Boulder Reservoir Operational Changes for 2024

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

Aquatic Nuisance Program

• Starting December 30, 2023, the west side of Boulder Reservoir will now be closed year-round to support the aquatic nuisance species management program.
  • Map of closure (PDF)
• We will continue the existing watercraft inspection and decontamination program, which includes inspecting all watercraft as they enter and exit.
• We will continue to not issue 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 will be limited wake days outside of existing no wake hours. No wakeboarding or wake surfing will be 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

• Added an additional 400 season permits for a total of 2,100 season permits and will offer an unlimited number of weekday permits.
• Increased the cost of all watercraft permits.

Watercraft storage costs

• Increased 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 by 25% during the high season for customers that arrive by foot, non-motorized vehicle or 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. View boating map. Motorboats with propellers may not enter this area, including Dream Cove.

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