Panama Reservoir Number 1 is located in eastern Boulder County, Colorado, situated in the agricultural flatlands northeast of Longmont near the intersection of rural county roads. The reservoir appears as a modest body of water set among irrigated farmland, serving primarily as a water storage facility for agricultural use in the region. Despite its location in fast-growing Boulder County, this reservoir occupies a quieter, less-traveled corner of the county far from the Front Range foothills.
Visitors should be aware that Panama Reservoir Number 1 is on private property with no established public access. Multiple visitors have confirmed that the reservoir is not open to public fishing, swimming, or other recreational activities. The land surrounding the reservoir is privately owned, and there are no public trails, boat ramps, or facilities available. Those who have passed by describe the setting as tranquil and visually appealing from the road, but entry onto the property is not permitted without landowner authorization.
For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for accessible water in the Boulder County area, nearby public options include Union Reservoir in Longmont, which offers fishing, boating, and swimming with full facilities, and Lagerman Reservoir, which provides a quieter fishing experience with trail access. Boulder Reservoir to the west also offers a range of water recreation with permits available through the City of Boulder. These alternatives provide legal public access with established amenities.
Panama Reservoir Number 1 is part of the network of agricultural reservoirs scattered across the eastern plains of Boulder and Weld counties. These reservoirs play an important role in Colorado's water infrastructure, storing irrigation water drawn from regional ditch systems that date back to the state's early settlement period. While they may look inviting from the road, most remain private and are managed for agricultural water rights rather than recreation. Visitors to the area should always verify public access before attempting to use any reservoir in the eastern Boulder County corridor.