Big Johnson Reservoir is a plains reservoir located in the rolling grasslands east of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado. Surrounded by the Bluestem Prairie Open Space, this water body sits at the edge of the urban-rural divide where the Front Range suburbs give way to open prairie, pronghorn herds, and expansive views of Pikes Peak to the west. The reservoir's primary appeal lies in its birding opportunities and the easy hiking trail that loops around its eastern shore.
Birding at Big Johnson Reservoir is the main reason experienced naturalists visit. The reservoir is considered the best waterfowl spot in El Paso County, and during fall and winter migration it fills with ducks of many species, gulls, loons, and grebes. At least 15 species of gull and 7 species of tern have been recorded here. Rare visitors include Barrow's Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, all three scoter species, and both Pacific and Red-throated Loons alongside the more common Common Loons that stop by annually. The surrounding grasslands host grassland sparrows, Lapland Longspurs in winter, and Scaled Quail near the parking area. A prairie dog town on the property has hosted Burrowing Owls in some years, and Bald Eagles have been spotted perched along the shoreline.
The Big Bluestem Trail provides a 4.2-mile out-and-back hike along the eastern side of the reservoir. The trail is generally easy and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to complete. It passes through rolling prairie with views of the reservoir, resident pronghorn, prairie dog colonies, and on clear days a striking view of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. The trail surface is unpaved but manageable for most visitors.
Facilities at Big Johnson Reservoir are minimal. There is a parking lot at the Bluestem Prairie Open Space trailhead, but no restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, or camping facilities are available. The site is open from dawn to dusk year-round with free admission. Access is straightforward from I-25 via the Academy Boulevard exit, heading east on Bradley Road (which becomes Goldfield Drive) for about 4.4 miles to the parking area.
Visitors should be aware that water levels at Big Johnson Reservoir fluctuate significantly, and the reservoir has been drained and refilled in recent years. When water is present, it supports outstanding birding. When it is low or empty, the birding diminishes and the site loses much of its draw. The reservoir is bordered by private property with barbed wire fencing, so stay on the designated trail and respect all posted boundaries. Midges can swarm heavily near the water, especially in warmer months. Despite these limitations, Big Johnson Reservoir offers one of the most accessible birding experiences in the Colorado Springs metro area, combining rare waterfowl sightings with easy prairie hiking just minutes from the city.