Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing.
A year-round destination, the park also makes a great base to explore the variety of sports and attractions of the area. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.
Biking
Stagecoach has approximately 8 miles of trails. The Elk Run Trail and the Lakeside Trails are open to bicycles in the summer. 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.
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.
Boating
The reservoir is open to motorized and non-motorized boating during the summer months (May 1 through October 31). The reservoir is divided into wakeless and non-wakeless areas for your convenience and safety. Please review the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife Boating Regulations before coming to the park.
Camping
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).
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.
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.
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.
Group Camping
The McKindley and Juniper Group Camping Areas are available to tent and RV campers. For reservations and information, please contact the park office at (970) 736-2436.
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 30-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).
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 on a reservation basis. Please make reservations by calling the park office at (970) 736-2436.
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 6:00AM to 10:00PM.
Hiking
Experience the expansive views, abundant wildlife and diversity of four trails each offering unique experiences. The Lakeview and Elk Run trails are open to hiking and biking. The Wetlands and Pinnacle Peak trail are open to hiking only. Please keep all pets on a leash and clean up after them.
Horseback Riding
The Elk Run and Lakeview trails are open to horseback riding. There are no stables/horse rentals available in the immediate area.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day during legal seasons in designated hunting zones only.
The use of firearms and other weapons are prohibited in the summer and controlled during the legal hunting season. For additional information on area hunting access, seasons and regulations please refer to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or visit the Park Office.
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.
Jet Skiing
The minimum age requirement for operating a personal water craft is 16. Please use caution and be aware of other visitors. Always follow a counter-clockwise direction of travel.
OHV Riding
OHV's are not allowed to operate on the park. There are several Forest Service areas open to OHV's in the surrounding area. ATV's and Snowmobiles are allowed during the winter, solely for ice fishing access from the parking lots.
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.
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.
Sailboarding
Sailboarders do use the reservoir, however winds are unpredictable and vary day to day.
Snowmobiling
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.
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.
Volleyball
A sand volleyball court is located at the swimbeach.
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.
Winter Activities
Stagecoach's ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, wildlife watching and commercial dog sled tours 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.
Winter Camping
Camping is 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. Most facilities are shut down for the winter including: showers, flush bathrooms, the dump station, and water. Electricity (30A) is available at the sites throughout the winter.
