Colorado-Big Thompson Project

The Colorado-Big Thompson Project is a water system in Northern Colorado comprising eleven reservoirs, eighteen dams, and six power plants. These facilities connect through an extensive network of tunnels and pipelines that distribute water across the region.

Construction began in 1938 under President Roosevelt's authorization to address water shortages affecting northeastern Colorado. The work extended over decades as engineers completed this complex infrastructure system.

The project enabled farmers to cultivate land throughout the year and played a key role in the development of communities along the Front Range.

The system is accessible through various public routes and visitor centers where you can learn about water management operations. Plan extra time to explore multiple sites, as the entire facility spans a large geographic area.

A tunnel crosses beneath the Continental Divide through Rocky Mountain National Park to move water from the western slope into drier eastern regions. This underground passage was a remarkable engineering feat when completed.