Pearl Lake State Park - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park is a stunning natural oasis in Routt county, Colorado. Nestled among the Rocky Mountains, the park features a serene lake surrounded by hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and bird watching, or simply take in the breathtaking mountain views. In the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails criss-crossing the snow-covered landscape.

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Things to Do at Pearl Lake State Park

If you're looking for things to do at Pearl Lake State Park in Routt county, Colorado, you won't be disappointed. With its stunning scenery and plethora of activities, the park has something for everyone. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as fishing and canoeing in the lake. And in winter, the area is transformed into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on offer. If you're after something a bit more relaxed, you can simply enjoy the views from one of the many picnic areas or take a leisurely stroll around the scenic nature trail. Whatever your preference, Pearl Lake State Park is sure to have something for you.

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History of Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park is a state park in Routt County, Colorado. The park was established in 1929 and covers an area of 1,100 acres. The park is located near the town of Steamboat Springs and is a popular recreation destination for both locals and visitors. Pearl Lake is the centerpiece of the park and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park also has a campground with 30 sites that can accommodate RVs or tents. In addition to its natural beauty, Pearl Lake State Park also has a rich history. The park was once home to the Ute tribe, who used the area for hunting and camping. In the late 1800s, the area became popular with homesteaders, who ranched and mined in the area. Today, visitors can still see evidence of the homesteaders' presence in the form of old cabins and mining equipment. Pearl Lake State Park is a beautiful place that has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore the area's rich history, you'll find what you're looking for at Pearl Lake State Park.

Best Time to Visit Pearl Lake State Park

There is no bad time to visit Pearl Lake State Park, but the best time is definitely during the summer months. The weather is warm and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking to fishing and swimming. The scenery is also at its finest during the summer, with wildflowers blooming and the mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

Tips for Visiting Pearl Lake State Park

  1. ThePearl Lake State Parkis a great spot for anglers, boaters, hikers, and picnickers.
  2. It is important to know the rules and regulations before you visit the park so that you can avoid getting ticketed or fined.
  3. Make sure to bring all of the necessary supplies with you, including food, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  4. Use marked trails and obey posted signs so that you do not damage sensitive plant life or disturb wildlife habitats.
  5. If you are fishing, make sure to have a valid license and follow all of the catch-and-release guidelines.
  6. Be prepared for inclement weather. Spring and fall can bring snowstorms to the area. 
  7. Plan to arrive early. The park opens at 8:00am and gets crowded quickly, especially on weekends. 
  8. Bring your own rowboat or fishing gear. The park rents rowboats, but they often run out by mid-morning. 
  9. Keep an eye on the kids. There is no lifeguard on duty at the lake. 
  10. All guests are required to register at the ranger station upon arrival.
     

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Pearl Lake State Park

  1. The park is situated at an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) in the Rocky Mountains and  covers an area of 1,430 acres.
  2. The park was established in 1937 and is named after Pearl Lake, which is located within its boundaries. 
  3. It is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in Colorado and is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. 
  4. There are also several trails that wind through the park, providing access to the scenic mountain landscape. 
  5. In addition to Pearl Lake, the park also contains several other smaller lakes including Island Lake and Lost Dog Lake. 
  6. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities at the park, including picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, and potable water.
  7. Pearl Lake is fed by precipitation and runoff from the surrounding mountains, and the outlet stream flows into the adjacent Wyoming River. 
  8. Pearl Lake State Park is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 
  9. The park is also close to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Pearl Lake State Park

For the average visitor, two days is probably enough time to get a taste of what Pearl Lake State Park has to offer. You could easily spend a day hiking around the lake and through the woods, and another day paddling or fishing on the lake itself. Of course, if you're looking for a more complete experience, you could easily spend a week here, enjoying all the park has to offer. 

How to Reach Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park is located in Routt County, Colorado. The closest town is Steamboat Springs, which is about 15 miles away. To reach the park, take Highway 40 east from Steamboat Springs for about 12 miles. Then turn north onto County Road 129 and continue for about 3 miles. The road will dead-end at the parking lot for the park. 

Entrance Fee of Pearl Lake State Park

There is no fee to enter or explore Pearl Lake State Park. However, there are fees for camping and picnicking, as well as for some of the activities available at the park, such as fishing and boating.

Opening Hours of Pearl Lake State Park

The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk and you may check the water condition too. 

Attractions Near Pearl Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake

Steamboat Lake

6.33km from Pearl Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake is a hidden gem in Routt County, Colorado. Covering nearly 3,000 acres, the lake is surrounded by forests and beautiful mountain scenery. It's a popular spot for camping, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. In the winter, the lake is transformed into a mecca for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park

6.73km from Pearl Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park is a popular destination for Coloradoans and visitors alike. Nestled in the Routt National Forest, the park offers spectacular views of the Rockies, as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The lake itself is a popular spot for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, and there are also several miles of trails winding through the forests and meadows. In addition to its natural beauty, It also home to a variety of wildlife.

Hahns Peak

Hahns Peak

7.18km from Pearl Lake State Park

Hahns Peak is a mountain peak in Routt County, Colorado. The summit of the peak is at an elevation of 9,692 feet. The peak is located within the boundaries of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. The peak was named after Maximilianstadt Hann, who was the first person to climb to the summit in 1859. The peak is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and climbers. There are several trails that lead to the summit, and there are also several camping sites in the area.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness

Mount Zirkel Wilderness

17.36km from Pearl Lake State Park

The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking and camping in Routt county, Colorado. The wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. There are also numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Zirkel Circle Trail, which encircles the entire wilderness area. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness, but campfires are only permitted in designated areas.

Mount Zirkel

Mount Zirkel

19.49km from Pearl Lake State Park

Mount Zirkel is one of the best mountains in Colorado. At 12,180 feet, it is the high point in Colorado's Park Range. The wilderness straddles the Continental Divide in the Park Range and the Sierra Madre and offers a diversity of ecosystems from sagebrush meadows in the lower areas. Mount Zirkel was named in honor of German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do.

Roxy Ann Lake

Roxy Ann Lake

23.47km from Pearl Lake State Park

Roxy Ann Lake is a lake in Colorado. It is one of the iconic location and is famous among the people. It is a good trekking destination and also camping is possible here.

Discover More Attractions in Routt County, Home of Pearl Lake State Park

Routt County

Routt County

14 attractions

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Colorado, Routt County is a place of natural beauty and rugged adventure. The county is home to Mount Zirkel, the state's highest peak north of the I-70 corridor, as well as the Sarvis Creek Wilderness, which offers miles of hiking and camping opportunities. In winter, the county's alpine slopes are a mecca for skiers and snowboarders, while its valleys offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. Whether you're looking for

Location of Pearl Lake State Park

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