Park Activities
Biking
Stagecoach has approximately 8 miles of trails. The trails are gravel covered and offer easy to moderate cycling. Biking around the reservoir is possible by connecting the Elk Run Trail to CR 18 and the Lakeside Trail to CR 14 for an eleven mile loop. Our groomed winter trails are great for fat bikes. Loaners are available at the park office.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Birding
Stagecoach offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. Many different birds frequent Stagecoach including, Eurasian Coots, Bald Eagles, Osprey, White Faced Ibis, American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Blue Grouse, Sharp-Tailed Grouse, and a wide variety of songbirds, hawks and falcons.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Boating
The reservoir is open to motorized and non-motorized boating May 1 through October 31. The reservoir is divided into wakeless and non-wakeless areas for your convenience and safety.
Stagecoach State Park requires pre-inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), such as Zebra or Quagga mussels, water fleas, and varying invasive plant species, prior to launching any vessel on the reservoir. No boats may pre-launch and all boats must be off the water by the time inspection hours close as we will be locking the boat ramp.
All vessels are required to obtain an ANS stamp (available at the park office and entrance station).
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Camping
Camping is by reservation only (you must make a reservation prior to occupying a campsite). To make a camping reservation please visit www.cpwshop.com or call 1-800-244-5613.
Winter camping available in the Pinnacle City Campground in campsites 28, 29, 44, and 45 by reservation only.
Visit the Camping page for more detailed information about the campgrounds.
There are 92 campsites spread among the lush and fragrant sagebrush of the Yampa Valley separated into four campgrounds: Junction City (sites 1-27), Pinnacle City (sites 28-65), Harding Spur (sites 66-83) and McKindley (sites 84-92).
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
During the winter season all groomed trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Please call the park for current conditions.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- They are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times
- Their waste is properly disposed of
Pets are not allowed on the swim beach.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Education Programs
Stagecoach offers a variety of educational programs to visitors of all ages. During the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) programs are available each weekend and holidays. Look for flyers posted around the park or check the schedule on the park’s Facebook page for current programs.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Equipment Rental
Stagecoach offers a FREE loaner gear program to allow visitors to enjoy many of the activities available on the park. The program includes lake and ice fishing rods/tackle, horseshoes, snowshoes, GPS units, and fat tire bikes. We do not loan out the fat tire bikes during mud season. Call or stop by the park office (970) 736-2436 for additional information. All of the gear we loan out is on a first-come, first-serve basis. As the loaner program is primarily donation-funded, donations are highly encouraged.
In the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the Marina rents kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and stand-up paddle boards. Contact the Marina directly at (970) 736-8342 for pricing and availability on rentals.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:17 AM)
Fishing
Stagecoach reservoir is known for its fast-growing, hard-fighting rainbows that average in length from 14-to-18 inches. With a strong trout population, the pike have grown, some as large as 35 to 46 inches and weigh up to 30 pounds (Stagecoach is home to the current Colorado Northern Pike record of 46.5” 30lbs. 11oz.).
In order to protect and sustain the trout population at Stagecoach, wildlife managers are encouraging anglers to harvest any pike caught. Some pike are tagged with orange tags at the base of the dorsal fin for study. Please report catch information to the number on the tag. Visit the conditions page for a current fishing report.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:17 AM)
Group Camping
The McKindley and Juniper Group Camping Areas are available to tent and RV campers. For reservations and information, please visit www.cpwshop.com or call 1-800-244-5613.
The McKindley area has capacity for approximately 30 individuals, parking for 5-7 vehicles, two large tent pad sites, and a common area with 6 picnic tables and 4 large grills/fire pits. A vault toilet is adjacent to the campsite. Potable water, the reservoir, and pay showers are within walking distance (approximately 1/4 mile).
The Juniper area has capacity for 18 individuals, parking for 4 vehicles, large and small tent pads, RV parking for 2 trailers with 50-Amp hookups, and a common area with 4 picnic tables and a large grill/fire-pit. This area is located within the Pinnacle Campground near flush restrooms in the Marina building. Potable water, the reservoir, and pay showers are within walking distance (approximately 100 yards).
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:17 AM)
Group Picnicking
The Arrowhead group picnic area has several picnic tables and two grills under a pavilion. It accommodates up to 60 individuals and is available by reservation. To make reservations go to www.cpwshop.com or call 1-800-244-5613.
The area includes a picnic shelter, picnic tables, two large BBQ grills, a water hydrant, electrical outlets, lights, horseshoe pits, and is in close proximity to flush restrooms, the reservoir and the Arrowhead parking lot. The hours of use for the Group Picnic Area are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:17 AM)
Hiking
Experience the expansive views, abundant wildlife, and diversity of four trails each offering unique experiences. The Lakeview, Overlook, and Elk Run trails are open to hiking and biking. The Pinnacle Peak trails are open to hiking only. The Public Lands Access Trail (PLAT) is located near the dam and offers multi-use access as well as a connection to adjacent BLM and National Forest lands.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:16 AM)
Horseback Riding
The Elk Run and Lakeview trails are open to horseback riding. There are no stables/horse rentals available in the immediate area.
(Updated: 4/10/2023 8:58 AM)
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed during legal seasons in designated hunting zones only.
See the Stagecoach hunting page for more information.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:19 AM)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is extremely popular for Rainbow Trout and Northern Pike. The reservoir is traditionally frozen from the end of December through March.
Conditions vary day to day and sometimes hour to hour. Always come prepared with cold weather gear, tall boots, and ice safety gear.
No gear? No problem! Basic ice fishing kits and hand augers are available at the park office as part of our FREE loaner program.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:19 AM)
Jet Skiing
The minimum age requirement for operating a personal watercraft is 16. Please use caution and be aware of other visitors. Always follow a counter-clockwise direction of travel.
(Updated: 5/6/2023 8:54 AM)
OHV Riding
OHVs are not allowed to operate on the park. There are several Forest Service areas open to OHVs in the surrounding area. Registered ATVs and snowmobiles are allowed during the winter, solely for ice fishing access from the parking lots.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:20 AM)
Paddle Boarding
Stagecoach offers extensive paddle boarding opportunities on our 820-acre reservoir! The entire reservoir is open to paddle boards; however, paddle boarders are encouraged to take advantage of the calm water in Harding and Morrison Coves and the large no-wake area on the western half of the reservoir.
Paddle board operators are reminded that paddle boards are classified as vessels by the USCG and as such, a personal flotation device (PFD) is required for every person on board. In addition, children 12 years of age or under must wear a PFD at all times when on any vessel.
Paddle boards may be rented from the Stagecoach Marina Store. During busy periods the Marina Store may have limited availability so please plan accordingly. The Stagecoach Marina Store can be contacted by visiting www.steamboatspringsboatrentals.com or calling (970) 736-8342.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:20 AM)
Picnicking
Picnic tables are located throughout the park’s trails, campsites, and day-use areas. Sites with both picnic tables and grills can be found at the Arrowhead, Keystone, and Haybro picnic areas.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:46 PM)
Sailboarding
Sailboarders do use the reservoir; however, winds are unpredictable and vary day to day.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Snowmobiling
Registered snowmobiles are permitted on the reservoir surface during the winter months as conditions allow, solely for fishing access below the high water mark. Snowmobile use is not allowed anywhere else in the park or on Routt County Road 18 to the Tailwaters.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the designated wakeless zones and swim beach near the marina. No lifeguard is on duty and hazards do exist below the water surface around the reservoir. Please take caution and swim at your own risk. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult 18 or older.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Volleyball
A sand volleyball court is located at the swim beach.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Water Skiing
Summer water temperatures average from 50-70 degrees. Always follow the counter-clockwise direction of travel and have an observer on board when towing a waterskier.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Winter Activities
Stagecoach’s ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, wildlife watching are exciting, refreshing ways to enjoy the park during the winter months. Snowmobiling is allowed only on the reservoir surface for ice fishing access when traveling to and from vehicles and trailers.
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. For current ice conditions, contact the park at (970) 736-2436.
Visitors can use the same entrance in the winter as they do in the summer. The park roads are plowed; as is the Marina, select campsites in Pinnacle, the Keystone Day Use Area, Morrison Cove and parking lots along CR14 & CR16. Pass and registration sales are available at the park office.
(Updated: 4/3/2022 3:47 PM)
Winter Events
2025 Winter Events
First Day Hike: January 1st — 1:00pm
Ice Fishing Tournament
Debunk the Winter Funk
Ski & Lunch
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:22 AM)
Winter Camping
Winter camping is available in the Pinnacle City Campground.
Camping is available on a limited basis during the winter. Four campsites (28, 29, 44, and 45) in the Pinnacle Campground are plowed and available by reservation only. Campers must purchase a camping permit and have a parks pass. Most facilities are shut down for the winter including showers, flush bathrooms, the dump station, and water. Electricity (50A) is available at the sites throughout the winter.
(Updated: 4/27/2024 10:23 AM)