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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Steamboat Lake State Park > Trails

Trails

​​​​​The adjacent Routt National Forest also provides many hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving opportunities. See the Steamboat and Pearl Lake Area Brochure and Map for trail locations.

​​Trail Descriptions

​Poverty Bar Trail

New in 2005, this trail highlights the rich gold mining history of the area while connecting to the Routt National Forest.

  • Permitted uses: Foot, bike and horses
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 1.1
  • Total distance: 1.1
  • Usage: Low
  • Degree of difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: 8,200
  • ADA accessible: Yes
  • Comments: Interpretive sign and bench
  • Pets: Yes, on leash only

Tombstone Nature Trail

The trail is listed in national publications as one of the best short trails in Colorado! This 1.1-mile loop trail at Placer Cove Day Use Area provides views of Steamboat Lake and highlights features of the area’s natural and cultural history.

  • Permitted uses: Foot
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 1.1
  • Total distance: 1.1
  • Usage: Medium
  • Degree of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Elevation: 8,200
  • ADA accessible: No
  • Comments: Self-guided interpretive trail
  • Pets: Yes, on leash only

Willow Creek Trail

Links the Dutch Hill/Marina area to the Sunrise Vista Campground and continues on to the Visitor Center providing 2 1/2 miles of hiking. From the Visitor Center, the trail continues on 1.3 miles to the Sage Flats Day Use Area.

  • Permitted uses: Foot and bike
  • Miles paved: 0
  • Miles non-paved: 3.8
  • Total distance: 3.8
  • Usage: Medium
  • Degree of difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: 8,100
  • ADA accessible: Yes
  • Comments: This is a great family trail. A good easy to moderate trail for hikers and bikers of all ability. Excellent choice as a jogging or exercise path.
  • Pets: Yes, on a leash only

​Steamboat Lake Non-motorized Trails/Ski Touring Center (Winter Trail)

  • Permitted uses: Cross-country and skate skiers, fat tire biking (on the side), snowshoeing (on the side)
  • Kilometers groomed: 6.8
  • Usage: Low
  • Degree of difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Elevation: 8,200
  • ADA accessible: No
  • Comments: One of the most scenic classic and skate ski opportunities in the state. In addition to the ski trails, a marked 1.5 mile snowshoe trail offers fantastic views of the Steamboat Lake area.
  • Pets: Yes, on leash only.

Steamboat Lake Multiple Use Access Trail (Winter)

  • Permitted uses: Skis, snowshoe and snowmobile
  • Miles groomed: 5
  • Usage: Low
  • Degree of difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: 8,100
  • ADA accessible: No
  • Comments: Trail provides excellent access to the 146 miles of groomed trails in the Routt National Forest. Parking is provided at the Marina parking lot. Please be aware of and respect the non-motorized trail area between parking lot and Visitor Center.
  • Pets: Yes, on leash only.