Stagecoach State Park by Colorado Parks and Wildlife
There is no need to stay locked inside your home all winter. There are numerous winter activities and great sites you can visit. Many State Parks remain open during winter offering an entirely different world for outdoors lovers. Make the most of winter! Just be sure to check the winter schedule for any destination you choose, before you head out.
Stagecoach State Park is an amazing option to enjoy in winter. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing. The park also makes a great destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.
For those seeking more peace and fewer crowds, winter is unusually quiet, offering trails for snowshoeing, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the electrical camping sites maintained just for winter.
A Little History
Stagecoach State Park has a rich cultural history, beginning with the Ute and Shoshone Tribes using the area for hunting, gathering and making stone tools. The park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs.
The Stagecoach Dam was built on the Yampa River in late 1988, and its reservoir filled over the next several years. It is located at the northeast end of the lake. The water’s surface elevation is 7200 feet (2195 m) above sea level.
Things to do at Stagecoach State Park
The state park is an excellent year-round location to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. Enjoy the views, abundant wildlife and the four trails for some great hiking. In winter, the trails offer excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Ice fishing is extremely popular for Rainbow Trout and Northern Pike. The reservoir is traditionally frozen from the end of December through March. In fact, Stagecoach is well known for its Annual Steamboat Great Outdoors Ice Fishing Tournament. 
This fishing tournament that welcomes the New Year was held last week.
ATV’s and snowmobiles are permitted on the reservoir surface during the winter months as conditions allow, solely for fishing access below the high water mark. Camping is also available on a limited basis during the winter. Four campsites in the Pinnacle Campground are plowed and available on a first come, first serve basis. Electricity will be available at the sites throughout the winter.
Gear up and enjoy this early 2016 at Stagecoach State Park!
Stagecoach offers ice fishing gear for free rental during the winter months from the Park Office. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check ability first. You can also rent from Outdoors Geek you can find everything you need for your trip. And if you are thinking of buying outdoors gear, we let you try it first! If you like it, you can decide to but it… Yes, that cool!
Redfeather snowshoes from Outdoors Geek
But if you only plan to make a few weekend trips, but probably won’t use your gear a lot, Outdoors Geek offers renting services, so you can bring the best quality equipment and accessories that the market has to offer. Once you are done with it, just ship it back. We can also hook you up with the best camping tents and gear.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures and don’t forget to share your photos with us!
