Summer boating at Boyd Lake is getting cut short. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is shutting down all boat ramps at Boyd Lake State Park at 9 p.m. on Sunday, and they will stay closed for the rest of the 2026 season as reservoir levels plunge. That means no more trailer-launched or motorized boats on the popular Loveland Lake, although hand-launched craft like kayaks and paddleboards, along with swimming, will still be allowed. Park staff says the receding waterline is exposing shallow shoreline and sticky mudflats that pose new hazards, and they are warning visitors that water-rescue response times could be longer than usual.
What’s changing at Boyd Lake
According to CBS Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will close all ramps at 9 p.m. on Sunday for the remainder of the season, with some ramps now sitting in only two to three feet of water. No additional water is expected to be allocated to Boyd Lake this summer, which leaves the ramps high and almost dry. In a statement, Park Manager Lauren Turpin said, "Our top priority is making sure everyone goes home safely," and urged visitors to wear life jackets when they head out in hand-launched vessels.
Park facilities and marina shutdown
Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists the Boyd Lake Marina as closed for the 2026 season. The agency notes that the current operating contract has ended and that no new concessionaire will be selected because of low-water forecasts. The same park page points out that the Heron Cove ramp is already closed, while the main marina ramp has been identified as the primary launch point for what little water access remains.
Why the lake is low
The reservoir is fed by the Big Thompson River, and its water levels are controlled by the Greeley & Loveland Irrigation Company, which manages releases into Boyd Lake. Local reporting has noted that the lake is hovering around one-third of its capacity this year. That lack of inflow is the reason Colorado Parks and Wildlife says full boating operations will not be possible this season, as outlined by the Denver Gazette.
Safety, inspections and rescues
With less water and more exposed hazards, CPW is blunt about the risks. Visitors are being told to recreate at their own risk and to expect extended response times for water rescues. The park's Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection station will stay open for off-water inspections and decontaminations, though hours may be adjusted as conditions change, according to CBS Colorado. Boaters and anglers are urged to plan for a slower rescue response and to keep an eye out for newly exposed rocks, mudflats, and other hazards near the formerly submerged shoreline.
What comes next
Park staff says they will be weighing options for how to deploy ranger boats and water-rescue craft in the shallower conditions, while aquatic biologists monitor fish populations and overall water quality. For the latest on-ramp access, hours, and any further changes, visitors are encouraged to check the official park page at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
