Activities at Steamboat Lake | Colorado State Parks

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Park Activities

Activities

Backcountry camping - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

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

Birding - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

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 that we are starting this year. 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 - 6/12/2011

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

Camping - 6/12/2011

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. Ten camper cabins are available year around. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome. Reservations end Sept.14th

Cross-country Skiing - 6/12/2011

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 recreation information. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Education Programs - 6/12/2011

We have none scheduled at this time. If you have a group coming up and are interested in attending a program, please contact the park office at 970-879-3922!

Fishing - 6/12/2011

Anglers from shore or boat can catch rainbow and cutthroat trout or an occasional brook or brown trout. Meadow Point has been producing good fish as well as Rainbow Ridge and the Dam area. 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 Wildlife fishing guide. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Steamboat Lake Marina or Steamboat Lake Outfitters. Pets--on a leash and under control--are welcome.

Hiking - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

Horseback riding is restricted to undeveloped areas of the park around the southeast corner of the lake. Guided rides available from Steamboat Lake Outfitters (970) 879-4404

Hunting - 6/12/2011

Properly licensed hunters are welcome during all legal seasons after Labor Day. Hunting is allowed only from 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 - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

Approximately half of the lake is open to wake speed boating, including jet-skis.

OHV Riding - 6/12/2011

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

Picnicking - 6/12/2011

Picnic tables offering either grills or fire rings are available at the Placer Cove day-use area, Tombstone Nature Trailhead (with lots of tree shade), 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 - 6/12/2011

Available.

Snowmobiling - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

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 - 6/12/2011

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 Camping - 6/12/2011

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