Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site

For Colorado residents seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat amidst stunning mountain scenery, Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site offers an idyllic destination. Nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests near Clark, this charming day-use area provides the perfect setting for a relaxing outing, whether you're planning a family picnic, a quiet afternoon of fishing, or an adventure on the water. While the broader Hahns Peak Lake area is also home to a campground, the picnic site specifically caters to those looking for a serene spot to enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding forest without necessarily staying overnight.

Hahns Peak Lake is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and the diverse range of activities it supports. Imagine spreading out a blanket for a picnic with the majestic Hahns Peak as your backdrop, or launching your paddleboard onto the calm waters. As one visitor noted, it's a "lovely area to have a picnic then go on a hike around the lake or go paddle boarding, so much to do and see!" This highlights the versatility of the location, appealing to both those seeking relaxation and those eager for active recreation.

The site is a particular favorite among anglers, known for its "fine fishing" for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Recent upgrades by Trout Unlimited have even enhanced accessibility, providing a handicap-accessible trail and a fishing pier near the campground, making it more inclusive for all visitors. While the full loop around the lake might present some challenges with overgrown grass and dirt road sections, the sheer beauty of the location and the abundance of activities on and near the water make Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site an undeniable gem for Colorado locals looking to embrace our state's outdoor lifestyle.

Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site is located in Clark, CO 80428, USA. This places it approximately 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs, deep within the scenic Routt National Forest. Its elevation of around 8,500 feet offers pleasant summer temperatures and stunning views of the surrounding forested landscape and the prominent 10,774-foot Hahns Peak.

For Colorado residents, accessing Hahns Peak Lake is a straightforward and picturesque journey. From Steamboat Springs, you would take County Road 129 (also known as Elk River Road) north for about 28 miles. This road winds through beautiful rural and forested areas, providing a scenic drive. After approximately 28 miles on County Road 129, you will turn west onto Forest Road 486. The picnic site and the associated Hahns Peak Lake Campground are located about 2 miles down Forest Road 486. Another access point to the southern day-use area is via Forest Road 485, which is about 0.5 miles before Forest Road 486 on CR 129. The northern access point, near the campground, is generally considered easier for launching boats and tends to be quieter.

While the area offers a sense of remote beauty, the roads leading to Hahns Peak Lake are generally well-maintained during the open season (typically mid-June through September, depending on snowmelt and road closures). This accessibility makes it a convenient day trip destination for those in Northwest Colorado or a worthy drive for anyone seeking a peaceful mountain lake experience.

The Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site specifically focuses on day-use amenities, though it is adjacent to the larger Hahns Peak Lake Campground which offers additional services.

• Picnic Tables: The picnic site provides several designated picnic tables, offering a comfortable spot for outdoor meals and gatherings near the lake shore.

• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available at the picnic site for public use, ensuring basic sanitation.

• Garbage Services: Unlike some more primitive Forest Service areas, garbage services are offered at the picnic site, making it easier for visitors to dispose of their waste responsibly.

• Day-Use Parking: Dedicated parking areas are available for day visitors accessing the picnic site and the lake.

• Boat Launch (Electric/Hand-Propelled Only): While not a full-service marina, a boat ramp is located near the campground and northern day-use area, allowing for easy launch of electric-motor or hand-propelled boats (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) onto Hahns Peak Lake.

• Accessible Fishing Pier: Recent upgrades by Trout Unlimited have provided a handicap-accessible trail and a fishing pier on the northwest side of the lake, near the campground, enhancing fishing access for all.

• Fee Collection: There is a daily usage fee for accessing the area, typically collected on-site. Visitors should be prepared to pay this fee.

• Beautiful Lake Setting: Hahns Peak Lake is a small, scenic 160-acre lake surrounded by a beautiful forest of spruce, pine, and fir trees, with views of the iconic Hahns Peak.

• Excellent Fishing: Known for fine fishing, the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout by CPW, offering good opportunities for both shore and boat anglers.

• Non-Motorized/Electric Boating: The lake is restricted to electric motors or hand-propelled boats only, ensuring a quiet and peaceful experience for paddleboarders, kayakers, and canoeists.

• Picnic Opportunities: Ideal for day trips and picnics, with dedicated tables and a serene lakeside environment.

• Hiking Opportunities: While the full lake loop may have some overgrown sections and a dirt road, there are still ample opportunities for hiking, including trails that lead to the summit of Hahns Peak and other routes within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer, elk, moose, and various bird species.

• Proximity to Steamboat Lake State Park: Located just north of Steamboat Lake State Park, offering additional recreational opportunities and a visitor center for more information.

• Quiet Atmosphere: Compared to larger, more bustling lakes, Hahns Peak Lake maintains a quiet and peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation.

• Seasonal Access: Typically open from mid-June through September, providing a prime summer and early fall destination to escape the heat.

Address: Clark, CO 80428, USA (The physical location is approximately 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs.)

Phone: (970) 870-2299

Mobile Phone: +1 970-870-2299

These phone numbers typically connect to the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, which manages the picnic site and campground. It is highly recommended to call this number for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, water levels, fire restrictions, and any specific rules for the picnic site.

For information on fees, and perhaps even to check campground availability (some sites may be reservable), you can also consult:

Official Websites:

Recreation.gov (search for "Hahns Peak Lake Campground" as the picnic site is typically managed alongside it): recreation.gov

USDA Forest Service Website (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests): fs.usda.gov/mbr

These online resources provide valuable details on operating seasons, fees, regulations, and any alerts that might impact your visit.

For Colorado residents, Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site offers an ideal blend of serene natural beauty and accessible outdoor recreation, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a peaceful camping experience. Its location north of Steamboat Springs, nestled within the Routt National Forest, provides a genuine mountain escape that feels remote without being overly difficult to reach.

The site's primary appeal for locals lies in its tranquil lakeside setting and the array of activities it supports. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to the productive trout fishing, a family looking for a safe and quiet lake for paddleboarding, or simply someone seeking a picturesque spot for a picnic, Hahns Peak Lake delivers. The restrictions on motorized boats ensure a calm water experience, highly valued by those seeking peace and quiet on the lake. While the full lake loop trail might have its quirks, the sheer beauty and the opportunities for lakeside relaxation and on-water fun more than compensate.

The presence of basic amenities like picnic tables, vault toilets, and garbage services, coupled with the efforts to enhance accessibility (like the fishing pier), demonstrates a commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For Coloradoans who appreciate the simplicity of nature and the chance to disconnect and recharge amidst stunning scenery, Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site offers a perfect slice of the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, inviting repeated visits throughout the summer season.

Hahns Peak Lake Picnic Site

Clark, CO 80428, USA