Activities at Steamboat Lake | Colorado State Parks

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Activities

Backcountry camping - 4/30/2012

Available on the surrounding Forest Service land and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area. Please see http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/ for more information.

Biking - 4/30/2012

Mountain biking is available on Steamboat Lake's 7+ miles of established trail. There are additional opportunities on nearby Routt National Forest.

Birding - 4/30/2012

Steamboat Lake is very fortunate to be a nesting ground for about 6 pairs of Sandhill Cranes every Spring. We also often have Bald Eagles hanging out around the southwest side of the lake. Stop by the Visitor Center for more information.

Boating - 4/30/2012

The 1,053-acre reservoir provides a variety of water-based activities. Some coves and inlets are restricted to wakeless boating and are indicated by buoys. A large portion of the lake is zoned for wake boating, water-skiers and jet-skiers to enjoy. Registrations for motor and wind-powered vessels are available at the Visitor Center. Please observe all boating laws and regulations. Also, please see the "Boating" link on the left for information about mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections for all trailer-launched vessels. The lake will be open for boating from May 1st through November 1st of each year. Please do NOT drink and boat!

Cabins and Yurts - 4/30/2012

Ten camper cabins are available year around. For information and reservations, please call Steamboat Lake Marina at 970-879-7019.

Camping - 4/30/2012

Summer camping facilities include 188 campsites, some along the shore, some in the trees. Winter camping facilities include fourteen electrical hookups in the marina parking lot. Amenities vary; check out the camping information page and the park map. Reservations for 2012 may be made between 3 days and 6 months in advance, with a first reservable date of May 25th and a last reservable date of September 11th. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome. Ten camper cabins are available year around, with reservations available at 970-879-7019.

Cross-country Skiing - 4/30/2012

Whether as base camp for local races, or on its own, the groomed trails provide refreshing workouts and great scenery. Stay in a camper cabin or camp here for some real ambiance. Check out the "Winter" tab on the left for more information. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Education Programs - 4/30/2012

We schedule regular programs from Memoiral Day to Labor Day. They are posted on the Steamboat Lake homepage. If you have a group coming up and are interested in attending a program, please contact the park office at 970-879-3922!

Fishing - 4/30/2012

Steamboat Lake offers excellent opportunities for bait, lure and fly fishing. The bag limit is four trout daily with a possession limit of eight trout total. Check the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife fishing guide. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Steamboat Lake Marina or The Clark Store. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Geocaching - 4/30/2012

We have a geocache on the park! Coordinates are N 40° 48.748 W 106° 57.658

Hiking - 4/30/2012

We have three trails on the park: the outstanding Tombstone Nature Trail, a 1.1 mile loop below the Visitor Center, the Willow Creek Trail which, which connects the Marina and Sage Flats, and the Poverty Bar trail, connecting the Willow Creek Trail with Forest Service 409. Check out the park map for trail information. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Horseback Riding - 4/30/2012

Horseback riding is restricted to undeveloped areas of the park around the southeast corner of the lake. Guided rides available from the Hahn's Peak Roadhouse @ (970)879-4404.

Hunting - 4/30/2012

Properly licensed hunters are welcome during all legal seasons after Labor Day. Hunting is allowed from the Rainbow Ridge day use area to Meadow Point area, and hunters must be 100 yards from any Park facility. Contact the Visitor Center for more information.

Ice Fishing - 4/30/2012

Ice fishing is available during the winter months. Ice conditions can vary, so please use caution. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities. Look at the ice safety page for more information on ice safety, conditions and what to do if you fall through the ice.

Jet Skiing - 4/30/2012

Approximately half of the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet-skis. Please remember to wear your PFD as well as having other safety gear accessible and functional.

OHV Riding - 4/30/2012

OHV's are not allowed to operate in park; however, there are hundreds of miles of excellent trails on forest service land immediately surrounding the park. OHV registrations are available at the Visitor Center.

Pets - 4/30/2012

Pets are welcome! Please keep them on a leash and under control at all times.

Photography - 4/30/2012

With foggy mornings in the winter, a diverse array of wildflowers and wildlife, blue skies, plenty of brilliant Aspen trees in the fall and breathtaking sunsets year-round, our valley is one of the most scenic in Colorado. Photographs of our park have been used in numerous major publications.

Picnicking - 4/30/2012

Picnic tables offering either grills or fire rings are available at the Placer Cove day-use area, Tombstone Nature Trailhead, Sage Flats day-use area and the Dutch Hill Marina area. Check out the park map for location information. Pets-- on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Sailboarding - 4/30/2012

Afternoons are generally more windy. The lake, especially before 10, is calmer in the morning.

Snowmobiling - 4/30/2012

The park has about 12 miles of groomed trail on the park, and is a gateway to 146 miles of groomed trail in the Routt National Forest! Most of the park is also available for off-trail riding, as are the hundreds of thousands of acres of surrounding National Forest. Please respect private property as well as the area from Visitor Center to Marina designated by blue poles as non-motorized. Check out the winter recreation brochure for more information. Snowmobile registrations are available at the Visitor Center.

Snowshoeing - 4/30/2012

Enjoy beautiful views of snow-covered mountains on a marked trail that winds through a forest of aspen and lodgepole pine. Check out the winter recreation information. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Swimming - 4/30/2012

With water temperatures in the low 70s in late summer, hardy souls can enjoy the swim beach at the Dutch Hill area. Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times! Due to the danger of motorboat traffic and because water quality testing is done only at the swim beach, swimming is not allowed in other areas. Pets are not allowed at the swim beach, and may be tied up to our posts just outside the boundary.

Water Skiing - 4/30/2012

Approximately one half of the lake is available for wake speed boating. Please make sure your boat has a dedicated observer with an orange flag in addition to the operator.

Winter Activities - 4/30/2012

Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoing are all available. Please contact the Visitor Center at 970-879-3922 for more information.

Winter Camping - 4/30/2012

Fourteen electrical hookups are available in the Marina parking lot for self- contained units. Year-round camper cabins are available through the Marina at (970)879-7019.

Last Modified Date: 5/6/2011 3:04 PM