Elkhead State Park is located in Moffat and Routt counties in northwest Colorado, near Craig. The park surrounds and includes Elkhead Reservoir. The reservoir is stocked with smallmouth bass and trout, and northern pike are being transplanted from the Yampa River to the reservoir. Activities at the park include camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Snowmobile Trails in Routt National Forest (NF) in Northwest Colorado. Published by the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
North Routt Winter Recreation Trails Map at Routt National Forest (NF) in Colorado. Published by the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Colorado Fishing Guide. Published by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Elkhead Reservoir SP
https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Pages/default.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleven_Mile_State_Park
Elkhead State Park is located in Moffat and Routt counties in northwest Colorado, near Craig. The park surrounds and includes Elkhead Reservoir. The reservoir is stocked with smallmouth bass and trout, and northern pike are being transplanted from the Yampa River to the reservoir. Activities at the park include camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Passes and Permits
All vehicles entering the park are required to
display a current Colorado State Parks Pass on
the windshield. A daily pass is valid from the
day purchased until
noon the following day.
An annual pass is valid
at any Colorado State
Park 12 months from
the date of purchase.
For annual pass holders
who own another car, a
multiple pass is available
for an additional fee. Daily passes are available
at self-service dispensers. Annual Passes may be
purchased at the Yampa River State Park office
near Hayden. Colorado residents 64 or older
qualify for a special Aspen Leaf annual pass,
available at a discounted rate.
Elkhead Reservoir
State Park
ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS
In 1974, Elkhead Reservoir was constructed on
the Elkhead Creek as part of a recreation and
wildlife area and to serve as a backup water
supply for the City of Craig and the Craig Power
generating station.
In 1996, the State Board of the Great Outdoors
Colorado Trust Fund approved a Legacy Grant
for preserving natural values within the Yampa
River System and enhancing recreational use.
Colorado State Parks was identified as the
agency to provide recreation management in
the river corridor, including Elkhead Reservoir.
In January 1998, Colorado State Parks began
management of recreational use and facilities
at Elkhead Reservoir which is owned by the city
of Craig.
In addition to a parks pass, campers are
required to purchase and display a camping
permit at their campsite.
Elkhead Reservoir
State Park
135 County Road 28
Craig, Colorado 81625 • (970) 276-2061
E-mail: yampa.river @state.co.us
cpw.state.co.us
CPW_RMEH_5K_3/18
E
lkhead Reservoir is located 10 miles
northeast of Craig, on the high plains of
northwest Colorado. The surrounding
area consists of gently rolling hills of irrigated
farmland, dry land wheat, and rangeland. Within
the park, rolling sagebrush prairie combines with
scenic cliff areas.
Colorado disabled
veterans displaying
Colorado Disabled
Veteran (DV) license
plates are admitted free
without a pass, however,
camping fees still apply.
Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado
through Colorado Lottery proceeds.
Camping
C O L O R A D O PA R K S & W I L D L I F E
cpw.state.co.us
In 2009, the Colorado River Water
Conservation District finished the expansion
on the reservoir and phase one of the park
re-development was complete. Elkhead
Reservoir now offers 900 surface acres of water
and 1,300 acres of land. Newly developed boat
ramps, swim beaches, picnic sites and camping
facilities are open for you to experience.
Elkhead Reservoir’s Bears Ears campground is
located on the south end of the reservoir near
the east side of the dam. Bears Ears offers 16
campsites. Each site is developed with a hardened
gravel pad, picnic table, shade shelter and fire pit.
This campground does not have water, sewer or
power available. Two restrooms are conveniently
located at each end of the campground. A
maximum stay at the campground is 14 days.
Camping reservations can be made by calling
1-800-244-5613 online at www.cpw.state.co.us.
Picnicking/Hiking
Numerous picnic sites are located around the
park; many have shade shelters, fire grills and
picnic tables. There are approximately 10.5 miles
of trails at Elkhead Reservoir for hiking and
biking. More detailed trail maps are available. Take
a picnic with you and hike along the reservoir, or
go to the north end of the reservoir for a more
remote experience.
Wildlife
Depending on the season, large herds of elk,
deer and pronghorn can be seen in and around
the park. Hawks, eagles and owls are regularly
seen throughout the year. Also found in the area
are bears, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions
which are not seen daily, but pass through on a
regular basis.
Motorized Recreation
Only snowmobiles and OHVs used for ice fishing
are allowed.
Registered OHVs are permitted on roads within
Moffat County, but not permitted on Routt County
roads or roads within the park.
Winter Recreation
Ice fishing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing
are popular during the winter months. This is a
great time to view wildlife in the big herds known
to northwest Colorado.
Fishing and Hunting
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Craig
CR
Elkhead
Reservoir
State Park
29
40
Park
Office
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.
Hayden
LEGEND
Boat Ramp
Boating/Water Sports
Campground
Greenwood
Cove
Boating, water-skiing, sailing and jet skiing are
popular activities during the summer. Swimming
is allowed at the swim-beach and from a boat in
designated no-wake areas on the north end of the
lake. A Personal Flotation Device must be worn
while in the water except at the designated swim
beach. Elkhead is under mandated “aquatic
nuisance species” inspections on all craft.
Dam
Entrance Station
Fishing
Northeast Access
(Handlaunch
C O L O R A D O
P A R K S
&
W I L D L I F E
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
FACT SHEET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017
Who we are
Colorado Parks and Wildlife utilizes the principles of conservation - the wise use of natural resources - to effectively manage
fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education for the citizens
of Colorado and its visitors. Elkhead Reservoir State Park is a hidden gem in Northwest Colorado, offering over 900 acres of water
for recreational boating and an excellent cool/warmwater fishery. Due to the warmer climate, Elkhead Reservoir State Park is an
excellent destination for early and late season hiking and mountain biking, with over 10 miles of trails running throughout the
park providing scenic views of the surrounding area. The 16-site Bear’s Ears campground at the south end of the reservoir is
perfect for weekend getaways.
Top attractions
•
•
•
•
•
Home to a variety of sportfish, including
largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Plus, catch
and keep all the northern pike and smallmouth
bass you can.
900 acres of reservoir for water skiing, shore and
boat fishing and swimming.
Camping opportunities located in the “Elk Capital”
of Colorado that serve as an excellent base camp for
hunters.
Great access to Routt National Forest and U.S.
Bureau of Land Management public lands.
Home of the annual Elkhead Reservoir Fishing
Classic.
•
Yampa River Legacy partners: Routt County, Moffat
County, Town of Hayden, City of Steamboat, U.S.
Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service,
The Nature Conservancy, Yampa Valley Land Trust.
•
Property Landowners: The City of Craig and the
Colorado River Water Conservation District
Challenges we face
•
•
Currently, there are no data connections available at the park and customers must purchase passes at self-service stations or travel to
nearby parks/offices.
Due to a requirement to recover endangered native fish, Elkhead Reservoir is working with our partners, including local anglers, to
convert the existing fishery consisting primarily of nonnative smallmouth bass and northern pike, to a fishery consisting of approved
species, including largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill.
Volunteer activities
•
Our campground host and work camper programs continue to provide much needed support to park staff in order to keep Elkhead
Reservoir operating smoothly.
•
Elkhead Reservoir State Park partners with local groups such as the Parrotheads, Totally Kids and Hayden Public Schools to perform
various projects around Elkhead Reservoir, such as tree planting and trail maintenance.
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 cpw.state.co.us
VICK SCHENDEL/CPW
Our partners
135 CR 28, Craig, CO 81625
(970) 276-2061 • Email: elkhead.park@state.co.us
Park Manager: Jacob Brey
As of June 30, 2017
Manager’s Message
Our staff is excited to expand the recreation activities available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park. Within the next year, we will
construct a 30-site electric hook-up campground. We have completed work on the trail system, and recently added new trailhead
signage and trail maps. Last year, we completed construction of a workshop with an office area. This will help us expand
customer service to our visitors in the future while allowing dedicated resources to remain at Elkhead Reservoir. Park staff has
been working to provide increased opportunities for hunting and fishing by extending hunt areas and the length of the boating
season and stocking approved fish species, including largemouth bass. To prevent the escapement of nonnative predators,
Elkhead Reservoir installed a large fish screen at the reservoir's spillway, a feature that gives the park time to transition to a
fishery consisting of approved species.
Annual Visitation
152,931
Geography
Region: Northwest
County: Routt and Moffat
Year Acquired: 2006
Elevation: 6,365 ft
Miles From Denver: 196
Facilities
2 Boat Ramps
20 Picnic Sites
Governmental
US Cong Dist: 3rd
CO Senate: 8th
CO House: 57th& 26th
Trails
Biking: 10.5 miles
Hiking: 10.5 miles
Horseback: 10 miles
Cross Country Skiing/
Snowshoeing: 10.5 miles
Total: 10.5 miles
Employees
Temporary: 9
Roads
Unpaved: 3 miles
Acreage
Total Acres: 2,105
Recreation
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Ice Fishing
Jet Skiing
Ranger/Nature Programs
Sailboarding
Swimming
Water Skiing
Wildlife/Bird Viewing
Camping
Campsites (basic, seasonal): 16
138
Walden
Elkhead
Reservoir
Craig Hayden
Steamboat
Springs
40
Fort
Collins
14
Estes
Park
125
14
Loveland
6
Greeley
34
Oak Creek
36
131
134
Fort Brush
Morgan
76
13
Meeker
Sterling
14
85
Kremmling
40
34
Wray
Brighton
287
Denver
93
Golden
Avon Vail
Rifle
385
Breckenridge
Collbran
Fruita
36
70
Frisco
Glenwood
Springs
85
Castle
Rock
285
330
Leadville
Aspen
Grand Junction
82
24
86
Fairplay
Limon
Burlington
70
24
40
65
Paonia133
Hotchkiss
Buena
Vista
Crawford
Olathe
Montrose
COLORADO
PA R K S
&
WILDLIFE
Your Guide to
Colorado’s 41
State Parks
2018 Edition
cpw.state.co.us
CAMPING RESERVATIONS • 1-800-244-5613 • cpw.state.co.us
i
Welcome to Your State Parks!
Wherever you go in Colorado, there’s
Cheyenne Mountain
a state park waiting to welcome
State Park
you. Mountains or prairies, rivers or
forests, out in the country or next to
the city… Colorado’s 41 state parks are
as diverse as the state itself, and they
offer something for everyone. Take a
hair-raising whitewater river trip, or
kick back in a lawn chair and watch
the sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, cast
a line in the water, take a hike, ride a
horse, try snowshoeing or discover
geocaching. From Eastern Plains
parks at 3,800 feet to high-mountain
parks at 9,500, the network of state
parks offers a wealth of activities
for busy people of all ages, or the
chance to do nothing at all. You can play on land or on water. On
a high peak or on the prairie. In the country or the city. In spring,
summer, winter or fall.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
State parks are great places for families. There are plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together such as boating, hiking or
picnicking, as well as organized nature walks, talks and events.
Junior Ranger programs, activity backpacks, kid-friendly hikes
and fishing ponds for kids are among the many offerings for
youth. From toddler to teen and adult to senior, every family
member can enjoy their activity of choice, then come together to
share a meal and stories around the campfire.
Whether you’re an active
outdoor recreationist
or prefer to spend time
watching clouds go by,
you’ll enjoy the special
moments waiting for you
in the state parks.
Rifle Gap State Park
Cover photos:
Large photo: State Forest State Park; lower left: Pearl Lake State Park; lower center: Elkhead State Park;
lower right: Lory State Park
Plan Your Visit
Colorado’s state parks are open every day of the year, weather
permitting. Day-use areas are generally open from 5 a.m. to
10 p.m., and some parks may have closed gates after hours.
Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Contact individual
parks for hours of operation. Check our website for seasonal or
maintenance closures: cpw.state.co.us
Entrance Passes
All Colorado state parks charge an entrance fee. Cost of a daily
pass may vary by park ($7–$9). A pass covers all occupants of a
vehicle and is valid until noon the day after purchase. Some parks
may charge a per-person fee for cyclists and walk-ins. Fees are used
to help pay operating costs. Cherry Creek State Park charges an
additional fee for the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority.
Annual Pass
Who doesn’t love a deal? And the state parks annual pass is a
great one. For just one low price, the annual pass lets you enjoy
all 41 state parks for unlimited visits for 12 months from date of
purchase. That’s all the parks. That’s
unlimited times. The annual pass
pays for itself in as few as 10 visits.
If you’re a Colorado resident who’s
64 years or older, there’s even a
further discounted Aspen Leaf
annual pass. There are also passes
for disabled and income-eligible
residents. For details and to purchase a pass,
visit a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office, state park or buy
online: cpw.state.co.us
Extend Your Stay
Make more of your state park visit
by staying overnight. Bring your
tent or RV, spend a cozy night in a
cabin, camp in a tipi or discover a
comfortable, year-round alternative
State Forest State Park
to traditional camping with a yurt.
All together, the state parks have
more than 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins and yurts. Almost 300
campsites are ADA accessible. Many parks offer campsites or cabins
for large groups. Heated cabins and yurts make a park getaway
suitable any season of the year.
Camping Reservations
Summer weekends fill up quickly so advance reservations for
overnight stays are recommended. Reservations can be made six
months to three days ahead of arrival.
Reserve online: cpw.state.co.us
Toll Free: 1-800-244-5613
A nonrefundable reservation fee applies to bookings, and visitors
must purchase a daily or annual entrance pass in addition to
paying camping and reservation fees. Unreserved sites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
1
What Can I Do There?
Colorado’s state parks are places to have fun, get away, recreate and
re-create. Here are some park activities to help you do that:
Fishing
Top-notch fishing awaits anglers in 37 state parks across Colorado.
Think Gold Medal Waters and trophy fish. A valid fishing license
is required for all anglers 16 years and older. Licenses and our
annual Colorado Fishing regulations brochure are available online,
at most parks and at CPW authorized sales agents.
Water Sports
Many state parks are built around a lake or
Crawford
waterway, which means boating and other water
State Park
sports are among the headliners. Larger parks
offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Any
boat with a motor or sail operated in Col