Topic
Water and land
Wells and water rights, septic and rural land, mineral rights, and what it really means to own ground in a place where water is its own kind of property.
159 notes - page 5 of 7
Water and land - June 10, 2026
On rural Montrose County land, a well permit is not the same as unlimited water
Domestic wells on rural parcels in Montrose County come with permit conditions, and having a well does not mean a property has unlimited water.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
On the Colorado River at Island Acres, the river itself is closed to boats
At the Island Acres section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, boating is allowed on the lakes but not on the river, because a roller dam downstream is dangerous.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
On the Colorado River near Rifle, a simple clean-drain-dry habit keeps boating great
The Colorado River through Garfield County is a beloved place to boat and paddle. After officials confirmed an adult zebra mussel near Rifle in late 2025, the easy clean-drain-dry routine and boat inspections are what keep these waters healthy.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
On the Crowley County plains, a well permit comes with limits
A rural well in Crowley County is governed by a state permit that spells out what the water may be used for, and 'has a well' is not the same as unlimited water.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
On the Eagle River, the fishing rules change from one stretch to the next
The Eagle River is a productive trout fishery on Colorado's Quality Waters list, but limits and rules differ by river segment, so anglers should read the regulations for the exact stretch they fish.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Out here, a well permit is not a promise of unlimited water
A domestic well in rural Montezuma County comes with permit conditions and limits, and in dry country the supply is worth checking before you count on it.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Out here, your water likely comes from a designated groundwater basin
Much of Kit Carson County sits over a designated groundwater basin, where wells are permitted under a different state process than wells in the rest of Colorado.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Out in El Paso County, a well often draws from the Denver Basin
Many properties outside the cities in El Paso County rely on wells drilled into the Denver Basin aquifers, and that kind of water comes with its own rules and limits.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Out in the county, 'has a well' is a question worth checking
Rural Ouray County parcels often rely on wells, but a well permit comes with conditions and the state administers water here through Division 4, so the permit details matter.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Outside Silverton, a well permit decides how much water a property really has
A rural San Juan County property served by a well depends on its state well permit, which sets what the water can legally be used for.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Paint Mines: clay spires on El Paso County's eastern plains
Near Calhan, Paint Mines Interpretive Park protects about 750 acres of colorful clay hoodoos and a 9,000-year human history, free and open dawn to dusk.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Park County is headwaters country, and much of its water serves cities far away
The South Platte River takes shape in Park County's South Park basin, and large reservoirs here store water that is delivered to the Denver metro area downstream.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Parts of Lincoln County sit in designated groundwater basins
Lincoln County overlaps Colorado's Northern High Plains and Upper Big Sandy designated groundwater basins, where wells are administered differently than wells in the rest of the state.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Pitkin County's rivers feed both sides of the Continental Divide
The Roaring Fork and Fryingpan rivers rise in Pitkin County, and some of that water is moved by tunnel under the Continental Divide to communities east of the mountains.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Platoro Reservoir is the county's high mountain lake for fishing and boating
Platoro Reservoir is a high reservoir on the upper Conejos River with a boat ramp and trout fishing, and Colorado boats can face aquatic nuisance species inspection before launching.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Rafting the lower Dolores River depends on a short, flow-driven season
The whitewater run on the lower Dolores River below McPhee Dam only comes alive when enough water is released, so the boating season can be brief and unpredictable from year to year.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Rifle Falls is a triple waterfall over a travertine dam
Rifle Falls State Park north of Rifle has a triple waterfall where East Rifle Creek flows over a travertine dam, with limestone caves to explore and a small campground; a parks pass is required.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Rifle Gap Reservoir is the big-water state park near Rifle
Rifle Gap State Park holds a reservoir open to motorboats, water skiing, swimming, and fishing, and like other Colorado waters it requires a boat inspection before you launch.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Riverdale Regional Park ties the fairgrounds to the South Platte River Trail
Riverdale Regional Park near Brighton is the county's main fairgrounds and open-space hub, with golf, disc golf, and a link to the South Platte River Trail.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Ruby-Horsethief: a calm Colorado River float that needs a camping permit
The Ruby-Horsethief stretch of the Colorado River from Loma toward Westwater is mostly flatwater, but overnight camping there requires a reserved BLM permit year-round.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Rueter-Hess Reservoir near Parker offers a bonus of public recreation
Rueter-Hess Reservoir near Parker is a water district's drinking-water storage, and Douglas County also opens it up for public recreation under its own rules.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Sanchez Reservoir is a warm-water fishing spot, open only for fishing
Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area south of San Luis offers warm-water fishing and a boat ramp, but public access is limited to fishing and needs a license or SWA pass.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Sapphire Point is the short walk to Summit County's big reservoir view
A short, easy loop off Swan Mountain Road opens onto Dillon Reservoir framed by the Gore and Tenmile ranges.
Read note ->Water and land - June 10, 2026
Selling a Gilpin County home? The septic system has its own step
In unincorporated Gilpin County, the septic system on a property is inspected and permitted on its own track, separate from the house sale.
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