boat ramps at county reservoirs have begun to open for the season with a slight pause this week due to winter weather.

Horsetooth Reservoir’s South Bay ramp and Carter Lake’s North Pines ramp opened on April 1. However, due to inclement weather, these ramps will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 4, and reopen on Saturday, April 5.

Boaters can access either ramp throughout the season from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., barring days with weather-related closures.

All other ramps open May 1. (A listing of ramp hours can be found below).

As we move into spring, LCDNR reminds visitors to be mindful of water safety, especially early in the season when cold waters can increase the risk for hypothermia and drowning. Wearing life jackets/personal flotation devices (PFDs) is essential. Children 12 and under are required to wear a PFD at all times with the penalty of a fine for noncompliance.

Additionally, boating visitors should be aware that mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections of all motorized vessels are required to keep county waters healthy. Inspection stations can be found at both Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake. ANS details available here: https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/boating

Boat ramp hours

Horsetooth Reservoir

South Bay:
April 1- May 16: 7 am -7 pm
May 17 – Sept. 30: 6 am - 10 pm
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 7am - 7pm
Nov. 1 - end of season (weather dependent): 8 am - 4 pm

Inlet Bay:
May 1 - May 22: 7 am - 7 pm
May 23 – Aug. 31: 6 am – 10 pm
Sept. 1  - Oct. 31: 7am-7pm
Closed in November

Satanka Bay:*
May 23rd – Aug. 31: 6am-8pm Friday - Sunday Only

* Satanka Bay cove converts to a non-motorized use zone (paddlecraft only) from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, so that it can be used by kayakers, paddleboarders and other non-motorized recreators safely during the busiest months on Horsetooth Reservoir. Boats must stay to the east of the buoys marking the wakeless zone.

Carter Lake

North Pines:
April 1 – May 16: 7 am – 7 pm
May 17 – Sept. 30: 6 am – 10 pm
Oct.1 – Oct. 31: 7 am – 7 pm
Nov. 1 - end of the season (weather dependent): 8 am – 4 pm

South Shore:
May 17 - May 22: 7 am -  7pm
May 23 - Aug. 31: 6 am – 10 pm
Sept. 1 – Sept. 30: 7 am – 7 pm
Closed in October