The North Slope Recreation Area along the Pikes Peak Highway is now open. This includes the North and South Catamount reservoirs along with Crystal Creek Reservoir, which had previously been closed for more than three seasons due to a Colorado Springs Utilities maintenance and repair project.
Summit reservations will not be required for those planning to visit the North Slope Recreation Area unless they are also planning to drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. Summit reservations are required the Friday of Memorial weekend through September 30. One-day passes to the North Slope Recreation Area are $5 per guest and children under 16 are free with no reservation required. Hours of operation are daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., weather permitting until May 26th when summer hours begin. Summer hours start on the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day from 7:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Guests should follow all posted rules and regulations. A Colorado Fishing license purchased through Colorado Parks and Wildlife is required for those 16 and older planning to fish in the reservoirs.
Please note that due to parking limitations at the Catamount reservoirs, a free parking pass is recommended as in previous years. A limited number of passes can be reserved via the online store, and the remaining will be distributed daily on a space-available basis at the Pikes Peak Highway Gateway. Once the parking lots are full, the Catamount gate will close, but people may still hike or bike in. The gate will reopen as guests leave and additional parking becomes available.
“The North Slope Recreation Area is a dream for the outdoor enthusiast looking to escape the city and enjoy breathtaking scenery at 9,200 feet,” said Skyler Rorabaugh, Manager of Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain. “Whether you are birdwatching, hiking, biking or paddleboarding and fishing in the reservoirs, we look forward to hosting all of our North Slope recreators this year,”
For more information, visit North Slope Recreation Area.