Rampart Reservoir or Rampart Range Reservoir is a reservoir northwest of the city ofColorado Springs, Colorado in Pike National Forest. The reservoir is located on a granite plateau approximately above sea level, and consists of a body of water with a capacity of. This water supplies the domestic drinking water for the city of Colorado Springs, and because of this fact, access to the area was briefly limited after the September 11 attacks on the United States. The area today is a popular recreation area for boaters, mountain bikers, and hikers. Planning for construction of the reservoir began in the 1960s in recognition of the growing population of south-central Colorado and its increasing need for drinking water. In 1967, the city of Colorado Springs voted that the planned reservoir would eventually be opened for public recreation after construction of the necessary facilities. In 1969, the reservoir's dam was built, stretching long and high. Five years after its completion, the dam was completely filled and opened to the public as a recreation area. The reservoir has been stocked with fish by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, which continues to do so today. Rampart Reservoir closed on June 23, 2012 due to the Waldo Canyon fire. The reservoir was reopened for limited access on Friday, May 24, 2013. The Rampart Range Reservoir in Pike National forest offers fabulous views of Pikes Peak and other surrounding mountain ranges. The water is pristine and visibility to the bottom is crystal clear. The fishing is typically excellent with many species of trout including record size Lake trout. After many years of drought conditions and the devastating Waldo Canyon Fire, the lake is again filled to capacity as of 2015. Camping and camp fires are not allowed in the reservoir area and shore. Only electric or unpowered water craft are allowed. The wildlife to be seen include bears, mountain lions, snowshoe hares, and eagles which can almost always be viewed. There is no swimming allowed. The City of Colorado Springs manages the dam and the access to the north dam shore and has started to deny access to the north shore and is currently in the initial stages of a class action lawsuit by fishermen, boaters, hikers, and bicyclists who wish to use the area. The dry land encompassing the lake is Pike National Forest and open to public access24 hours a day and seven days a week. There is excellent snow-shoe hiking on numerous trails throughout the region. Always beware of rapidly changing weather conditions around the reservoir and surrounding skies. The weather can change to rain, hail, low temperatures, extremely dangerous lightning, and even tornados in one hour from a clear blue sky.
