Rampart Reservoir, body of water
Rampart Reservoir is a reservoir in Pike National Forest, Colorado, sitting on a high granite plateau at around 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level, surrounded by pine forest and rocky terrain. The shoreline is developed with hiking trails, a boat launch, two campgrounds, and picnic areas right at the water's edge.
The reservoir was created in the late 1960s when a dam was built across West Monument Creek to supply drinking water to Colorado Springs. A major wildfire later forced the site to close temporarily, and it reopened after cleanup work was finished.
Rampart Reservoir is a go-to spot for fishing, stocked with trout that draw anglers to its shores and boats throughout the season. On weekends, families gather at the picnic areas along the water, making it a regular destination for people from Colorado Springs looking for a day outdoors.
The access road is unpaved and rough, so a careful approach at low speed is recommended for all vehicles. Swimming is not allowed anywhere on the water, and boats go through an inspection at the launch to prevent invasive species from entering the reservoir.
Although the reservoir is best known for outdoor recreation, it still functions as an active drinking water source for Colorado Springs to this day. This is the reason behind rules that go beyond those at most other lakes in the region, such as the ban on swimming and mandatory boat inspections.
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