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Colorado State Parks
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
307 W. Sackett Ave.
Salida, CO, 81201
(719) 539-7289
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Located on the Arkansas River, this very popular whitewater area offers water sports for all ages and levels including rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. Enjoy land activities such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, OHV riding and wildlife viewing. Open yearlong for winter activities.
Barr Lake State Park
13401 Picadilly Road
Brighton, CO 80603
(303) 659-6005
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This 1,900-acre prairie reservoir on the northeast side of Denver is known for having nearly 400 species of birds. In addition to wildlife/bird viewing, activities include horseback riding, biking, fishing, paddle sports, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, ranger/nature programs, rock climbing, wildlife/bird viewing and a nature center. Open for day use only.
Boyd Lake
3720 North County Road 11-C Loveland, CO 80538 (970) 669-1739
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Boyd Lake, a 1,747-acre lake and park set between the plains and the mountains at the foot of Longs Peak. Enjoy all water sports including fishing, boating jet skiing and paddle sports. Off shore activities include hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing and camping. Open year-round.
Castlewood Canyon
South Highway 83
Franktown, CO 80116
(303) 688-5242
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Castlewood Canyon offers 14 miles of trails within a beautiful canyon landscape of walls up to 60 feet high. Wildlife in abundance can be spotted while cross-country skiing/ snowshoeing, hiking, ranger/nature programs or rock climbing. Dogs allowed on most trails but must be leashed. Day use only.
Chatfield
11500 North Roxborough Park Road
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-7275
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The reservoir is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, water and jet skiing, sailing and boating. Chatfield offers 26 miles of trails (12 of them paved) for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Winter activities include cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, ice fishing, and winter camping. Calling ahead to check campsite availability is highly recommended.
Cherry Creek
4201 South Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 690-1166
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Cherry Creek is in located in the Denver Metro area and is perfect getaway from the urban areas for a day or a week. Summer fun includes swimming, boating, model airplane field, family shooting range, paddle sports and more. Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping. Animal lovers welcome as there is an off leash area for dogs and horses are available for rent.
Cheyenne Mountain
410 JL Ranch Heights
Colorado Springs, CO 80926
(719) 576-2016
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Cheyenne Mountain offers over twenty-one miles of easy to moderate hiking and biking trails through prairie grasslands into pine trees. Undisturbed habitats offer the best in wildlife viewing. Visitors may glimpse coyotes, foxes, deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, prairie dogs as well as golden eagles, wild turkeys and red-tailed hawks. The bird list boasts more than 100 species. Camping available Mid-April through Mid-October. Pets are not allowed on trails and smoking is strictly prohibited on trails and in the backcountry.
Crawford
40468 Highway 92
Crawford, CO 81415
(970) 921-5721
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Enjoy fishing, boating, paddling swimming, and biking on a 400-acre reservoir against the backdrop of mountain peaks. Crawford park is just 12 miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Winter sports include cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Two campgrounds, Iron Creek and Clear Fork, accommodate tents, trailers and campers with shower facilities.
Eldorado Canyon
9 Kneale Road
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
(303) 494-3943
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Hike or bike within a stunning landscape. Towering canyon walls, sandstone cliffs, beautiful flora and fauna adorning the foothills. Located near the near the city of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon hosts hikers and rock climbers from around the world. Trails vary from easy to difficult and connect with Boulder’s trail system. Visitors can picnic, fish in South Boulder Creek and watch for mule deer, elk, golden eagles, wild turkeys and other wildlife. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park’s two separate parcels — Inner Canyon and Crescent Meadows — are connected by the 3 ¼-mile Eldorado Canyon Trail, with an elevation change of 1,000 feet. Eldorado is a day-use only park.
Eleven Mile
4229 County Road 92
Lake George, CO 80827
(719) 748-3401
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Eleven mile is a fisherman’s dream. Ringed by high mountains, this 3,400-acre reservoir at 8,600 feet elevation offers trophy-sized fishing opportunities for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout and northern pike. Visitors may enjoy motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing or windsurfing. Swimming, water skiing, wading and scuba diving are not allowed. The park has 348 tent, trailer and motor home campsites, scattered around the reservoir at nine separate campgrounds. In the 4,000 acres of land around the reservoir, visitors can hike or bike nearly five miles of scenic trails in the Coyote Ridge/ Backcountry area.
Elkhead Reservoir
P.O. Box 759
Moffat Co. Rd 28
Hayden, CO 81639
(970) 276-2061
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Surrounded by the rolling hills, farmland and sagebrush prairie of the beautiful Yampa Valley, Elkhead Reservoir is a high desert oasis. It offers 900 water acres for boating, water and jet skiing, as well as swimming at the seasonal swim beach. Numerous picnic sites offer shelters, grills and tables, or visitors can fish, hike, bike or ride horses along short trails that follow the lakeshore to more remote spots. Hunting is allowed in designated areas around the reservoir in-season. Bear’s Ears campground has 15 basic sites available on a first-come basis. Birdwatchers may spot raptors and a variety of water birds. Winter recreation includes ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Golden Gate Canyon
92 Crawford Gulch Road
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 582-3707
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Golden Gate Canyon is 12,000 scenic acres of mountain, meadow and forest. The 100-mile view of the Continental Divide from Panorama Point Scenic Overlook is worth the price of admission! More than 35 miles of trails offer experiences from casual to difficult. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed on multi-use trails. Enjoy hunting, rock climbing, and six fishing ponds that are stocked regularly. Nature lovers will find endless chances for bird watching, wildlife viewing, plant identification or just enjoying the outdoors. Many campsites available. Other activities include cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, geocaching, hiking, hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, ranger/nature programs, rock climbing, snow tubing, wildlife viewing and winter camping.
Jackson Lake
26363 County Road 3
Orchard, CO 80649
(970) 645-2551
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Visitors can swim, fish, bike and boat at Jackson Lake, or lounge on the sand ranked among the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America. Land activities include an OHV track and two geocaching sites. Nature lovers will appreciate the park’s location, which allows for viewing migrating waterfowl, shore and wading birds, even long-billed curlews and an occasional whooping crane. With 241 year-round campground sites, visitors will be able to have fun and relax year long.
James M. Robb Colorado River
Section 610 Dike Road
Clifton, CO 81520
(970) 434-3388
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The Colorado River Connected Lakes section is considered one of America’s greatest river attractions. Each section offers separate access, unique diversions and its own trails. Connected Lakes is a day-use area where visitors can picnic, fish, hike, watch wildlife, boat and access the river. Five miles of trails wind around its three lakes. Only hand-propelled or sail watercraft and boats with electric motors are permitted on the lakes. Visitors can raft, tube and canoe on the river or obtain trips, lessons and equipment rental from area outfitters.
John Martin Reservoir
30703 County Road 24
Hasty, CO 81044
(719) 829-1801
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Built along the Arkansas River, this large reservoir is a mecca for birdwatchers and a major site along the Colorado Birding Trail. Nearly 400 species have been documented on the water, along the shore and in surrounding woodlands and grassy uplands. Boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and wind-water sports of all kinds are offered on this large lake. The campground is a popular weekend destination. Winter activities include cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, hunting and winter camping.
Lake Pueblo
640 Pueblo Reservoir Road
Pueblo, CO 81005
(719) 561-9320
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Lake Pueblo is in a stunning setting where the mountains meet the plains. Located along the Arkansas River with 4,600 water acres surrounded by 12,000 acres of land, the park offers a nearly endless list of outdoor recreation. There’s sailing and sailboarding, power boating, jet and water skiing. Kayakers, rafters and tubers can enjoy the Arkansas River below the dam, as well as the tail waters. Fisherman will enjoy prime fishing with a large variety of fish. On land there’s bird watching, picnicking and small-game and waterfowl hunting. Hikers and bikers will enjoy casual to challenging trails. The paved Pueblo River Trail connects the park to the city of Pueblo for easy access. Other activities include horseback riding, hunting, ranger/nature programs, swimming, wildlife/bird viewing, and winter camping.
Lathrop
70 County Road 502
Walsenburg, CO 81089
(719) 738-2376
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Nestled beneath the Spanish Peaks, this park lies at a crossroads of early Colorado history. Martin Lake is the place for jet and water skiing and power boating as well as sailing and sailboarding. Swimmers enjoy its warm waters from the swim beach. Lathrop’s nine-hole golf course is the only course in a Colorado state park. Hikers will enjoy fine views of the Spanish Peaks, Greenhorn Mountain and Pikes Peak from park trails. Lathrop has 103 campsites offering basic or improved camping. Additional activities include biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, picnicking, geocaching, cross country skiing/snowshoeing and winter camping.
Lone Mesa
1321 Railroad Ave, PO Box 1047
Dolores, CO, 81323
(970) 882-2213
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This nearly 12,000-acre property in the southwest corner of the state encompasses wonderful scenery and terrain ranging from 7,200 feet to just over 9,000 feet in elevation. Lone Mesa is a hunter’s dream with elk, deer and bear habitats. Please note, a very limited number of hunting permits are granted. Nature lovers will enjoy scouting very rare plant species and other wildlife. Please contact the Lone Mesa office in the town of Dolores as the park is under development planning and may be closed.
Lory
708 Lodgepole Drive
Bellvue, CO 80512
(970) 493-1623
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Lory offers trails through pine forests, grassy meadows, unique rock formations and sandstone hogbacks. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, or one of five picnic areas or discover a secluded spot all your own. Adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory’s rolling valleys and mountainous hillsides offer nearly 26 miles of trails. The Corral Center Mountain Bike Park provides nearly 70,000 square feet of riding terrain with dirt jumps, a pump track and a skills area. Rock climbers will find both bouldering and traditional climbing. There is only primitive, backcountry camping in the park. Winter has opportunities for snowshoeing, snow tubing and cross-country skiing. Wildlife and plants of the Colorado foothills found at Lory allow for a more tranquil visit.
Mancos
42545 County Road N.
Mancos, CO 81328
(970) 533-7065, (970) 882-2213
off season
Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the San Juan Mountains and the archaeological mysteries of southwestern Colorado, Mancos is a great base for a vacation or getaway any time of year. Jackson Gulch Reservoir offer spring, summer and fall recreation for canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters. Swimming and water skiing are not permitted. Anglers will enjoy a variety of fish stocked fresh in spring and summer. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. The park’s 5.2 miles of trails connect to a network of trails in the national forest as well as the Colorado Trail. Rustic camping available year long.
Mueller
21045 Highway 67 South
Divide, CO 80814
(719) 687-2366
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Mueller is comprised of forests, spring-fed mountain meadows, wildflowers of every hue, massive granite rock formations, and the iconic form of Pikes Peak. With more than 5,100 acres of terrain, Mueller is an outstanding destination for nature study, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Elk, mule deer, black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, pine squirrels, and more than 100 species of birds are native to the area. Activities include exploring 55 miles of trails on foot, mountain bike or horseback, picnicking, fishing, geocaching and hunting. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Extend your visit with a stay at one of the park’s three furnished log cabins or campground.
Navajo
1526 County Road 982
Arboles, CO 81121
(970) 883-2208
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Navajo is a favored location for water sports enthusiast. Enjoy the reservoir on a houseboat, motorboat or kayak. The full service Two Rivers Marina has boat slips and mooring balls, boat rental, gas and supplies. Fishing is plentiful. Two-thirds of the reservoir is in New Mexico, so visitors must observe that state’s boating and fishing rules. Stay overnight in a wide variety of campsites or log cabins. Activities include visiting the nearby wetlands, biking, snowshoeing, hiking, horseback trails, hunting, jet skiing, ranger/nature programs, swimming, water skiing.
North Sterling
24005 County Road 330
Sterling, CO 80751
(970) 522-3657
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North Sterling is 3,000-acre reservoir on the Eastern Plains. Visitors will enjoy sailing, jet and water skiing, canoeing, paddle boarding, powerboating while enjoying the majestic bluffs and expansive views. Anglers will find an excellent warm-water fishing. There is swimming at the Cottonwood Cove Swim Beach and the 3.5-mile South Shoreline Trail lets hikers, bikers and horseback riders explore the lakeshore. Wildlife watchers will find an abundance of prairie species. Bird watchers in particular will enjoy observing the migration, with more than 275 species on the bird list. Three campgrounds offer 141 campsites, many with full hookups. Other activities include cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, horseback trails, hunting, ice fishing, ranger/nature programs.
Paonia
Somerset, CO 81434
(970) 921-5721
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Paonia is surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and offers spectacular mountain scenery. The 334-acre lake along the North Fork of the Gunnison River offers opportunities for jet and water skiing, powerboating, sailing, sailboarding, canoeing and other water sports. Visitors can fish in the reservoir from mid-June to mid-August or enjoy fly fishing for trout in streams below the dam. There are no hiking trails but visitors can picnic near the water. Two campgrounds offer 11 scenic but primitive campsites with no hookups and only vault toilets. Paonia closes for winter between early October and May and no services are available. Visitors can still explore and cross-country ski or snowshoe along the lake’s shore.
Pearl Lake
61105 RCR 129
Clark, CO 80428
(970) 879-3922
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Pearl Lake State Park is at the base of Farwell Mountain in Northern Colorado. Visitors will enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, wakeless boating and wildlife watching. Campers can set up on the shoreline or on a ridgeline with superb views. Note that Pearl Lake offers no-frills camping with no electrical hookups. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Ridgway
28555 Highway 550
Ridgway, CO 81432
(970) 626-5822
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With the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains as a backdrop and the lush Uncompahgre River Valley all around, Ridgway is among the most beautiful parks in the state. Ridgway Reservoir offers boating of all kinds, sailing, swimming and water skiing. Anglers can try their luck for kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout in the reservoir, and have a choice of fishing ponds or fly fishing along the Uncompahgre River. Wildlife viewing is outstanding. Visitors might see elk and deer, golden and bald eagles, osprey, foxes, marmots, even the occasional mink. More than 140 species of birds have been recorded here. Hikers, bikers and strollers can explore 16 miles of trails winding through the park. There are three geocache sites. Overnighting here is a special treat. Choices at the three campgrounds include full-service RV sites, electric, tents-only areas, many with elevated tent pads and even three heated yurts! Year-round activities include biking, boating, cross country skiing/snowshoeing, fishing, geocaching, hiking, hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, jet skiing, ranger/ nature programs, sail/paddle sports, snow tubing, swimming, water skiing, wildlife/bird viewing.
Rifle Falls
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO, 81650
(970) 625-1607
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Sunset magazine named Rifle​ Falls' 70 foot triple waterfall one of the Ten Best Waterfalls in the west. There are three hiking trails along East Rifle Creek, caves, and the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery to explore. The Mountain Mist Amphitheater can be reserved for weddings and other events. Year-round Electrical, primitive and picnic sites are available.
Rifle Gap
5775 Highway 325
Rifle, CO, 81650
(970) 625-1607
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Rifle Gap is a prime water recreation area, enjoy watersports and wildlife viewing. Rifle Gap Reservoir offers angling for near-record pike, walleye, trout, bass and perch​. Rifle Gap is known as a prime ice fishing destination. Hiking and biking trails on adjacent BLM land are easily accessed from the park. Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are welcome, primitive camping and picnic sites are available.
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Roxborough
4751 East Roxborough Drive
Roxborough, CO, 80125
(303) 973-3959
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Roxborough is a wildlife/bird study area with miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails. Biking is limited to paved roads, and pets are not permitted in the park. ​Roxborough is an Audubon Society Important Bird Area and Colorado Natural Area, so facilities are limited to the visitor's center, and there are no picnic areas or overnight camping.
Sweitzer Lake
1735 E Road
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-4258
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Sweitzer Lake is a day-use only recreation site created specifically for water sports, including water skiing, jet skiing, catch-release fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and some hunting. Features include a visitor's center, boat ramp, and picnic sites. sweitzer.park@state.co.us
St. Vrain
3525 State Highway 119
Firestone, CO, 80504
(303) 678-9402
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St. Vrain's ten (and counting!) fish ponds are stocked with 15 different kinds of fish. Ponds of various sizes make St. Vrain an ideal place to teach children and beginners to fish. Boating on Blue Heron Reservoir is limited to wakeless motors, 10hp or less. Eight campgrounds with electrical, showers, and dump station are open year-round, but reservations are recommended in the spring and fall.
San Luis
16393 Lane 6 North
Mosca, CO, 81146
(719) 738-2020
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San Luis is a scenic park, with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Great Sand Dunes. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, hunting and bird watching are popular activities. Water levels in the irrigation reservoir fluctuate, so water activities may, or may not, be available. Electrical campsites and picnic sites are available, along with laundry and shower facilities, and dump station.
Sylvan Lake
10200 Brush Creek Road
Eagle, CO 81631
(970) 328-2021
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Sylvan Lake is a nature lover's paradise, surrounded by the White River National Forest. With miles of hiking trails, streams stocked with brook and brown trout, and a full service campground, complete with rental cabins and yurts, Sylvan Lake is a peaceful home base for all-season outdoor activities. sylvan.lake@state.co.us
Spinney Mountain
4229 County Road 92
Lake George, CO, 80827
(719) 748-3401
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Spinney Mountain has a spectacular view of the Collegiate Peaks. However, it is known best for fishing. Spinney Mountain is home to trophy size cutthroat, rainbow, brown trout, pike, though only artificial lures and flies may be used. Non-motorized boating is permitted on the reservoir, but there is no overnight camping allowed. Visitors can camp 7 miles east at Eleven Mile State Park. Spinney Mountain is open mid-April through mid-October.
Trinidad Lake
32610 Highway 12
Trinidad, CO, 81082
(719) 846-6951
Trinidad Lake features a range of year-round water sport activities, full hook-up campground, including laundry and group site. It is centrally located as a perfect base for hiking the Santa Fe and surrounding trails, as well as the historic mining town of Trinidad. trinidad.lake@state.co.us
Yampa River Headquarters
6185 US Highway 40
Hayden, CO, 81639
(970) 276-2061
With 13 access points from Hayden to Dinosaur National Monument, the Yampa River corridor offers fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, camping, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking from flat water to class V rapids. Full service campground located at the visitor's center near Hayden. yampa.river@state.co.us
State Forest
56750 Highway 14
Walden, CO, 80480
(970) 723-8366
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The glacial alpine State Forest is home to over 600 moose, which may be observed year-round while enjoying seasonal outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding. Four electrical campgrounds, ten cabins, yurts and designated back-country campsites, horse corral, boat dock, and dump station among the accommodations.
Staunton
12102 S. Elk Creek Rd
Pine, CO 80470
(303) 816-0912
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Staunton is heaven for hikers and horseback riders, which the park was specifically designed for. With a variety of terrain through forest, meadow, over streams and highlighting the historic Staunton family cabin, this day-use only park is perfect for picnickers and trail riders.
Vega
15247 N. 6/10 Rd
Collbran, CO, 81624
(970) 487-3407
Vega, Spanish for "meadow" features 8,000-foot elevation wildflower meadows amid aspen groves and mountain shrubbery perfect for bird and wildlife watching, horseback riding, and easy access to hiking in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Corrals on site for rent. Four campgrounds surround the reservoir stocked with trout, and available for canoeing, sailing, jet-skiing, and water skiing. Five cabins are available for rent, year-round, for snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities. vega.park@state.co.us
Stagecoach
25500 R Co Rd 14
Oak Creek, CO, 80467
(970) 736-2436
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A naturalist's dream, Stagecoach is a prime wildlife and fowl viewing area, with trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing. The 3-mile-long reservoir is stocked with pike and trout. Motorized watercraft are welcome, and the park has boat rentals available. There are four electrical camping sites open through the winter.