Yampa River State Park
State Park in Hayden, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
6185 W. US Hwy. 40
Hayden, CO 81639
United States
Yampa River State Park
State Park in Hayden, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitor Center/Office: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Closed Sat.-Sun.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
6185 W. US Hwy. 40
Hayden, CO 81639
United States
Wide view of the Yampa River
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Yampa River
Yampa River State Park, west of Steamboat Springs, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, nature, outdoor fun and wildlife. From the park, visitors can access 134 miles of the Yampa River, where fishing, whitewater rafting and camping opportunities abound. At Elkhead Reservoir, visitors enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping and picnicking.
Activities
Complete activity list below. Be sure to see each river section, which offers its visitors different experiences, activities and amenities.
- Boating
- Camping
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Volleyball
- Whitewater Rafting
- Wildlife and Nature Viewing
Best of Yampa River
Boating
Yampa River boaters have 13 access points in the 134-mile-long Yampa River State Park portion of the river, stretching from Hayden, Colorado, to Dinosaur National Monument (permits required within Dinosaur National Park) on the Utah border.
Fishing
The Yampa River offers many fishing opportunities. Anglers fish for both warmwater and coldwater species in the Yampa. From Craig to Maybell there are smallmouth bass, northern pike and catfish.
Watch Wildlife
Yampa River Headquarters has a nature trail with an observation deck. Stop by the visitor center for birding books, or download our bird list brochure.
Whitewater Rafting
While most of the 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River in Yampa River State Park is relatively flat water with Class I–II rapids, there are some areas of Class III–V rapids.
Hiking
Trails
Hiking at Yampa River State Park is available from various access sites along the river, mainly on Bureau of Land Management lands. There are diverse hiking experiences for all levels and interests. The high-desert environment provides breathtaking views.