This can be done as a stand-alone beginner route or it can be added to the Steamboat Springs to Stagecoach route and/or Lynx Pass and Around Stagecoach route for a longer intermediate ride.
Stagecoach State Park and its reservoir is an incredibly beautiful place to gravel bike!
The park is a Colorado State Park located in Routt County in the lush Yampa Valley, 17 miles south of Steamboat Springs. The 1,641-acre park includes a 820-acre reservoir on the Yampa River formed by Stagecoach Dam. You will not be disappointed by the panoramic views of the lake, dam, river, Sage Bluffs, the Yampa Valley, and the cliffs of Blacktail Mountain!
There are trails that go nearly all the way around and this route is what is known as the "Grand Traverse" of Stagecoach Reservoir. It links the Elk Run Trail with Routt County Road 18, to the Overlook Trail and then the Lakeview Trail. Most of the trails are wide and have a fine gravel surface which ungulates up and down along the shore.
More than 75% of this route is on trails where no motor vehicles are allowed. Even on a Friday afternoon of Labor Day weekend, trail usage was really light- we felt like we nearly had the place to ourselves!
We honestly had absolutely nothing to complain about.
Do this ride if you want a easy and scenic short loop at Stagecoach State Park, or combine this loop with our "Steamboat to Stagecoach" route for additional miles on a longer ride.
We parked at the Willow Crossing Parking Lot. There is plenty of parking and a vault toilet here. (Since it is a loop, you can obviously park at any of the other park parking lots that might be more convenient for you.)
Colorado State Park does require a fee to park and to enter by bike. Day passes are $4, or you can use your annual state park pass. More info here.
The Stagecoach Marina Store says it has a "small camp store with firewood, ice, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and often forgotten items", and there are several bathrooms along the route if you should need to stop.
Stagecoach State Park says commonly sighted wildlife in the park includes elk, mule deer, coyote, red fox and badger. Go early morning or near dusk for your best opportunity to see animals!
There are campgrounds in the park if you want to stay here. Camping requires a reservation. Reservations can be made on cpwshop.com or by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
