Lagerman Reservoir is a quiet, wind-swept impoundment tucked between farmland and open prairie in Boulder County, just minutes from Longmont. What draws visitors back season after season is the unobstructed panoramic view of the Front Range and Flatirons stretching across the western horizon, especially at sunrise and sunset when the water mirrors the sky in vivid color. This is not a dramatic alpine destination but rather a peaceful, unfussy escape where the soundtrack is honking geese, distant cattle, and the crunch of gravel underfoot.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are the headline water activities at Lagerman Reservoir. The calm, sheltered surface makes it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding on windless mornings, and families with children regularly launch kayaks and canoes from the floating dock. Motorized boats are not permitted, keeping the water quiet and the wake nonexistent. Swimming is prohibited, and blue-green algae advisories have appeared in warmer months, so plan on staying dry. A boat ramp accommodates small watercraft, and the dock provides easy access for paddlers of all skill levels.
Bird watching is arguably the single best reason to visit Lagerman Reservoir. The western shoreline is closed from April through October to protect nesting and migrating shorebirds, and that restriction pays off with remarkable sightings. Visitors regularly report bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, American white pelicans, golden-eye ducks, avocets, and turkey vultures. Winter months bring concentrated raptor activity, making January and February prime birding season. Bring binoculars, because the closed section keeps birds at a comfortable distance.
The 1.6-mile gravel trail circling the reservoir is flat and accessible, suitable for walking, running, and casual biking. The connected Open Sky Loop extends the route to roughly five miles of gravel fire road winding through adjacent farmland, popular with gravel cyclists and trail runners. Horseback riding is allowed on the surrounding trails, though trailer parking at the lot is tight. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, and there is no shade anywhere along the route, so summer visits demand sunscreen, hats, and water for both humans and pets.
Facilities at Lagerman Reservoir include vault toilets near the trailhead, a covered picnic pavilion, scattered picnic tables with grills, and a small parking lot. The reservoir operates on a sunrise-to-sunset schedule enforced by patrol, so plan accordingly. Fishing exists here but is widely considered poor after a significant fish kill caused by low oxygen levels, and most anglers are directed to nearby Pella Crossing for better luck. The reservoir sits within Boulder County Open Space, so there is no entry fee. Cell service is reliable given the proximity to Longmont, and the gravel paths remain passable year-round for winter walking and birding excursions.