Monument, Colorado community guide
Forest Lakes
Forest Lakes is a Monument-area community west of I-25 near Baptist Road, known for mountain views, two reservoirs, trails, open space, newer homes and estate-sized properties.
Community overview
Forest Lakes at a glance
Forest Lakes combines a planned residential setting with substantial natural land. El Paso County planning documents describe a residential component of roughly 977 acres. The earlier approved plan contemplated 467 homes and approximately 470 acres of parks and open space, although later filings revised portions of the development.
Because Forest Lakes has been developed in multiple filings and phases, the recorded plat, HOA documents and district information for the specific property should control any purchase decision.
- Location
- West of I-25 near Baptist Road in the Monument / Tri-Lakes area
- Community scale
- Approximately 977 acres in the residential planning area; lot counts vary by filing and phase
- Lakes
- Bristlecone Reservoir, approximately 65 surface acres; Piñon Reservoir, approximately 14 surface acres
- Open space
- Parks, trails and protected natural land, including a 189-acre conservation area announced by the district
- Home types
- Single-family homes ranging from neighborhood lots to larger custom and estate properties
HOA and metropolitan districts
Know which organization handles what
Forest Lakes has both public metropolitan districts and a residential owners association. They serve different purposes and should not be treated as the same organization.
Forest Lakes Metropolitan District
The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District provides water and wastewater services for the Piñon Pines Metropolitan Districts and also handles functions that include drainage, parks and trails, landscaping and streetlight services. The district states that it owns and maintains Waterfront Park and the trail system and contracts with Triview Metropolitan District for operation of water and wastewater systems.
Forest Lakes Residential Owners Association
The residential owners association administers the community covenants and design requirements. The district also uses the association to manage reservations, permits and recreational access connected with Waterfront Park and Bristlecone Lake.
Private lake access
Bristlecone Lake is a resident amenity — not a public swimming lake
Bristlecone Lake is owned and maintained by the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and serves first as a water-storage and drinking-water source for Forest Lakes. Recreational access is a special, permit-based privilege managed through the Forest Lakes Residential Owners Association rather than an unrestricted public lake right.
Forest Lakes households are currently provided four resident passes and two guest passes. The district can change, suspend or eliminate recreational access when necessary to protect the lake’s primary water-supply function, so buyers should verify the current rules at the time of purchase.
- FishingAllowed on Bristlecone Lake with the required permit.
- BoatingNon-motorized, hand-launched craft such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats are permitted, generally up to 18 feet. Motorized watercraft and trailer-launched boats are prohibited.
- SwimmingNo swimming, wading or bodily contact with the water by people or pets.
- Dock & amenitiesPermit access applies to the lake, dock and related lake amenities. No private watercraft storage is allowed at the lake.
- Waterfront ParkThe park and district trail system are open to the public, but that does not make the lake itself open-access.
Two reservoirs, different rules
Piñon Lake is intentionally non-active
Piñon Lake is jointly owned by the City of Colorado Springs and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and maintained by the district. Unlike Bristlecone, Piñon is designated a non-active lake. Fishing, watercraft, swimming, wading and recreational access of any kind are prohibited.
The two reservoirs are fed by the Beaver Creek watershed coming off the Rampart Range. Lake levels naturally fluctuate with resident water demand, Beaver Creek flows, precipitation and evaporation. The district notes that Piñon can become very low during dry periods because it is smaller and receives water released from Bristlecone.
Both dams were constructed in 1986 and are monitored by the district’s engineer and caretaker, with state dam inspections conducted on a recurring schedule. Current inspection reports are published by the district.
Living around the lakes
Water, views and open space can materially change a Forest Lakes property
What buyers should compare
Lake view versus direct adjacency, lot elevation, trail exposure, nearby open space, future development, builder and filing, outdoor improvements and whether the home sits near a public park or trail can all affect privacy and resale value.
Confirm what recreational passes transfer or are reissued at closing, which district appears on the tax bill, and what HOA design restrictions apply to fencing, landscaping, docks or other exterior improvements.
Water service matters beyond recreation
Forest Lakes Metropolitan District provides water and wastewater services for the Piñon Pines Metropolitan Districts. Its water portfolio combines Denver Basin groundwater with surface water stored in Bristlecone Reservoir. Triview Metropolitan District operates the water and wastewater systems under contract.
The district also publishes seasonal Water Wise rules and current utility rates. Those operating rules and district charges should be reviewed as part of a Forest Lakes purchase, especially for larger landscaped lots.
Buying in Forest Lakes
Compare the property, not just the subdivision
Forest Lakes includes a mix of newer production homes, larger lots and custom or estate properties. When comparing homes, look closely at lot size, topography, views, builder, age, finished square footage, outdoor improvements and proximity to trails, lakes and future development.
For newer construction, confirm what is included in the purchase price, lot premiums, landscaping obligations, builder warranties and any registration requirements before visiting a sales center.
Schools and everyday access
School assignments should be verified by property address directly with the applicable district before relying on a listing or third-party neighborhood page. Forest Lakes is positioned near I-25 and Baptist Road, providing access toward Monument, northern Colorado Springs and the Denver corridor.
Selling in Forest Lakes
What is your Forest Lakes home worth?
Forest Lakes values can vary substantially because the community includes different filings, builders, lot sizes and property types. A smaller newer home and an estate property on acreage should not be valued from the same neighborhood average.
A useful valuation should compare the home’s filing, lot and view position, builder and floor plan, age, condition, finished square footage, garage capacity, outdoor improvements and the most relevant recent sales.
Forest Lakes seller checklist
Have the current HOA documents, district information, recent tax bill, improvement records and transferable amenity information ready. Buyers comparing Forest Lakes homes often evaluate these items alongside condition and price.
For a property-specific estimate, recent comparable sales should be narrowed to the homes most similar to the subject property rather than using a broad Monument average.
Official community resources
Verify current rules and district information
District FAQ
Lake rules and permits
District documents
Monument communitiesHomes for sale in Monument
About Monument
Utilities and services
Community information reviewed October 1, 2026. HOA, district, school, tax, amenity and development information should be verified for the specific property before purchase.