Boulder Reservoir — Attraction in Boulder

My first experience at the Boulder Reservoir was quite memorable. It was a brisk February day and my friends and I were eagerly awaiting our turn to dip (it was a Polar Plunge event in support of the Special Olympics). The ice was lovingly broken and cleared away so we could make our run in and out. The event was executed well and there were snacks (donuts really are the best snack. I was so happy to see these), announcers, photographers, and his and hers warming tents. After this great experience I'm not sure whey it took me so long to return to see what the reservoir had to offer in the summer months.

It was a hot hot h-o-t June day and being all pooled out (note: I had not yet been to the Eldorado Canyon pool) I thought I'd give the reservoir a try. After all I thought I'd best check on my investment (I purchased a couples yoga paddle board lesson for later this summer).

The line of cars moving through the entry gates went by smoothly and we were soon in (though the directions provided by the gate staff were a bit confusing). We parked the car and made our way down to the beach.

I was pleased to see that there were few patrons and the reservoir had a lake like feel (I'm from Maine and I rarely think a week passed that I didn't se at least 1 natural lake in my 23 years living there). We set out our towels, took out our magazines, re-applied our sunscreen and spent the next 45 minutes convincing each other to swim out to the dock (ok my partner was the one trying to convince me).

We eventually made it into the water and probably about 30 minutes (seriously I saw someone conduct an entire swim workout between the time I entered the water and eventually made it out to the dock) later made it out to the one dock that was not yet occupied. We lounged the afternoon away chatting, people watching, and enjoying small waves produced by small boats and passing paddle boarders.

The next day I couldn't help but look up the fees associated with Boulder Reservoir Annual passes as well as the all popular Splash Pass.

Though I'll be out of town for the 4th of July festivities I will soon be back to the...

Worst experience my family has EVER had at a lake in Colorado and Im a Native! We were charged $22 to enter @ 5:50pm. Swim beach closes @ 6pm which was not communicated at the gate and we were kicked out right when we got to the swim beach! You are not allowed on the water for paddle boarding, rafting or kayaking without a permit. Kids must take a swim test to enter the swim area or can not enter the water. Also additional permits for water sports are apparently sold out for the year. So even after paying the $22 fee you can't swim or paddleboard or kayak or fish. I can not believe we were charged $22. Not just us but 4 car loads of my family were charged $22 each car for a lake that is closed and completely off limits to the public (which was all of US even though we paid the park fee!!!) There were a ton of rules and a ton of employees enforcing them so we honestly could not do anything here but sit by the water. It was not fun for any of us, especially the kids. We were all so disappointed. Park Staff should have communicated that we could not swim or do anything water or sport related. We wouldn't have bothered. As we turned around to exit the park, we were also denied refunds. This is NOT a lake worth the trouble, money or time. I wish I could give Boulder...

I hate to be overly critical, but generally for what one would expect to find in Boulder, this place is a disappointment and kind of a dump. In my opinion entrance should be free for Boulder residents. Recently I went stand up paddle boarding for one hour with my son and it was $52, (cost of entrance plus rental), which seemed rather excessive. I was dismayed by the lengthy set of warnings and rules, and threatened with major fines and possibly worse if I happen to float into a certain restricted are with birds or something. This should not be an issue in an open recreation area? Rope that part off maybe? Then we jumped/fell in the water while SUPing, you know, having a nice time as one would expect to do - and were immediately descended upon by PATROL told to get out of the water- NO SWIMMING outside the designated swimming area. If you're doing a water activity one would expect to fall in the water - what is the problem here? The overly restrictive, nanny atmosphere is a real obsession for them. Takes all the joy out of everything. I live here and I never come here for reasons like this. You have to rent a...