Larimer County prepares Horsetooth Reservoir parking areas for Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) improvements

FORT COLLINS — The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR), in partnership with the Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), is initiating preliminary staging work at Horsetooth Reservoir in preparation for a multi-year, multi-phase construction project aimed at improving roads and enhancing visitor access. The project is partially funded through the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP).

Mobilization activities at Horsetooth Reservoir will include site surveying, staging construction equipment and materials, and implementing stormwater mitigation measures.  Material and equipment staging is expected to occur this month, when construction is also expected to concurrently begin.  Specific project areas that will undergo construction at Horsetooth Reservoir include:

1.       South Bay access road and parking lot repaving
2.       Inlet Bay access road and parking lot repaving
3.       West County Road 38E turn lane expansion

While visitors’ access to all areas of Horsetooth will remain open during construction, visitors are asked to demonstrate caution by respecting temporary closure areas. Public information of project status and updates can be found at the FLAP project website at https://engage.larimer.gov/flaphorsetoothreservoir

Additionally, LCDNR and CFLHD are progressing through active construction projects at Carter Lake.  Parking lot re-paving and road improvements are being completed at Eagle Campground, North Pines Campground, Big Thompson day use, and the new Quarry overflow parking lot. Expansion of two turn lanes to access Big Thompson Day Use and Quarry will be constructed along County Road 31. Regular construction updates are posted at the project website at https://engage.larimer.gov/flapcarterlake.

Construction at Carter Lake is estimated to be completed by 2026 and Horsetooth Reservoir is estimated to be completed in 2027.  CFLHD is acting as the lead implementation agency through completion. 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 56,000 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved. For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources