Gross Reservoir fully closed to recreation for 2-3 weeks in May to allow for construction of access improvements

COAL CREEK CANYON — May 2, 2022 — Denver Water will close all recreation access to Gross Reservoir beginning in early May as contractors build access improvements on the north side ahead of the upcoming boating season. The closure is expected to last two to three weeks, with work expected to be completed in time for boating beginning May 27.

The improvements to the north side are needed to accommodate the shift in access and boat launching from Osprey Point on the south side. Access at that location closed in mid-March as contractors began to position equipment for the reservoir expansion project that kicked off April 1.

The north side improvements are needed to address the loss of parking on the south side and make it easier to access the water’s edge, as the existing route is longer and steeper than the previous location at Osprey Point. Denver Water plans to evaluate a pilot shuttle program that would also help recreators get from the North Shore parking lot to the water’s edge.

The full recreation closure will come in steps:

• A closure will occur May 4 through the afternoon of May 6 to prepare for work.
• Recreation access will reopen for the weekend of May 7-8.
• Full closure will begin again May 9 and is expected to last until May 25.

Work during the closure will include a new parking area, trail handrails, improvements to trail and access road surfacing, boat ramp construction and new signage.

Read the full press release here.