Steamboat Lake State Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Steamboat Lake State Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to Routt County, Colorado. The park offers a variety of activities for all ages, making it the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and picnicking in the park's scenic setting. In the winter, the park is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Steamboat Lake State Park is also home to Yampa River State Park, which offers canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities. There are also several campgrounds in the area, providing visitors with the perfect basecamp for exploring all that Routt County has to offer. So whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing day by the water, Steamboat Lake State Park is sure to have something for you.

Steamboat Lake State Park is located in Routt County, Colorado. The park is situated in the heart of the Rockies at an elevation of 7,500 feet, and covers an area of 3,000 acres. Steamboat Lake was created by the damming of the Elk River in Stagecoach Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. The state park also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as picnicking and wildlife watching opportunities.

Steamboat Lake State Park is named for the steamboats that once plied its waters. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the lake was a busy hub of activity, with steamboats transporting goods and passengers between Denver and the mining town of Walden. Today, the lake is much quieter, but still provides visitors with a beautiful setting in which to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The best time to visit Steamboat Lake State Park is in the summer. The weather is warm and the days are long, making it the perfect time to enjoy all that the park has to offer. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. Steamboat Lake is situated at an elevation of 8,000 feet, so even in summer, the temperature can be cool.
2.  Hiking is a great way to explore the park, but be sure to stay on designated trails and take plenty of water with you.
3. Fishing is another popular activity at Steamboat Lake, and a valid Colorado fishing license is required. 5. Canoeing and kayaking are also enjoyable ways to explore the lake. Paddleboards and rowboats are available for rent at the marina.
4.  The state park offers both primitive camping and RV hookups. Campfires are only permitted in designated areas and must be extinguished before you leave.
5.  ATV riding is allowed on certain trails within the park boundaries. Please be respectful of other park visitors and obey all posted speed limits.
6. Hunting is not allowed in the state park, but there are several nearby public hunting areas.
7. Wintertime brings its own set of activities, including cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Again, please follow all posted rules and regulations.
8. Need to stay connected? There is limited cell phone service in the park, so be sure to download any maps or apps you might need before you go. There is also WiFi available at the visitor center.
9. Purchase a pass before you arrive - day passes are available at the entrance gate, or you can purchase an annual pass online or at any Colorado state park office. Annual passes provide great value if you plan on visiting multiple state parks throughout the year.

1. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. It is the largest natural lake in Colorado. 
2. Steamboat Lake is known for its excellent fishing, and species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout can be found in the waters.
3. In winter, the park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. 
4. There are more than 20 miles of trails within the state park, including a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
5. Steamboat Lake State Park is open year-round and typically receives more than 300,000 visitors each year.
6. In addition to its recreational opportunities, Steamboat Lake State Park is also an important wildlife habitat, supporting populations of elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep."
7. The park offers a wide variety of educational programs on topics such as nature photography and birdwatching.

Although it is possible to see a lot in just a day, to truly experience all that the park has to offer, it is best to allow at least three days. This will give you enough time to hike to some of the more remote areas, fish for trout in the lakes, and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch surrounded by stunning scenery. 

The closest town is Clark, and the drive from Denver takes about three hours. To get there, take I-70 west to Exit 232 for US-40 toward Empire/Winter Park. At Granby, turn left onto US 40/US 34, and continue following US 40. After 50 miles, you'll reach Clark. From there, it's a short drive to the park entrance. The road into the park is well-maintained, but it can be narrow and winding in places.

The entrance fee to the park is only $7 per vehicle. 

The park is open year-round, and its hours vary seasonally. In the winter, the park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, while in the summer it is open from 6 AM to 10 PM.