The Top Choices Offer Opportunities to View Bald Eagles, to Rent Yurts, and to Enjoy Winter Sports.
Steamboat Lake State Park/Pearl Lake State Park
Located at the base of majestic Hahn's Peak in northern Colorado, Steamboat Lake is one of the most popular areas in the state and a park for all seasons. Among the choices for winter recreation available are cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, as well as snowmobiling, with access to 60 miles of trails. All cross-country trails in the park are groomed on a regular basis, and two snowshoe trails offer great views of the area. Pearl Lake State Park also provides snowmobile access throughout the winter, as well as opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is closed to camping during the winter, but offers accommodations at two yurts, accessible during the winter only by snowshoe, ski or snowmobile.
Navajo State Park
The park's main attraction is Navajo Lake, which includes 15,000 surface acres and 150 miles of shoreline, extending for 35 miles south into New Mexico. The Lake usually doesn't freeze in the wintertime, and therefore park visitors are able to enjoy boating and open-water fishing on a year-round basis. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing (including and opportunity to view bald eagles). The park's campground is open year round with limited facilities in the winter.
State Forest State Park
A true wilderness park, it offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks and alpine lakes. Elevations that range from 8,000 to 12,900 feet provide the area with a winter recreation season that often lasts from November until April. All four campgrounds are open throughout the year, and cabin and yurt rentals offer the snow lover the opportunity to experience winter in all its serenity. Winter activities at State Forest include backcountry skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
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