Boulder Parks and Recreation made some operational adjustments in 2024. Here’s what you can expect:

Boulder Reservoir 2025 Operations

Boulder Parks and Recreation made some operational adjustments at the Reservoir in 2024 which will continue for 2025. Here’s what you can expect:

Aquatic Nuisance Program

  • Starting December 30, 2023, the west side of Boulder Reservoir was closed year-round to support the aquatic nuisance species management program.
  • We will continue the watercraft inspection and decontamination program, which includes inspecting all watercraft as they enter and exit.
  • We will continue not issuing permits to any new Class 5 watercraft. This includes no new Class 5 permits for new boaters and for current boaters who wish to replace their current Class 5 watercraft. Existing boat permit holders may renew, however Class 5 watercraft must boat exclusively at the Boulder Reservoir.

We will explore the future of all Class V boating during the future Boulder Reservoir Strategic Plan update.

Limited Wake Days

  • To reduce erosion and support the shared lake concept for all recreational users, Tuesdays and Thursdays are limited wake days outside of existing no wake hours. No wakeboarding or wake surfing is allowed during limited wake hours.
    • Tuesdays
      • No wake hours - 6-10 a.m.
      • Limited wake hours - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Thursdays
    • No wake hours - 6–10 a.m. and 4–8 p.m.
    • Limited wake hours - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quantity and cost for small watercraft permits

  • Add additional season permits for a smallcraft users in 2025.
  • Adjust the cost of all watercraft permits in 2025.

Watercraft storage costs

  • Adjust the cost of watercraft storage fees. We will continue to review costs annually and adjust as needed to keep pace with the market average.

Encourage sustainability

  • Gate fees will continue to be discounted for customers that have three or more people in a car.
  • We will continue work on South Shore trail enhancements.

No motor zone along western border

  • The entire western border will continue to be a “no motor” zone. Motorboats with propellers may not enter this area, including Dream Cove.
  • View boating map.

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