Lake Life
06/22/2026 02:31PM ● By Ski Town Media Staff
Paddle into the sunset with your pup at one of Routt County's three scenic lakes. Photo by Paula Jo Jaconetta.
Within an hour of Steamboat Springs, several scenic lakes offer easy access to boating, paddling, fishing and relaxing along the water. These nearby lakes make great summer day trips.
Stagecoach State Park: 17 miles south | ~20–25 minutes
The closest large lake to Steamboat, Stagecoach Reservoir is a favorite for summer watersports. Visitors come to boat, wakeboard, paddleboard, swim and fish. The park features a marina with rentals, boat ramps, a swim beach, picnic areas and shoreline trails. A Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle) is required. Several large parking areas are located near the marina, beach and trailheads.
Steamboat Lake State Park 30 miles north | ~40 minutes
Set beneath the iconic silhouette of Hahns Peak, Steamboat Lake is one of the most scenic recreation spots in Routt County. The lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating and offers a marina, boat ramp, swim beach, campgrounds and picnic areas. It’s popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and family lake days. Entry requires a Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle). Parking is available near the marina, beach and day-use areas. For those who want to stay dry, Hahns Peak has a great hike to the top of the peak. Pack sunscreen and water bottles, though, because it’s high elevation and ascends above the tree line.
Pearl Lake State Park 25 miles north | ~40 minutes
Just beyond the town of Clark, Pearl Lake offers a quieter alternative to the larger lakes nearby. This smaller alpine lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing. Motorized boats are allowed but must operate at wakeless speeds, helping preserve the peaceful atmosphere. The park alsof eatures a scenic campground along the shoreline for visitors who want to stay overnight (make reservations online at www.cpw.state.co.us), along with picnic areas and hiking trails. A Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle) is required, with parking available near the day-use area and boat launch.
Within an hour of Steamboat Springs, several scenic lakes offer easy access to boating, paddling, fishing and relaxing along the water. These nearby lakes make great summer day trips.
Stagecoach State Park: 17 miles south | ~20–25 minutes
The closest large lake to Steamboat, Stagecoach Reservoir is a favorite for summer watersports. Visitors come to boat, wakeboard, paddleboard, swim and fish. The park features a marina with rentals, boat ramps, a swim beach, picnic areas and shoreline trails. A Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle) is required. Several large parking areas are located near the marina, beach and trailheads.
Steamboat Lake State Park 30 miles north | ~40 minutes
Set beneath the iconic silhouette of Hahns Peak, Steamboat Lake is one of the most scenic recreation spots in Routt County. The lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating and offers a marina, boat ramp, swim beach, campgrounds and picnic areas. It’s popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and family lake days. Entry requires a Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle). Parking is available near the marina, beach and day-use areas. For those who want to stay dry, Hahns Peak has a great hike to the top of the peak. Pack sunscreen and water bottles, though, because it’s high elevation and ascends above the tree line.
Pearl Lake State Park 25 miles north | ~40 minutes
Just beyond the town of Clark, Pearl Lake offers a quieter alternative to the larger lakes nearby. This smaller alpine lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and fishing. Motorized boats are allowed but must operate at wakeless speeds, helping preserve the peaceful atmosphere. The park alsof eatures a scenic campground along the shoreline for visitors who want to stay overnight (make reservations online at www.cpw.state.co.us), along with picnic areas and hiking trails. A Colorado State Parks day pass ($12 per vehicle) is required, with parking available near the day-use area and boat launch.