Boulder Reservoir Park

Rate this place

Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Red Fox Hills Park North Central Boulder Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Boulder Reservoir Park is a popular recreational area located in Boulder, Colorado.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a 700-acre park that offers a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, and more. The park is open year-round, and there are many good reasons to visit.

One of the main attractions at Boulder Reservoir Park is its beautiful beach, which is ideal for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months. Visitors can also rent boats, paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the reservoir. There is a fishing pier available for those who prefer to fish, and the lake is stocked with a variety of fish species.

Other points of interest at the park include a playground, volleyball courts, hiking and biking trails, and a dog park. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

Interesting facts about Boulder Reservoir Park include that it was built in 1953 as a water storage reservoir, and it is now a popular recreational area. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including triathlons, music festivals, and other community events.

The best time of year to visit Boulder Reservoir Park depends on what activities visitors are interested in. Summer is the most popular time for swimming and water activities, while fall is a great time for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and winter sports, and spring is a great time to see wildlife and wildflowers.

Overall, Boulder Reservoir Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for outdoor recreation in the Boulder area. With its beautiful scenery, variety of activities, and year-round availability, it is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References