Above Cascade, Colorado, the South Catamount Reservoir is located in the Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area between the North Catamount Reservoir and the Crystal Creek Reservoir. It is the smallest of the three bodies of water at only 120 surface acres but offers nearly 4 miles of scenic shoreline.
The South Catamount Reservoir and its neighboring lakes were developed to supply Colorado Springs and surrounding towns with water. After decades of improvement in the area’s water treatment capabilities, the South Catamount Reservoir became officially open for public recreation in the summer of 1992.
Today, the reservoir is a part of the 2,267-acre Pikes Peak North Slope Recreation Area, which the National Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife maintain.
Activities at South Catamount Reservoir
There are many ways that visitors can respectively enjoy the South Catamount Reservoir and its surrounding environment. However, it should be noted that swimming, windsurfing, wading, horseback riding, hunting, and camping are all prohibited. Additional water recreation can be found in North Catamount and Crystal Creek reservoirs.
Hiking / Mountain Biking: Hiking and mountain biking are permitted on designated trails around the South Catamount Reservoir. Bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalks or docks but are free to explore the 10 miles of gravel roads, logging routes, and single-track trails. The foot trails along the reservoir’s shores are reserved for pedestrians only. These paths are not very strenuous and can accommodate a stroller.
Birding / Wildlife Viewing: South Catamount Reservoir is a great place to see a wide variety of alpine species and birdlife. Notably, visitors may spot hummingbirds, turkey vultures, jays, waterfowl, chipmunks, woodpeckers, deer, bighorn sheep, marmots and more.
Boating: Trailers are not permitted on Pikes Peak Highway, so visitors may only bring rooftop, truck bed, or inflatable boats. Small boats with electric motors are permitted on the South Catamount Reservoir. However, gas motors are prohibited. Flotation devices must be worn by all boaters on the water. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards are also permitted.
Fishing: Bait fishing, flies, and lures are permitted in the South Catamount Reservoir. Licensed anglers often report good, stocked fishing conditions in the South Catamount Reservoir with limitations on the amount of bagged trout permitted.
Picnicking: There are developed picnic sites available at the South Catamount Reservoir, with tables and bathrooms available for a small day-use per person fee. The area makes for a great stop while traveling up or down Pikes Peak Highway.
More outdoor recreation can be found within the nearby Pike National Forest.
Details
Address: South Catamount Reservoir, Woodland Park, CO 80863 (closer to Cascade)
Phone: 719-385-7325
Season: May 1st to Mid-October
Hours: North Slope Recreation Area Seasonal Daylight Hours
Fees: Toll Road & North Slope Recreation Area Fees
Maps: (PDF)
Website: coloradosprings.gov/page/north-slope-recreation-area