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Pearl Lake State Park: A Mountain Jewel

Discover a serene mountain escape at Pearl Lake State Park, offering year-round recreation and stunning views in the heart of the Routt National Forest.

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Nestled in the Routt National Forest, Pearl Lake State Park offers a tranquil escape with stunning mountain scenery and a variety of recreational activities. This 167-acre lake, named after M. Pearl Hartt, is perfect for camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.

A brief summary to Pearl Lake State Park

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are highly recommended for camping and yurts, especially during peak season.
  • Fishing is restricted to flies and artificial lures only, and a valid Colorado fishing license is required.
  • In winter, be prepared for heavy snowfall and pack appropriate gear for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
  • Bring your own firewood and cooking equipment if camping, as the campground is primitive.
  • Visit the nearby Steamboat Lake State Park for full-service camping, motorboating, and boat rentals.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Steamboat Springs, head west on US-40 for two miles until you reach County Road 129. Turn right onto County Road 129 and continue north for 23 miles. Turn right onto Pearl Lake Road and drive the final two miles to the park entrance. A daily vehicle pass costs $9.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Steamboat Springs, taxi or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are available to Pearl Lake State Park. The ride is approximately 30 minutes and costs between $40 and $60, depending on traffic and the service.

Unlock the Best of Pearl Lake State Park

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Discover more about Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park, a jewel nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offers visitors a peaceful and scenic retreat. The park's centerpiece is the 167-acre Pearl Lake, sitting at the base of Farwell Mountain and surrounded by a lush pine forest. Named after M. Pearl Hartt, wife of sheep rancher John Kelly Hartt, the park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. In the summer, camping, hiking, boating (wakeless only), and fishing are popular. The Pearl Lake Connection Trail offers a short hike with beautiful lake views and connects to more extensive trails in the Routt National Forest. Anglers can try their luck catching native cutthroat trout and grayling, but are restricted to using flies and lures. Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. While the campsites close during winter, two yurts remain open year-round, providing a unique and cozy lodging option. Access to the yurts in winter requires a half-mile trek through the snow, adding to the remote and peaceful experience. Pearl Lake's history is intertwined with the Hartt family, who established a summer headquarters for their sheep operations in the area in the early 1900s. The land was later sold to the U.S. Forest Service, marking a shift from agriculture to recreation. Today, Pearl Lake State Park continues to be a beloved destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

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