Celebrate the trails at Rueter-Hess Reservoir; join National Trails Day June 2
Celebrate National Trails Day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Get the chance to explore the scenic reservoir from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 2. The reservoir will be open for hiking and paddling recreational opportunities.
Guided hikes will be taking place every 60 minutes from 9 to 11 a.m. The hikes will be between 1 mile and 3 miles round trip. The guided hikes will be limited to 30 participants, so registration is recommended. Or, feel free to take a self-guided hike along the 1-mile route. Please keep in mind these are not delineated trails, so bikes and strollers will not be allowed. Additionally, dogs will not be permitted at the reservoir.
New in 2018 – get a chance to paddle on the reservoir as part of the celebration. Bring your own paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Rentals will also be available. Registration is required, and participants who bring their own watercraft will need to have it inspected by a certified Colorado Parks and Wildlife inspector. Inspections will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Head to CRgov.com/trailsday for registration or more information. There will be a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10 for each watercraft.
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June. The program is intended to inspire the public to discover, learn about and celebrate trails.
Rueter-Hess Reservoir is located on Hess Road about 1 mile east of Interstate-25 and the Castle Pines Parkway exit. The Town is teaming up with the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority – which includes the City of Lone Tree, City of Castle Pines, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Parker, Parker Water and Sanitation District and Douglas County – to determine potential outdoor activities for the reservoir.
Currently, the reservoir is open for recreational programming and special events through both the Town of Castle Rock’s and the Town of Parker’s Parks and Recreation departments. Further development will open opportunities for residents to enjoy hiking, biking and non-motorized boating on a regular basis. However, the entire plan will take up to six years to complete. For now, registering for events like National Trails Day is a great way to utilize the reservoir recreationally.
More information about the recreational master plan developed for the reservoir is available at CRgov.com/RueterHessRec.
Questions about National Trails Day? Contact Natural Resource Specialist Barbara Spagnuolo at BSpagnuolo@CRgov.com. Or, get more information at CRgov.com/trailsday.
Rueter-Hess Recreation Planning
F.A.Q.’s about the Rueter-Hess Reservoir in Parker Colorado
When will Rueter-Hess Reservoir be done?
The construction of Rueter-Hess Reservoir is complete. The expansion from 16,200 acre-feet to 72,000 acre-feet was completed in March 2012. The dam rises 185 feet above the bedrock and the reservoir will encompass 1170 acres, which is about one and half times the size of Cherry Creek Reservoir.
Where is Rueter-Hess Reservoir located?
It is located about three miles southwest of downtown Parker on Newlin Gulch, which is a tributary drainage of Cherry Creek.
How will Rueter-Hess be used?
The primary purpose of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir is drinking water storage for the Partner Districts in this massive project. However, recreational uses are currently being explored!
Rueter-Hess Reservoir is a Long-Term Solution
Rueter-Hess Reservoir will serve the District’s ongoing water needs and solve its long-term water shortage problem.
For more information please contact:
Susan Saint Vincent – Director of Business Solutions
18100 E Woodman Drive
Parker, CO 80134
Ph: 303-841-4627
Hours:Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
