Rattlesnake Park (now known as Pinewood)

In 2026, we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the name change of our beautiful community from Rattlesnake Lake to Pinewood Reservoir, but the namesake snakes are still around. Here's a great article, with videos, on how to be safe around them!

Snake Safety on Colorado Trails: Rattlesnake Season Guide

• Know Your Snakes: Venomous Species in Colorado

• Where You’ll Most Likely See Snakes on the Trail

• Where Rattlesnakes Like to Hang Out in Colorado

• When Is Rattlesnake Season?

• What to Do If You’re Bitten on the Trail

• How to Identify Colorado Snakes (and Spot the Venomous Ones)

• What Rattlesnakes Looks Like

• Common (and Harmless) Lookalikes

• Easy Ways to Tell Venomous from Non-Venomous (Without Getting Too Close)

• If It Rattles—Respect It

• Top Resources for Colorado Snake Identification

• Snake Avoidance Training for Dogs in Colorado

Here’s an excerpt on what to do (this is first aid only, not medical advice):

• Call 911 or the Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) ASAP

• Stay calm and limit movement

• Remove tight items like rings or watches before swelling starts

• Keep bite at heart level (some say lower than your heart), don’t raise or dangle it

• Gently clean the area and cover loosely

• Note the time of the bite and monitor for swelling or symptoms

• Seek medical help immediately—even if you feel okay

• 🚫 DON’T cut the wound, suck the venom, apply ice, or try to catch the snake. Those old myths do more harm than good.