Shake off the winter funk at Stagecoach and State Forest State Park this February

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW Shake off the winter funk at Stagecoach and State Forest State Park this February

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Feeling down with a case of the mid-winter funk? Don’t worry! We have the perfect solution for you. Join us at one or both of the events happening at Stagecoach and State Forest State Parks this month to shake off those winter blues.

State Forest State Park
Are you looking to start your hike after the sunset? Join us on Saturday, Feb. 15 for Moonlight Snowshoe, Ski, or Hike at State Forest State Park. This self-guided choose-your-own adventure will begin at the Moose Visitor Center, east of Walden on Highway 14. You can choose to hike the entire Gould Loop Trail, which is approximately 5.5 miles, or stop three-fourths of a mile down the trail to enjoy some hot cocoa by a campfire at an old fisherman’s cabin.

Moonlight Snowshoe, Ski, or Hike Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
Time: 6 p.m. (Optional potluck dinner starts at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Moose Visitor Center

LED lights will be placed around the full 5.5-mile trail loop. Attendees should prepare for cold weather by dressing warm and bringing extra layers of clothing in case conditions change. 

The event and activities are free, but a valid $12 daily parks pass or annual Keep Colorado Wild pass is required to enter the park.

For questions and more information please contact State Forest State Park at (970) 723-8366.

Stagecoach State Park
Fill your lungs with crisp fresh air, stretch your legs on snow-packed trails, and shake off the winter funk at Stagecoach State Park’s Debunk the Winter Funk event. Bring your family and friends for a day packed with fun and hopefully a little sun. From riding fat-tire bikes across the frozen lake to zooming down the fast sledding hill, or enjoying small talk while sitting around the bonfire enjoying and a deliciously gooey s’more or two, there is an activity for everyone. 

Debunk the Funk Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Stagecoach State Park’s Marina Parking Lot

Check out the full list of activities: 

• Archery

• Sledding Hill and Ski Bikes 

• Fat Tire Bike Demos

• Ice Fishing with Guided Fishing Tours at Stagecoach Marina

• Skijoring Demos with Ski Haus

• Campfire & S’mores with Oak Creek Fire Department
   

Feel free to bring your snowshoes, sleds and ice fishing gear. Looking to try a new winter activity but don’t have the gear? No worries, we will have loaner gear available at the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event and activities are free, but a valid $10 daily parks pass or annual Keep Colorado Wild pass is required to enter the park. Anyone 16 years or older is required to have a valid fishing license.

For questions and more information please contact Stagecoach State Park at (970) 736-2436.

Elkhead State Park Fishing Tournament
Are you already making plans for this summer? Elkhead State Park is excited to announce the Annual  Elkhead Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, June 21 and run through Sunday, June 29. There are no size or bag limits on northern pike and smallmouth bass at Elkhead Reservoir, and anglers have a chance to win multiple awards and more than $10,000 in prizes for legally harvesting these species during this nine-day tournament.

Elkhead Fishing Tournament Details:
Event Start: Saturday, Jun 21 at 6:30 a.m.
Event End: Sunday, Jun 29 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Stay in the know on event details by visiting Elkhead State Park’s website. 

Registration before the event is not required. There is no tournament entry fee, but an Annual Keep Colorado Wild or $10 daily state park pass is required to enter Elkhead State Park. Anyone 16 years or older is required to have a valid fishing license.

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More than a Park Pass: Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support Colorado state parks and local search-and-rescue teams. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild.