Throngs of motorboaters flock to Boyd Lake every summer for water skiing, wake boarding and other aquatic activities on a reservoir whose primary purpose is furnishing drinking water for Greeley and serving northern Colorado agricultural needs.
This year, though, the 1,700-acre lake in Loveland may see boating restrictions due to low water caused by drought. And it’s not the only Front Range reservoir facing potential recreation impacts this year.
Low water levels could also affect access and boater capacity at Cherry Creek Reservoir and Barr Lake, according to a round-up compiled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Few impacts to boating are expected at Chatfield Reservoir, though, due to its size and topography. A major expansion project completed in 2020 increased Chatfield’s “full” level by 12 feet.
Fed by the Big Thompson River with headwaters high in Rocky Mountain National Park, Boyd Lake currently is at roughly one-third of its capacity. The lake typically rises with river runoff until mid or late May, but that may not occur this year.
“Boaters should expect very low water levels through the season,” Parks and Wildlife said of Boyd Lake in a news release. “The Heron Cove boat ramp is closed due to the low water levels. All vessels must be launched from the main boat ramp. If restrictions need to be enacted, CPW likely will limit the number of boats allowed to be launched for safety reasons, rather than closing the reservoir to all boating.”
Cherry Creek Reservoir did not refill to average water levels last year due to the drought, and it starts the 2026 boating season at the same height it was when the 2025 season ended last fall.
“In an average year, the reservoir loses approximately three vertical feet of water due to evaporation,” the CPW release said. “The expected evaporation, coupled with the inability to refill the reservoir due to low snowpack, may result in boating restrictions and boat ramp closures for Cherry Creek State Park. The timing of potential closures is dependent on precipitation throughout the rest of spring and summer.”
Barr Lake near Brighton is fed by the South Platte River. It typically fills during winter and is drawn down in the summer to serve irrigation interests.
“The reservoir started the 2026 boating season at full capacity,” CPW said of Barr Lake. “With the current water level, any potential boat ramp closures would likely not be until July or August.”
CPW is warning boaters to be aware of potential dangers caused by low water hazards.
“Sandbars, uneven lake bottom topography, fishing habitat structures, rocks, stumps and other debris in the water may become visible obstacles,” CPW said. “Boaters should be prepared for slower speeds and be aware of surroundings while recreating.”
