A lot of front range people like to visit Pueblo Reservoir on the weekends. It's not a bad drive from Springs or Denver and there is lots to do. Now that the exit 108 is open off I-25 most people from up north use it to get to the Res. (A reminder though, Please remember that about 4 miles from I-25 the speed limit drops to 45 because most of the homes in that area have small children and there are several streets that connect to Purcell that you can not see and they can not see you until you are right there! We have an average of 1 accident per week just due to that on this road). However it's a lot faster (even with the 45mph speed limit) than going into Pueblo and hitting hwy 50, plus you don't have all those irratating stop lights!
The water levels in Pueblo Res are about 10 foot higher this year than they were last year, a number of the 'islands' that were there last year are now under water. There is a specific area to unload your jet skis here, makes it a lot easier than having to sit around and wait at the boat ramp! Which reminds me....if you're REALLY bored some Saturday or Sunday and want some entertainment, just head over to the Northshore boat ramp and park and watch people try to load and unload boats. It can be highly entertaining, and is also the 1 reason I REFUSE to try and back down the ramp to unload our boat. Because that would sure be entertainment for everyone around! It's good clean comic relief! The longest I ever seen it take was just a little over an hour (thank goodness it was during the winter on a weekday!) the park ranger finally went over and asked the guy if he'd like some help and the guy said no. but to give him credit, he finally did get the boat in the water. The funniest one (even the guy it happened to laughed), was one where it took the guy around 30 minutes to get backed down the boat ramp and get his boat in the water, after tieing up to the dock he got in his truck to go park the trailer, and the boat started sinking while he was gone, he'd forgot to put the plug in. So it can give you a good belly laugh!
There is also Rock Canyon Swim beach. It only costs $1.00 to get in. (Plus your Parks Pass). They have a huge water slide, paddle boats you can rent, and a big swim area. The kids love to spend the day there and I have to say it's pretty relaxing for Mom too. I usually take a book and catch up on some reading. They have life guards on duty at all times and there is a snack bar there serving burgers and fries and pizza and pop among other things and their prices are very reasonable! They are open from Memorial Day-Labor Day.
If you like the water as much as we do I recommed getting your annual parks pass for $55.00, it's well worth it, and if you consider it costs $5.00 a day every time you go, than it can save you money. We usually buy 4 for 4 of our vehicles, when I take the kids I take either my car or my expedition depending on how many of their friends are coming too. But when we take the boat we'll either take the diesel or the expedition, so all need passes. Now that we traded the old camper for a new bigger camper, we are too long to piggyback the boat and camper so we end up taking 2 vehicles, so the price we pay for the annual parks pass pays for itself in no time at all!
There are several Camping areas, some have electric and some don't. They fill up fast for the major summer holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July so book early. We looked into what was available for Memorial Day back in March, wanted something with electricity, and at that point there were'nt too many available. Still had lots of non-electric spots available though.
The fishing at Pueblo Reservoir is usually pretty good. I've caught Wipers, trout and bass out of it on a fairly regular basis.
There are bike and hiking trails throughout the area surrounding the Res. A lot of these are paved. They also allow you to bring your horse and ride the area, but only for day trips.
The park rangers offer a variety of educational programs for all ages. Sometimes when it's kinda rainy the kids really like to go to these. The plus factor is they learn a lot about the areas native plants and animals and they also become well versed on how to do thier part to help the ecology of the area. When we go camping, the kids (age 8-10), decided a few years back that when they start getting bored they come to me and get rubber gloves and a trash bag and go over our entire camp site and pick up everything they can find, like bottle caps, cigarette butts, twist ties, anything. They want to always leave our campsite cleaner than it was when we arrived. I'm all for that! Keeps them occupied and it's something that is becoming ingrained in them so they will always leave it cleaner than they found it.
Lake Pueblo offers all kinds of recreation. You can always find something to do! So this summer when you're wondering what to do, head on down and I'm sure you'll find something!
As time goes on, i'll add more blogs on different recreational areas in Colorado.
Comments (2)Subscribe to CommentsComment