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North Slope Recreation Area Study

After a collaborative process with community members and partner agencies, we have finished the study of the North Slope Recreation Area.

The plan recommends improvements to recreation access while protecting water infrastructure. It also addresses sustainability, security and public safety while protecting natural and cultural resources. 

Goals of the study

Strengthen protection of critical drinking water infrastructure.
Improve public safety through clear rules and procedures.
Support recreation that aligns with our mission and remains financially and environmentally sustainable.
Ensure long term resources for managing the North Slope Recreation Area.

Springs Utilities leadership presented the plan to the Utilities Board on April 22, 2026, as an informational item. The plan is now final and will be implemented as resources and time allows.

A resolution related to commercially guided recreation was approved by Colorado Springs City Council on April 28, 2026. 

The blue waters of Crystal Creek Reservoir below Pikes Peak taken on a sunny fall day. Yellow aspens are seen dotting the hillside behind the lake.

About the North Slope Recreation Area

The North Slope Recreation Area on Pikes Peak is home to three reservoirs essential to the city’s water supply system – North Catamount Reservoir, South Catamount Reservoir and Crystal Creek Reservoir.

As a city watershed land, the area is operated and maintained by Colorado Springs Utilities. Recreational uses within the The North Slope Recreation Area are managed by Pikes Peak America’s Mountain, an enterprise of the City of Colorado Springs. Those uses include: 

  • Fishing 
  • Non-motorized boating 
  • Hiking and cycling  

The forested areas surrounding the North Slope Recreation Area are managed by U.S. Forest Service and Teller County.

Current projects

Horizon Utility Campus

Horizon Utility Campus

A location near the Colorado Springs Airport will soon feature 160 acres of resources to provide reliable and cost-effective energy for years to come.

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Austin Bluffs Water System Improvements

Austin Bluffs Water System Improvements

We are replacing a large water tank and building a new pump station in Austin Bluffs Open Space to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water.

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Kelker Substation Expansion Project

Kelker Substation Expansion Project

The Kelker substation expansion project addresses our plan to improve system reliability and expand resources to meet growing energy demands.

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Water Pressure Zone Project

Water Pressure Zone Project

We will begin work in fall 2025 to improve water pressure on the west side of the city near Garden of the Gods Park.

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Distribution Integrity Management Program

Distribution Integrity Management Program

To ensure the safety and reliability of our natural gas system, we are replacing bare steel in our natural gas system by 2035.

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Central Bluffs Substation

Central Bluffs Substation

The Central Bluffs Substation project will modernize our infrastructure for sustainability, system resiliency and reliability.

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Marksheffel Water Main Installation

Marksheffel Water Main Installation

We are working to improve the reliability of our water system on Marksheffel Road.

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Dry Creek Stream Stabilization

Dry Creek Stream Stabilization

We're installing concrete and rock structures to protect critical wastewater infrastructure near the Dry Creek Stream in northwest Colorado Springs.

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Fiber Network

Fiber Network

Colorado Springs will be one of the best-connected cities in the country, enabling the highest-speed internet connectivity for every home and ...

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Star Ranch Pump Station

Star Ranch Pump Station

The Star Ranch Pump Station will improve water supply for fire protection, improve water quality and reduce the risk of water outages.

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Continental Hoosier System Project

Continental Hoosier System Project

The goal of the Continental-Hoosier System Project is to improve the resiliency, redundancy and efficiency of this important part of our water system.

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Midway-Kelker Transmission Line Project

Midway-Kelker Transmission Line Project

We are upgrading this transmission line to strengthen our electric grid and ensure reliability as energy needs change.

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