Canoe Colorado
Performance Canoes and Sea Kayaks

Lonetree Reservoir

Lonetree Reservoir is located 3 miles northwest of Berthoud, Colorado. The reservoir is 502 acres, and hosts a variety of fish, birds and wildlife.

Powerboats are allowed at Lonetree, but it is a wakeless lake and the majority of craft are generally fishing boats trolling or anchored around the shore.

At high water it's possible to paddle through the trees and into some back bays.

There is no entrance fee for Lonetree Reservoir.

Paddling Season:
There is no specific season at Lonetree. The lake begins to ice over in December, and opens in February. The water level is highest in the spring, however there is water year round.

Types of Craft:
Sea Kayaks, Canoes, Rowing Sculls
Wakeless motorized boats allowed, no sailboats

How to get there:
From Denver, take I-25 to exit 250 (hwy 56). Take hwy 56 west through Berthoud to Taft Road (approx 1/2 mile west of the A&W). Go north on Taft 3 miles to county road 14 (there is a large water tank on the sw corner of Taft and hwy 14). Go west on county road 14 for 2 miles to Lonetree Drive. There is a sign for Lonetree Reservoir visible from this intersection. Go south on Lonetree Drive approximately 1 mile to the reservoir and boat ramp.

Camping:
There is no camping at Lonetree reservoir, however there are campgrounds at Carter Lake west of Berthoud.

GPS Coordinates:
Boat Ramp  N 40 20.273'  W 105 7.908'
 

Maps:
USGS 7.5 Quads
Berthoud, CO
Carter Lake Reservoir, CO

The following map was created using National Geographic TOPO! Colorado software which offers complete 7.5 min maps for all of Colorado.

These photos were taken July 30, 2005  Trip participants were Marek Uliasz, Eric Niles, Pam Noe, Ray Van Dusen and Eric Nyre

Marek has also created a webpage for Lonetree at: http://users.frii.com/uliasz/wayfarer/lonetree.htm

Marek, Ray, Pam and Eric Niles The group having a social moment out on the lake	Eric Niles in the Sawyer Eric Niles restored this old Sawyer Pro-boat. It's really a tandem, but he set a solo pedestal in the middle so he could paddle it himself while Pam rowed.	More group socializing The weather was beautiful, a light breeze and slightly overcast to help cut the sun.	Pam learning to row Pam borrowed the Alden Horizon to row around Lonetree.	One of the inlets This ditch helps feed the reservoir. At high water this cascade is buried.
Marek approaching the inlet Marek paddling his Sisson approaches as I look at the inlet.	Trees at the Outlet There is a dense growth of trees near the outlet for the reservoir.	Ray paddling to the outlet This is the maiden voyage for Rays Seda Impulse.	Looking south from the outlet Good weather, good scenery, and good company. What a way to spend the day.	Ray at the outlet We encountered some rec kayaks at the outlet. The little dam can be seen in the distance.
Ray on the northwest end This is the least scenic part of the reservoir, with it's erosion banks. However the view of the mountains is excellent.

 

Written by Eric Nyre