I love driving the winding roads around this reservoir. The view is incredible, especially towards sunset! This is a must see location when in Fort Collins. It’s a short drive from the city, and worth it for the beautiful scenery and amenities. The drive alone is gorgeous. Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon here.
If driving from Harmony road, once you’re on the road that follows the reservoir headed north, you will pass two rest/picnic areas along the road on the left side, one with access to a beach and cabana, both of these require a fee to park there and use the amenities. But, If you pass these and hit up the third one a littler further down, there are picnic tables, grills, and access to some steep trails down to the water. I never went all the way down, just far enough to have unobstructed views of the reservoir.
There are hiking trails all over the rolling hills of this reservoir, camping is available on the southernmost side. Be careful as bicycle riders share the road. At dusk there are deer or turkey sometimes crossing the roads.