Are you ready for a tranquil and serene day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir? Registration is now open for your all-day pass. Due to parking limitations, a reserved parking pass is required.
The reservoir will be open for non-motorized water activities including paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays starting Friday, May 26, into late October. The entrance to the Reservoir is off Hess Road in Parker, about 4.75 miles east of Interstate 25.
The cost of an all-day parking pass is $10. Reserve your all-day parking pass now. Reservations must be made online. Please save your confirmation email to show at the gate. (A screenshot or printed copy is needed, as cell service is spotty at the reservoir.)
To ensure the best day possible, there are some things you should know:
- Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and inflatable standup paddle boards are the only watercrafts allowed. All watercrafts will be inspected onsite for invasive species before entering the water. Rentals are available through an onsite vendor and include a life jacket.
- Life jackets are required for all and must be worn at all times.
- Plans are in the works to modernize the shoreline. As that plan comes to fruition, please expect the shoreline to be muddy in places this year.
- Parking is a 5- to 10-minute walk from the shoreline. Following an inspection of watercraft, you will be able to drop off gear near the shoreline and return to the parking lots to park your car. Please be prepared to inflate your watercraft, at least partially, before getting to the water.
- Dogs are allowed in some areas, but not the water.
- No glass bottles or alcohol are allowed.
A limited number of standup paddle boards and kayaks can be rented through SurfsUpColorado. Learn more to plan your day at Rueter-Hess.
About Rueter-Hess Reservoir
Rueter-Hess is foremost a drinking water storage facility, but Douglas County and its Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority partners know the community values the water for its recreation opportunities, too.
Partner agencies include the City of Castle Pines, the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County, the City of Lone Tree, the Town of Parker, and Parker Water and Sanitation District. Each agency has a representative on the Rueter-Hess Recreation Advisory Board, which will continue to implement the Recreation Master Plan.
The reservoir began storing water in 2012. In 2015, partner entities began planning for recreation at the reservoir. In 2016, your input drove the creation of the Recreation Master Plan, and in 2017, public access began with limited paddle days and guided hikes. By 2020, the 132-step Incline Challenge with Rosie Rueter Trail loop opened, and by 2022, a total of 6.5 miles of soft surface trails were completed.
Learn more about recreation at Rueter-Hess on our website. Learn more about the reservoir’s role in providing drinking water on Parker Water and Sanitation’s website.