Activities at Union - City of Longmont

Download the Union Reservoir Information Brochure in English

Descargue el tríptico de información sobre el Reservorio de Union PDF en Español

Season passes are available for purchase online, and senior discounts are available to those who qualify. Longmont resident pricing requires showing proof of residency in the form of a city of Longmont Utility Bill or a lease agreement for a property that resides within the city limits of Longmont. Daily passes are also available at the entrance gate.

View fee schedule and link to purchase resident season passes.

Alcohol is prohibited. Glass containers and bottles are prohibited.

Boating

Wakeless boating is allowed on the reservoir, jet skis are prohibited.
Aquatic Nuisance Species boat inspections are required for boats that are launched from trailer and/or have a motor, gas or electric, prior to entering the water. Electric hydrofoils and any type of watercraft with an electric trolling motor must be inspected. Boats must be clean, drained, and dry before launching.
Lifejackets/personal flotation devices are required for each person regardless of age on board any type of watercraft, including but not limited to paddle boards, boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a lifejacket/personal flotation device at ALL times while on board a watercraft. Lifejackets must be a U.S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitting size for the intended wearer, and readily accessible to the wearer on the watercraft.
All state boating regulations enforced.
All watercraft with a motor including electric motors are required to be registered with the State of Colorado.
All boats must be off the water 30 minutes before Union Reservoir closes.
Pool toys or single chambered air-inflated devices such as inner tubes are prohibited except in the designated lifeguard swim area.

Water Conditions

Please contact the Union Reservoir Office for current information or visit WindFinder online to check the current forecast and wind conditions.

Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals

Personal paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes require an additional daily watercraft fee. Paddleboard rentals and reservations are available online through rockymtnpaddleboard.com, or at 720-943-1132. Per state law, a life jacket for each person & a whistle is required while using paddleboard, kayaks, and canoes. Children 12 and younger must wear a lifejacket while aboard any vessel.

Sailing Club

Union Sailing Club is one of Colorado’s largest and most active sailing clubs with weekly racing in the spring, summer, and fall. Several regattas, social events, youth activities, and clinics open to the general sailing public are also hosted each year. Instruction is also offered. Club boats are available on a limited basis for rental to experienced sailors. For more information please go to the Union Sailing Club website.

Camping

Camping is not available at Union Reservoir. In 2018, areas previously used for campsites were reconfigured to provide additional day use opportunities and additional parking during peak periods.

Dog Beach/Off-Leash Area

A dog off-leash area is located on the south east side of the reservoir passed the swim area. Dogs are allowed off leash and may swim in this designated area only. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the park. Dog poop must be picked up and disposed of in a designated trash can or dumpster immediately.

Fishing

Union Reservoir is a hot spot for fishing. A healthy population of Walleye, Trout, Wiper, Crappie, Catfish, Bass, and Sunfish provide for a quality fishing experience.

Special Bag Limits: Wiper must be 15 inches or longer. All other species are at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife defined bag limits.

Fishing is available along the majority of the shoreline or from a boat. Colorado fishing regulations are enforced and a fishing license is required. A fish cleaning station and handicapped accessible fishing pier are provided for your convenience.

Picnicking

Drop-In

Numerous picnic sites with table and grills are located throughout the park. Both group and individual sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Grills are not allowed on the swim beach.

Reservations

Weekday-only full day and half day reservations are available for the blue covered shelter (additional gate fee per vehicle is required). No reservations are available on holidays or weekends. There are picnic tables and barbecues set up in prime locations for general use.

View shelter rental fees or call 303-651-8404.

Special Events

Union Reservoir is commonly home to triathlons, community festivals and boating events. During such events, there may be special fees required at the gate. View our Special Events – Union Reservoir webpage to see upcoming events.

Swimming

Swim Beach

Union Reservoir’s sandy beaches provide a gathering spot for all. Lifeguards are stationed at the beach for safety. Swimming is allowed during posted hours only (see Hours). A sand volleyball court, picnic shelter and playground are located near the beach for your enjoyment. Temporary loading and unloading is permitted along the beach for easy access, with parking in the paved lot.

Large pool inflatable floats, mattresses, rings, tubes and other inflatable toys are not allowed on the water. Small pool toys may be permitted in the designated swim area at the discretion of the lifeguards. Inflatable paddle boards are considered a vessel and are allowed on the water with a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD)/lifejacket.

Swimming is prohibited except for in the designated lifeguard swim area.

Open Water Swim

Swimming outside of the designated swim beach is considered open water swimming; it is only permitted during posted Open Water Swim hours when lifeguards are on duty (see Hours). Union Reservoir season passes or recreation facility passes are NOT accepted as a substitute for Open Water Swim (see Fees).

Please note: For the safety of all, Open Water Swims are exclusively for open water swimmers. Children and spectators are NOT allowed in the water to allow lifeguards to guard without distractions. Open Water Swim parking is available in the paved parking lot. Do not park along the beach in the kayak / canoe parking area.

Windsurfing

One of the best windsurfing spots in northern Colorado! Easy water front access with great conditions creates a windsurfer’s paradise.

Winter Activities

Gates are closed to all entry on Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Water access is not allowed December 1-February 28. Ice fishing and boating are not allowed between Dec 1 and Feb 28. Daily admission fees still apply, and access is limited to walk-in.