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Pinewood Reservoir: A Tranquil Mountain Escape

Escape to Pinewood Reservoir for serene lakeside recreation, surrounded by stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife near Loveland, Colorado.

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Nestled in the Ramsay-Shockey Open Space near Loveland, Colorado, Pinewood Reservoir offers a serene 100-acre lake surrounded by 327 acres of public lands. This scenic destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, camping, hiking, and non-motorized boating activities.

A brief summary to Pinewood Reservoir

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Reservations are highly recommended for camping, especially during peak season, and can be made online.
  • Bring your own non-motorized boat to enjoy the calm waters, as only hand-launched watercraft are permitted.
  • Purchase a daily entrance permit at the self-pay kiosk or at the entrance gatehouses for Carter Lake.
  • Be bear aware and store food properly in hard-sided containers to avoid attracting wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Loveland, take U.S. Highway 34 west. Look for the "Carter Lake" road sign just past mile marker #85. Turn left (south) onto County Road 29 and continue for 2 miles. Turn right (west) onto County Road 18E and continue another 2 miles. Watch for signs directing you to turn left (south) to the park entrance station to purchase your park entrance permits. Continue to Pinewood Reservoir. A daily entrance permit costs around $10.

  • Bicycle

    Adventurous visitors can cycle from Loveland along scenic routes. Start on the Loveland Recreation Trail, head north to US-287, continue north, and follow CO-66 W and Pinewood Springs Dr. Be prepared for a 20-mile round trip. Remember to bring water and snacks. Once you arrive, you will still need to pay the entrance fee of approximately $10.

Unlock the Best of Pinewood Reservoir

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Discover more about Pinewood Reservoir

Pinewood Reservoir, situated at an elevation of 6,580 feet, is a picturesque body of water managed by Larimer County. The reservoir was created in 1952 as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which diverts water from the West Slope to the East Slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. Originally named Rattlesnake Reservoir, it was renamed Pinewood Reservoir in 1966. Today, Pinewood Reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Anglers can enjoy trout fishing, with species including Rainbow, Brown, and Snake River cutthroat trout, as well as stocked Tiger Muskies. Only non-motorized boats are permitted, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The boat ramp is currently closed to trailered watercraft. The surrounding Ramsay-Shockey Open Space offers hiking and mountain biking trails with scenic vistas. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk is available at the Blue Mountain Trailhead. There are also picnic areas with tables and restrooms. Camping is available with 27 campsites, including electric and walk-in tent sites. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Note that swimming and cliff diving are prohibited.

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