Rueter-Hess Reservoir
Reuter-Hess Reservoir
World-class recreation just outside your door
Sitting at the northeast corner of our city sits a recreational playground - hiking, paddling, and more! Rueter-Hess Reservoir is nestled in the sandstone-rimmed bluffs and Gambel Oak valleys of Douglas County, on Hess Road, one mile east of I-25 at the Castle Pines Parkway exit. Abundant in history and rugged landscape, the reservoir resides on property owned by Parker Water and Sanitation District and is an invaluable source of water.
While the top priority is maintaining water quality, the district has established the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority to plan future recreational opportunities. The Authority is composed of appointed representatives from the City of Castle Pines, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Parker, City of Lone Tree, Douglas County and the District.
Recreational Opportunities
Rueter-Hess Reservoir offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and non-motorized boating including kayaks, canoes, etc. Through extensive public outreach, the Authority established a conceptual master plan in 2016, which outlines future recreational opportunities.
You can view Master Plan, including maps and timelines, here.
Incline Challenge
Are you up to the challenge?
The 132-step Incline and surrounding trails are open from sunup to sundown seven days a week. The incline offers 232 feet of elevation and a spectacular view of Longs Peak to the north and Pikes Peak to the south.
Located immediately west of the Rueter-Hess Water Purification Facility, a parking lot has been designated for visitors at the bottom of the Incline. Visitors should turn west off of Heirloom Parkway when they reach the Rueter-Hess Water Purification Facility, and continue west to the designated Incline parking area.
Resources and Updates
Learn more about the reservoir and get updates on the project using the links below.
