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Yampa River State Park
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YAMPA RIVER STATE PARK
YAMPA RIVER STATE PARK
6185 U.S. 40
Hayden, Colorado   81639
(lat:40.4907 lon:-107.3127) map location

Phone: 970-276-2061
Yampa River State Park, located in the beautiful Yampa valley west of Steamboat Springs, is actually three parks in one.

The headquarters on the Yampa River near Hayden, Colorado, provides excellent camping, a Visitor Center and nature trail. The headquarters has 50 camp sites 35 are RV electric sites, 10 tent sites and five sites for group camping. Potable water hydrants and dumpstation are located at the entrance to the campground.

The proximity to Hwy 40 makes the headquarters the base camp for many outdoor activities in the Steamboat area hunting, fishing, and OHV riding.

A 134 mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of Yampa River State Park. It has 13 access points stretching from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border. The river access sites offer recreationists six camping areas, excellent fishing on miles of flat-water and Class I-V river boating.

The Elkhead Reservoir is the third major component of the Yampa River State Park system. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping and picnicking at the lake. There are also many opportunities to view wildlife and a hiking trail that will appeal to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Nature of the Area
The Yampa River is located in the Wyoming Basin Physiographic Province of the Rocky Mountains. The river basin is defined by four major structural features, the Washakie Basin, the Park Range, the Unita Mountains and the White River Plateau. The headwaters of the Yampa River begin in the area know as the Flat Tops and pass through a variety of unique features such as volcanic dikes , exposed Precambrian through Quaternary rocks flowing into the wide alluvial valley where agricultural lands and riparian habitat co-exist.
History of the Area
The Yampa River basin in Western Colorado is rich in Native American and geologic history. It was not explored by people with logging or mining interests until the late 19th century. The indigenous people resided here for the abundance of wildlife and the ability to grow crops. A diverse climate enabled movement into regions that allowed access to food and amenable weather.
Passes
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
Camping
The Headquarters campground near Hayden, has 35 electric RV sites, 14 basic tent sites, 2 tipis, anda camper services building showers and laundry facilities available.

Potable water hydrants and dumpstation are located at the entrance to the campground.

There are five primitive campgrounds with river access along the 134-mile segment of the river from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument. Each primitive camping area has between five and 10 campsites.


Location
Yampa River State Park is

Trails
- Yampa River Core Trail: A 7.5-mile paved trail, suitable for biking and walking; follows the river through downtown Steamboat Springs.

- Bear's Ears National Monument Trails: Multiple trails of varying lengths within a short drive from the park; offers stunning views.

- Emerald Mountain Quarry Trail: An easy to moderate hike with an elevation gain of about 500 feet over its two miles length.

- Mad Creek/Hot Spring Loop Hike: This is a moderately difficult loop that spans approximately five miles in total distance.

-Haymaker Nordic Center Trails - Offers more than six kilometers of groomed cross-country ski tracks during winter months or hiking/biking paths during summer season

-Fish Creek Falls Lower & Upper Trails - Two separate hikes leading up to beautiful waterfalls, lower falls being .8 mile round trip while upper falls are around four-five hours long

-Yampa Valley Core Bike Path - Paved path stretching seven plus miles along scenic Yampa River perfect for cycling enthusiasts as well as walkers/runners

-Spring Creek Park Nature Walks- Short nature walks offering interpretive signs explaining local flora/fauna located near city center

-Steamboat Ski Resort Gondola Rides/Hikes - During non-winter seasons gondolas transport visitors uphill where they can choose between various downhill treks back into town

-Rabbit Ears Pass Summit Lake Hike- Moderate difficulty three-four hour trek reaching summit lake at top providing panoramic mountain vistas

-Lake Catamount Touring Center Cross Country Ski Paths-During snowy periods these routes provide excellent terrain for both classic/skate style skiing options

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Directions
Directions from Denver, Colorado:

- Start on I-25 N.
- Take exit 209B for US-6 W/6th Ave toward Lakewood.
- Merge onto US Highway 6 W/US Hwy 40 E.
- Continue to follow the highway until you reach CO9-N in Silverthorne.

From there:

- Turn right onto Blue River Pkwy (CO9-N).
- Follow this road north towards Kremmling.

In Kremmling:

- Make a left turn at Park Avenue and continue straight ahead till Trough Rd
.
Once you're on Trough Road:

- Drive along it until reaching State Highway131 S

On SH131-S :

- Head southwards past Toponas then Yampa town before arriving at Hayden Town where your destination is located.

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Colorado State Parks

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