Steamboat Lake is very scenic because of the great views of distant mountains. Part of the reason for the views is the second-growth evergreen forest, mostly lodgepole pine. The campground areas are mostly wooded and provided a nesting area for a Long-eared Owl in 2004 (rare event). There have been Ospreys nesting near the lake in past years. Ospreys and Bald Eagles regularly hunt by/on the lake. The north end of the lake, which is a no-wake boating zone, has many nesting waterfowl as well as forested areas. The nature trail near the Visitor Center has especially good birding. Look for Sandhill Crane, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, swallows and Savannah Sparrow. Like other state parks, this one requires an entrance fee.

Habitat: Lodgepole Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Wet Meadow

Directions: From Steamboat Springs, go west on US 40 to CO 129 and turn right (north) toward Clark; continue on CO 129 18 miles north to the park. There are various access points around the east and north sides of Steamboat Lake.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.