Shocking images from the U.S. Forest Service show the reality of what a dry year looks like at a popular reservoir in Colorado’s Summit County.

According to the U.S. Forest Service – White River National Forest, the boat ramp at Green Mountain Reservoir is officially closed for the 2026 season for the sake of public safety amid conditions that include low water and deep mud. An image shared with the announcement shows the boat ramp far above the water’s edge. The gate to the boat ramp has been closed and locked.

This doesn’t mean that no boats will be present on Green Mountain Reservoir, though, with Heeney Marina still open and rental boats docked at this spot still available to the public. Find this marina on the southern shore of the northwest end of the lake.

Hand-launched vessels are still allowed, but not any hand-launched vessels with motors due to concerns of aquatic nuisance species, like the zebra mussel.

The happenings at Green Mountain Reservoir provide another example of how recreation has been impacted amid a dry year, adding to the list of places where boating is limited.

Drought remains widespread in Colorado, with the most severe tier of drought expanding in recent days. Find our recent drought update here.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)