Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland, Colorado, will close its boat ramps to motorized and larger vessels beginning Sunday at 9:00 p.m. and remain closed for the rest of the 2026 season due to extremely low reservoir levels.

Boat ramps are currently sitting in two to three feet of water, with no additional water expected to be allocated to Boyd Lake this summer. Hand-launched vessels such as kayaks and paddleboards, as well as swimming, will still be permitted. Park officials are evaluating options for ranger boats and water rescue crafts, and visitors should expect extended response times to water rescues.

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"Our top priority at Boyd Lake is making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day, and the water level is making that a challenge for us," said Park Manager Lauren Turpin. "We appreciate how much our community loves being on the water. We ask all visitors to please wear a lifejacket if they come out with hand-launched vessels and paddle crafts."

The reservoir is filled by the Big Thompson River. While Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages water recreation, the Greeley & Loveland Irrigation Company owns the water and controls its levels. The water is used as drinking water for Greeley and for agricultural needs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists will closely monitor fishery population health and work with partners to resolve any long-term impacts.

Boyd Lake's Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection station will remain open for off-water inspections and decontaminations, though hours will likely be adjusted. Updated hours will be posted at https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/boyd-lake-state-park.

Visitors are advised to wear a lifejacket when using hand-launched vessels and to recreate at their own risk given extended water rescue response times.