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  Activities

Biking - 5/1/2013
Stagecoach has approximately 8 miles of trails. The Elk Run Trail and the Lakeside Trails are open to bicycles in the summer. The trails are gravel covered and offer easy to moderate cycling. Biking around the reservoir is possible by connecting the Elk Run Trail to CR 18 and the Lakeside Trail to CR 14 for an eleven mile loop.
Birding - 5/1/2013
Stagecoach offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. Many different birds frequent Stagecoach including, Eurasian Coots, Bald Eagles, White Faced Ibis, American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Blue Grouse, Sharp-Tailed Grouse, and a wide variety of songbirds, hawks and falcons.
Boating - 5/1/2013
During the summer months, fishing boats, ski boats, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats and canoes are all welcome at the reservoir. The reservoir is divided into wakeless and non-wakeless areas for your convenience and safety. Please review the current Colorado State Parks Boating Regulations before coming to the park.
Camping - 5/1/2013
There are 92 campsites spread among the lush and fragrant sagebrush of the Yampa Valley separated into four campgrounds: Junction City, Pinnacle, Harding Spur and McKindley. Visit the camping page for more detailed information about the campgrounds.
Cross-country Skiing - 5/1/2013
During the winter season all the trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Please call the park for current conditions.
Education Programs - 5/1/2013
Stagecoach offers a variety of educational programs to visitors of all ages. Look for the flyers on the park or check the schedule on the home page for current programs.
Equipment Rental - 5/1/2013
In the winter, Stagecoach offers free snowshoe rentals to use on snowshoe hikes around the park. Snowshoes can be picked up at the Park Office. In the summer, the Marina rents kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, stand up paddle boards, and paddle boats. Contact the Marina at (970)736-8342 for pricing on boat rentals.
Fishing - 5/1/2013
Stagecoach reservoir is known for its fast growing, hard fighting rainbows that average in length from 14-to-18 inches. Occasionally, a brown or brook trout and Snake River cutthroat are found. With a strong trout population, the pike have grown, some as large as 35 to 46 inches and weigh up to 30 pounds. In order to protect and sustain the trout population at Stagecoach, wildlife managers are encouraging anglers to harvest any pike caught. Some pike are tagged with orange tags at the base of the dorsal fin for study. Please report catch information to the number on the tag. Visit the conditions page for a current fishing report.
Group Camping - 5/1/2013
The McKindley Group Camping is available to tent and RV campers. For reservations and information, please contact the park office at (970)736-2436.
Group Picnicking - 5/1/2013
The Arrowhead group picnic area has several picnic tables and two grills under a pavilion. It accommodates up to 60 and is available on a reservation basis. Please make reservations by calling the park office at (970)736-2436.
Hiking - 5/1/2013
Experience the expansive views, abundant wildlife and diversity of four trails each offering unique experiences. The Lakeview and Elk Run trails are open to hiking and biking. The Wetlands and Pinnacle Peak trail are only open to hiking. Please keep all pets on a leash and clean up after them.
Horseback Riding - 5/1/2013
The Elk Run and Lakeview Trails are open to horseback riding. There are no stables/horse rentals available in the immediate area.
Hunting - 5/1/2013
Waterfowl and small game hunting are allowed beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day during legal seasons on the western portion of the reservoir only. Waterfowl hunting is most successful on the southern shore of the reservoir near the Inlet. The use of firearms and other weapons are prohibited in the summer and controlled during the legal hunting season. Please contact the park office for information on hunting access, seasons and regulations.
Ice Fishing - 5/1/2013
Ice fishing is extremely popular for Rainbow Trout and Northern Pike. The reservoir is traditionally frozen from the end of December through March.
Jet Skiing - 5/1/2013
The minimum age requirement for operating a personal water craft is 16. Please use caution and be aware of other visitors. Always follow a counter-clockwise direction of travel.
OHV Riding - 5/1/2013
OHV's are not allowed on the park. There are several Forest Service areas open to OHV's in the surrounding area. ATV's and Snowmobiles are allowed during the winter solely for ice fishing access from the parking lots.
Picnicking - 5/1/2013
Picnic tables are located throughout the park's trails, campsites and day-use areas. Sites with both picnic tables and grills can be found at the Arrowhead, Keystone and Haybro picnic areas.
Sailboarding - 5/1/2013
Sailboarders do use the reservoir, however winds are unpredictable and vary day to day.
Snowmobiling - 5/1/2013
Snowmobiles are permitted on the reservoir surface during the winter months as conditions allow, solely for fishing access below the high water mark. Snowmobile use is not allowed anywhere else in the park or on Routt County Road 18 to the Tailwaters.
Swimming - 5/1/2013
Swimming is only allowed in the designated swim area at the marina. No lifeguard is on duty. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult 18 or older.
Volleyball - 5/1/2013
A sand volleyball court is located at the swimbeach.
Water Skiing - 5/1/2013
Summer water temperatures average from 50-70 degrees. Always follow the counter-clockwise direction of travel and have an observer on board when towing a waterskier.
Winter Activities - 5/1/2013
Stagecoach's ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and commercial dog sled tours are great, refreshing ways to enjoy the park. Snowmobiling is allowed only on the reservoir surface for ice fishing access when traveling to and from vehicles and trailers. 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. For more information on ice safety, conditions and what to do if you fall through the ice, contact the park at 970-736-2436. In the winter, visitors can use the same entrance as they do in the summer. The park roads are plowed; as is the Marina, select campsites in Pinnacle, the Keystone Day Use Area, Morrison Cove and parking lots along CR14 & CR16. Pass and registration sales are available at the park office.
Winter Camping - 5/1/2013
Camping is available on a limited basis during the winter. Four campsites in the Pinnacle Campground are plowed and available on a first come, first serve basis. Most facilities are shut down for the winter including: showers, flush bathrooms, the dump station, and water. Electricity will be available at the sites throughout the winter.