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  Activities

Biking - 5/7/2012
Mountain biking is allowed on the trail around Sylvan Lake and on the roads and trails in nearby White River National Forest and BLM land. There are a few loop trails that White River National Forest recommends nearby.
Boating - 7/12/2011
The 42 acre lake is a beautiful setting for a leisurely paddle. The lake is for wakeless boating. Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors are allowed. All Colorado State boating regulations apply. Swimming is not allowed. Canoes, sea kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cabins and Yurts - 7/14/2010
There are eight small cabins and one large cabin located near the lake available for year-round rental. There are three yurts located on East Brush Creek, 9 1/2 miles from the lake, that are available mid-May to mid-November. The large cabin sleeps 12; the yurts and small cabins can sleep six.
Camping - 7/14/2010
Camping is available year-round at Sylvan Lake. Sites are appropriate for tents and RVs. Although there are no hookups available, showers, flush toilets and a dump station are available mid-May through mid-October. Vault toilets are available year-round. Reservations may be made online or by calling 800-678-CAMP (303-470-1144 from Denver).
Cross-country Skiing - 7/14/2010
Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy our pristine area during the winter.
Education Programs - 5/7/2012
Always wanted to know more about bats or bears? Interpretive and environmental education programs are generally available each weekend throughout the summer. Please drop by our Park Visitor's Center or call 970-328-2021 for schedule information.
Equipment Rental - 5/5/2012
During the summer, you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat for $25 for four hours or $40 for all day.
Fishing - 7/14/2010
Sylvan Lake is a 42 surface-acre reservoir located in the West Brush Creek Valley. The Colorado Division of Wildlife furnishes Sylvan Lake with rainbow trout several times throughout the year. Brown, brook and cutthroat trout are occasionally found. From Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, fishing is not allowed between the lake inlet and ½ mile upstream to allow for fish spawning. The park also includes 10 miles of mountain stream fishing along East and West Brush Creek. Visitors must have a fishing license, available for purchase at the park Visitor Center. Please check our conditions page for current information.
Geocaching - 10/12/2011
Find the cache hidden within the park boundaries with clues posted on the internet at www.geocaching.com. Coordinates for additional caches in the surrounding forest are also available at www.geocaching.com.
Group Camping - 5/5/2012
A spacious group campsite, with dedicated vault toilets, is available for groups of up to 60 people mid-May through September. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center office at 970-328-2021. Reservations are available starting in January.
Hiking - 5/5/2012
The 1.5 mile Lake Trail is open. New sections of the West Brush Creek Trail have been completed. Hike 1 mile downstream of the campground to check out Antones Creek and Borah Gulch. Or check out over 1.5 miles of new trail heading upstream from the Meadows Day Use Area. Popular trails on the surrounding White River National Forest - Sneve Gulch, McKenzie Gulch, Nolan Lake, Lake Charles and Ironedge are all good options.
Horseback Riding - 10/19/2010
Horseback riding is permitted on several trails in the White River National Forest surrounding Sylvan Lake State Park. Please stop by the Visitor's Center for information and trail maps. We ask that you do not unload your horses within the state park. There are several outfitters in the Eagle area if you do not have your own horse.
Hunting - 7/14/2010
Big game hunting is excellent in the White River National Forest, which surrounds the park. Hunting is allowed in many areas of the park. Hunting is prohibited within 100 feet of any designated campground, visitor center, picnic area, boat ramp or nature trail. Information on seasons and regulations is available from any park ranger or by contacting the park office at 970-328-2021, or the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s hunting guide.
Ice Fishing - 10/12/2011
Ice fishing is popular at Sylvan during the winter. Lodging for fishermen is available in our cabins.
Ice Skating - 7/14/2010
Ice skating is allowed, but skaters are advised to bring their own shovel to clear the snow. Stop by the Visitor's Center and pick up information on ice safety.
OHV Riding - 10/12/2011
Currently Off Highway Vehicles may be ridden on Park roads to access the surrounding National Forest. HOWEVER, in May 2012 the White River National Forest will implement a new Travel Management Plan. As currently proposed East (FR #415) and West (FR#400) Brush Creek Roads will be restricted to street legal vehicles and OHV use will no longer be permitted within Sylvan Lake State Park. Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Travel Management information for the White River National Forest can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver Or contact the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest at 970-827-5715.
Photography - 5/5/2012
Sylvan Lake is a photographer's dream. From the cascading East and West Brush Creeks, to the lake, to Red Table Mountain, to the abundant wildlife and birds, there is no shortage of subject matter to capture. Osprey and bear are just two of the recent sightings. What will you see?
Picnicking - 7/14/2010
There are two universally accessible picnic areas with tables and charcoal/wood grills. The Lake Picnic Area offers eight lakefront sites. The Meadows Picnic Area offers 15 sites amongst oak, sage and rabbit brush along the banks of West Brush Creek.
Sledding - 5/7/2012
Sadly, this sledding season was not as good as most. Most winters, there is plenty of snow and some good hills located around the park as well as the surrounding forest. Build a ramp, chart a course and sled!
Snowmobiling - 7/14/2010
Trails in the surrounding White River National Forest provide excellent snowmobiling opportunities. Cabins are available during the winter and provide a great base camp for multi-day excursions. All snowmobiles operated on public lands must have a current and valid registration. Resident and non-resident snowmobile registrations are available at the Visitor's Center.
Snowshoeing - 4/17/2011
Snowshoeing is a popular activity in the park in the winter. Additional trails in the surrounding White River National Forest are easily accessible.
Winter Camping - 10/12/2011
Enthusiasts come for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The cabins can be reserved year-round. Camping for self-contained units is also available. Snowshoes can be rented at the Visitor's Center. Snowmobilers can access miles of trails in the White River National Forest from the park. Snowmboiles can ber operated on park roads to access the National Forest.