BPX 3-Day: Pearl Lake State Park Pearl Lake Campground

Campsites:  Pearl Lake Campground has two loops, upper and lower.  There are also two yurts, equipped with electricity and heat, available year round; two night minimum for the yurts is requested.  One yurt accepts pets.

The Upper Loop has unobstructed lake and mountain views while the lower  loop is closer to the water.  Upper Campground sites 1-13 are recommended with the lower loop sites 24-33 being the most popular and close to the lake.

Camp Site Accommodations:  RVs or tents; each site has a tent pad.  Fire rigs and picnic table at each site.  Potable water available from spigot in campground.  Coin operated showers available at Steamboat State Park.  Two vehicles per camp site.

Reservations:  Can be made 6 months in advance.  Reservations website:  www.cpwshop.org  Phone:  800 244 5613  

Driving Directions:   From Steamboat Springs - go West to US Hwy 40 to CR 129, turn R (N) and travel for 23 miles to Pearl Lake Road/CR 209, turn R (E) and go to a flat dirt road; driving distance approximately 200 miles/4 hours.  Nearest towns are Clark and Steamboat Springs.

Routt County Sheriff:  2025 Shield Drive, Steamboat  970 879 1090

Nearest 24/7 ER:  UC Health ER, Yampa Valley Medical Ctr, 1024 Central Park Rd, Steamboat Springs  970 879 1322

Fees: Campsite fees are $28 per site in season; $18 per site in non-season; yurt fee not provided.  Leaders must pre-pay for reservations.  Due date for reimbursement by participants is set by leader.  Carpool fee estimate per camper assuming 3 per vehicle is $40.  Additional mileage reimbursement may be required for drives to trailheads or showers, etc.  

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day  1 - Drive to Steamboat Springs, hike Fish Creek Falls,  4.7 miles, Out & Back, 1450' gain; there are upper and lower falls; drive to Pearl Lake State Park, north of Steamboat Springs (see Driving Directions above), check in and set up camp

Evening hike along lake is 3.6 miles, Out & Back; reports state after 2 miles trail is overgrown so actual mileage may be 2 miles

Day 2 - Fish, boat, bird watching, leisure in camp, hike - Mt. Zirkel Loop, 10.6 miles, 2444' gain; trail takes hikers past Gilpin and Gold Creek Lakes.

Day 3 - Break camp, take one of many shorter hikes in the area, return to meeting location

Activities:  Wakeless boating; paddle boards for rent during season; kayaking and canoeing allowed; fishing -  lake stocked with Cutthroat trout, star gazing, nature observation

Note:  Steamboat Springs Lake Visitor Center is 1 mile from Pearl Lake State Park; VC Phone 970 879 8258

• Suitable Activities: Camping
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: varies
• Length: 20.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,900 ft
• High Point: 9,765 ft

• Land Manager: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
  Pearl Lake State Park
• Parking Permit Required: State Parks Entrance Fee / Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12