Rueter-Hess Recreation

Rueter-Hess Reservoir

Rueter-Hess Reservoir, just minutes from Downtown Castle Rock, sits on Hess Road, one mile east of I-25 at the Castle Pines Parkway exit. The property is owned and managed by the Parker Water and Sanitation District. 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 Town of Castle Rock, the Town of Parker, the City of Lone Tree, the City of Castle Pines, Douglas County and the District. 

Recreational opportunities

Through extensive public outreach (PDF), the Authority established a conceptual master plan (PDF) in 2016. Future recreational opportunities may include soft-surface trails, non-motorized watercraft and fishing. To start, however, the reservoir will only be open for limited recreational programming. 

With direction from the Authority, the Castle Rock and Parker parks and recreation departments will offer programs and special events on site. Registered participants will be allowed to enter the reservoir during the scheduled events. 

Paddle Days

The Town of Parker is hosting Paddle Days at Rueter-Hess Reservoir for the 2020 season. Select weekends from June 14 through Sept. 5 provide an opportunity for users to paddle and kayak at the reservoir. Boat inspections will be on-site. 

Fee: $15 / watercraft - registration is required