Dumont Lake Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata)

Hello, fellow Colorado nature lovers! Are you looking for that perfect spot to enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views, embark on a scenic day hike, or simply unwind by a pristine alpine lake? Look no further than the Dumont Lake Picnic Site near Coalmont, Colorado. Nestled high in the Routt National Forest, this beautiful area offers a serene and accessible escape into the heart of Colorado's magnificent wilderness. For those of us who call Colorado home, finding these easily reachable pockets of natural beauty is a true treasure, and Dumont Lake certainly fits the bill.

Dumont Lake Picnic Site is not just a place to eat outdoors; it's an experience. Imagine the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and the stunning reflections of surrounding peaks on the tranquil water. It's a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors, whether you're bringing a packed lunch, casting a line, or exploring nearby trails. The reviews from visitors speak volumes, describing it as a "Beautiful place" and a "Beautiful setting for a picnic or day hike." This feedback underscores the site's appeal as a peaceful and picturesque destination.

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our local Colorado users, with a comprehensive guide to Dumont Lake Picnic Site. We'll cover everything from its precise location and how to get there, to the amenities you can expect, and the unique features that make it such a special place. While there is a modest day-use fee, the value of the experience and the stunning environment make it entirely worthwhile for a memorable outing in our incredible state. Get ready to discover why Dumont Lake should be on your list for your next Colorado outdoor adventure.

Dumont Lake Picnic Site is ideally located in the scenic Routt National Forest, with its address listed as Coalmont, CO 80430, USA. While Coalmont is a small community, the picnic site itself is situated approximately 22 miles southeast of the larger, well-known mountain town of Steamboat Springs. This strategic placement offers a fantastic balance of serene, high-altitude wilderness and relatively easy access for many Colorado residents.

The site sits atop the Park Range at an elevation of approximately 9,400 to 9,620 feet, bordering the Continental Divide. This high-altitude setting means stunning panoramic views of several Rocky Mountain ranges. Getting there typically involves traveling on U.S. Highway 40, also known as Rabbit Ears Pass, from Steamboat Springs. From Highway 40, you’ll turn onto Forest Road 315 at the Dumont Campground sign. The picnic site is located about a mile from the highway, making it quite accessible.

While the final stretch involves a forest road, it is generally passable for standard vehicles. However, as with any mountain destination in Colorado, it's always wise to check current road conditions, especially outside of peak summer months, as snow and ice can affect access. The convenience of its location near a major highway, combined with the short distance off the main road, ensures that Dumont Lake Picnic Site is a viable day-trip option for many, without requiring extensive off-road travel. This ease of access makes it a prime spot for locals looking for a quick and rewarding escape into the high country.

Dumont Lake Picnic Site, while primarily a day-use area, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for its guests. It’s designed to facilitate a pleasant outdoor experience without extensive facilities, maintaining its natural charm.

• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are available, providing designated spots for visitors to enjoy meals amidst the beautiful scenery.
• Bathrooms: As noted in customer reviews, the site is equipped with bathrooms, which are typically vault toilets in such natural settings, offering essential convenience.
• Fire Grates: Fire grates are provided at picnic sites, allowing visitors to have fires for cooking or warmth, provided local fire restrictions are observed.
• Trash Services: Facilities for waste disposal are available to help maintain the cleanliness and pristine nature of the site.
• Day Pass Fee: There is a $5 day pass fee required for use of the picnic area. This fee helps maintain the facilities and preserve the natural environment. Payment is typically by exact cash or check, as credit cards are usually not accepted on-site.
• Lake Access: Direct access to Dumont Lake for recreational activities like fishing, non-motorized boating (electric motors or hand-propelled boats only), and simply enjoying the scenic views.
• Parking Areas: Designated parking areas are available for visitors, ensuring convenient access to the picnic sites and lake.

It's important to note that while the adjacent Dumont Lake Campground might offer potable water, the picnic site itself typically does not. Visitors are advised to pack in their own drinking water for the day. These services emphasize basic comfort and environmental preservation, allowing visitors to focus on the natural beauty.

Dumont Lake Picnic Site is rich in natural features and highlights that make it a truly captivating destination for anyone seeking a quintessential Colorado outdoor experience. Its high-alpine setting and pristine environment offer a multitude of attractions.

• Beautiful Setting/Scenery: The most consistently praised feature, as highlighted by visitor reviews, is the "Beautiful setting for a picnic or day hike" and simply being a "Beautiful place." This refers to the stunning alpine meadows, spruce-fir forests, and the surrounding mountain ranges that create a breathtaking backdrop for any activity.
• Dumont Lake: The 50-acre Dumont Lake itself is a central highlight. It's a pristine body of water, popular for its tranquility and offering opportunities for fishing (both spin and fly fishing are permitted for licensed anglers) and non-motorized boating like kayaking and canoeing. Gas-powered motors are prohibited, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
• Wildflower Viewing: During warmer months, particularly late June and early July, the alpine meadows around the lake burst with colorful wildflowers, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape that is a paradise for nature photographers and plant enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is teeming with Rocky Mountain wildlife. Visitors have opportunities to spot various species including deer, moose, pronghorn, foxes, rabbits, and a wide array of native and migratory birds, making it excellent for birdwatching.
• Hiking Opportunities: Dumont Lake is a gateway to a network of trails. An interpretive trail near the lake offers a quick, informative walk. More adventurous hikers can access trails like the two-mile Rabbit Ears Trail directly from the campground area, and the iconic Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is also just a short drive away. These trails provide options for various skill levels, from leisurely strolls to more strenuous backpacking trips.
• Photography Opportunities: With its stunning vistas, clear lake, and abundant flora and fauna, Dumont Lake offers endless opportunities for nature photography, capturing the essence of the Colorado Rockies.
• High-Altitude Serenity: Sitting at over 9,400 feet, the site offers a unique sense of peace and solitude, away from the bustling crowds, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

These features combine to create an unforgettable outdoor experience, making Dumont Lake Picnic Site a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace Colorado's natural beauty.

While Dumont Lake Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata) itself is a specific day-use area, it falls under the management of the U.S. Forest Service within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, operating seasons, current conditions, or any specific regulations, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District directly.

Address: Coalmont, CO 80430, USA (This is the general address for the area; the site is located off Forest Road 315 from US Highway 40).

The managing office for the area, which would oversee Dumont Lake, is the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District

Address: 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Phone Number for Campground Inquiries (which would also apply to the adjacent picnic site): (970) 870-2299

It’s always a good practice to confirm seasonal operating dates (typically late June to October 1st, weather dependent), especially regarding snowmelt and road accessibility. Remember that the $5 day-use fee typically requires exact cash or check, as credit card processing is usually not available on site.

For Colorado locals, Dumont Lake Picnic Site offers an authentic and accessible slice of our state's unparalleled natural beauty. This isn't just a destination for tourists; it's a perfect spot for us residents to reconnect with the rugged, serene landscapes that define Colorado. Its suitability for locals lies in several key aspects that make it an ideal choice for a day trip or an extended visit when combined with the adjacent campground.

Firstly, its location near Rabbit Ears Pass, just a short drive from Steamboat Springs, makes it remarkably accessible. We know that navigating Colorado’s mountains can sometimes involve long, winding roads, but Dumont Lake strikes a balance, offering a true high-country experience without an arduous journey. This ease of access means less time traveling and more time enjoying the fresh air, stunning views, and tranquil waters of Dumont Lake.

Secondly, the "beautiful setting for a picnic or day hike," as highlighted by visitors, speaks directly to the quality of the experience. We cherish our state’s ability to provide diverse outdoor recreation, and Dumont Lake delivers with opportunities for peaceful picnicking, invigorating hikes on trails like the Rabbit Ears Trail, and serene fishing or non-motorized boating on the pristine lake. The chance to immerse ourselves in an environment bursting with wildflowers and abundant wildlife is a quintessential Colorado experience that this site offers in spades.

Finally, the relatively modest $5 day-use fee provides incredible value for the experience. This small investment helps maintain the facilities, like the convenient bathrooms and picnic tables, ensuring the site remains beautiful and functional for all. For locals seeking a peaceful respite, a family outing, or a solo adventure into the Rockies, Dumont Lake Picnic Site is a consistently rewarding choice. It embodies the essence of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, making it a highly recommended spot for residents to enjoy the natural splendor right in our own backyard.

Dumont Lake Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata)

Coalmont, CO 80430, USA