Carter Lake County Park
Aliases: Flatiron Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir
Popular with boaters and cyclists, Carter Lake is a terrifically scenic county park nestled between the Ponderosa forests of the foothills and the rocky Dakota Hogback ridge. It’s a good place to find birds of the foothills such as Mountain Bluebird; in summer, Rock Wrens and Cliff Swallows can be found at the dam. In winter, watch for ducks, loons, and gulls on the water before it freezes. Along the trails, be sure to look for the tassel-eared Abert’s Squirrel. You can also visit Flatiron and Pinewood Reservoirs (northwest of Carter) for more viewing opportunities, but be aware entry fees apply.
County: Larimer
Directions: From I-25: take exit 250/CO 56 and go west through the town of Berthoud. CO 56 changes to CR 8; continue on CR 8 as it bends north to become CR 23. Head west onto CR 8E for 3 miles to the entrance station.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Quiet hours 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Ownership: County
Admission: Daily or Annual entrance fee
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations
Parking: Dirt and paved parking areas
Lodging: Tent and RV camping
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: At Carter mostly viewing from car. ADA accessible trails at Pinewood; ADA accessible fishing pier at Flatiron
Latitude: 40.326456
Longitude: -105.211759
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | Yes |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | Yes |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | No |
| Camping | Yes |
| Picnic | Yes |
| Hunting | No |
| Fishing | Yes |