Big Stratton Reservoir is located within Stratton Open Space in Colorado Springs, offering 318 acres of open space, trails, and wildlife habitat. The reservoir sits southwest of the intersection of Lake Avenue and S.

Nevada Avenue, adjacent to North Cheyenne Canon Park.

**Current Status and Access**: The South Suburban Reservoir (also referred to as Big Stratton Reservoir) will remain closed for the entire 2025 season due to repair work being performed by Colorado Springs Utilities.

While Stratton Open Space itself remains open with trails and facilities accessible, paddling activities are not currently permitted on the reservoir.

**Access Points**: Under normal circumstances, there are three trailheads that service the Stratton Open Space: La Veta Way off Cresta Road, Ridgeway off W. Cheyenne Boulevard, and a trailhead on the north side of the road approximately 0.

3 miles up from the main park gate by the Starsmore Discovery Center. However, with the current closure, these access points do not provide water access. **Facilities and Hours**: The open space operates with seasonal hours - 5 a. m. to 9 p. m.

from November through March, and 5 a. m. to 10 p. m. from April through October. Gates are locked each evening upon closure. The site is free and open to the public for land-based activities.

**Natural Features**: The area offers five distinct ecosystems, diverse wildlife habitat, and access to Pike National Forest. The open space has undergone recent fire mitigation work, with 266. 7 acres treated in 2024 to reduce wildfire risk.

**Planning Considerations**: Before planning any future paddling trips, visitors should check current status updates as repair timelines may affect when water access resumes.

The area maintains strict Leave No Trace principles and requires dogs to be leashed at all times.