Via email from David Noone, 4/23/10
From Rt 36, exit to Foothills parkway just before Boulder (the sign says something like CU Stadium/Longmont). Past Boulder you will get to lights at Jay Road, turn left onto Jay. Take the first (immediate) right onto 51st street, just past the fire station. Follow this for about a mile and you will get to the main entrance - can't miss it.
There is no entry cost before the summer season (late may), but a "small craft" permit is needed - $10 for the season. There is some paperwork to fill out (name, address, phone, type of craft... nothing tricky). This is per sailor, and then good for the season. Technically this needs to be issued ahead of time, but I have asked that this can be done on a temporary basis for our group at the gate. There will be a check for zebra muscles. Sometimes they ask for boards off the roof - but with multiple boards often "I will be using this one" makes things quicker.
From the gate you should be able to see the launch spot. Take the first left and follow along - there is a sign that says something like Dream Cove or Windsurfers Point. If it's windy you will see some kites. If you're anywhere near the boathouse/buildings you've gone too far.
Look here:
The spot is to the west of the sandy looking point, before the small jetty.
Via email from Bart Windram, 4/23/10
Andy/all: you might want to check w/rez staff about sailing from the ramp just west of the boathouse. The directions below indeed are for Windsurfer's Cove at the western edge of the lake. During the off season many locals sail at the east end which offers much longer N-S reaches under prevailing winds (altho under the occasional norther the best reaches become W-E and are had from the Cove launch). This late in April the staff may be busily building out the docks, etc. and consider the lake "quasi-open". But pre-season you *may* have launch options; check it out.
At the cove you'll find decent rigging conditions; grass! A few tables and trees nearby. An outhouse (in season the adjacent swim beach facilities are open). It's been too long since I've sailed from the boathouse. You'll find an asphalt ramp and, probably, gravel. Plus the occasional hawk eating a rabbit.
As a foothills-adjacent lake, familiar foothills conditions may apply (0-40mph w/killer gusts).
Via email from Don Pruitt, 3/23/09
BOULDER RESERVOIR WINDLINE303/581-9463 PARKGATEOFFICE303/441-3468Day or Annual pass required; no day passes on weekends or holidays. From Boulder, towards Longmont, on CO 119 to 51st Street, north to entrance. Windsurfing cove on Southwest corner. Boulder locals shred here.