Stagecoach Lake

Stagecoach Reservoir, often called Stagecoach Lake, is an 820-acre mountain lake in Stagecoach State Park, about 16 miles south of Steamboat Springs near Oak Creek in Colorado's Yampa Valley. It's about 3 miles long, with sagebrush hills and big mountain views all around, and it's the closest lake to Steamboat for skiing, wakeboarding and jet skis. We bring boats, jet skis and water toys to Stagecoach, so you can spend a summer day on the water without towing your own.

Steamboat Springs Boat Rentals at Stagecoach

With open water for skiing and mountain views in every direction, Stagecoach is the go-to boating lake for visitors staying in Steamboat. Our Stagecoach Reservoir rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boats for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards for the calm, wakeless end of the lake

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Jet Ski Rentals Near Steamboat Springs

Jet skis are a fun way to ride Stagecoach on a warm afternoon, and the lake is just a short drive from town. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride.

Wakeless and Water Ski Areas

Buoys divide Stagecoach into wakeless and non-wakeless areas. Skiing, wakeboarding and other high-speed boating are allowed only in the marked ski area, which covers a good share of the lake, while the wakeless zones are great for paddle boards, fishing and swimming. Maps of the buoy layout are posted at each boat ramp.

Boat Ramps, Marina and Inspections

Stagecoach has two boat ramps, one by the marina on the north shore near Harding Cove and one at Morrison Cove. The lake is open to boating from May 1 through October 31. Every boat and jet ski brought to the lake needs an aquatic nuisance species inspection at the ramp during inspection hours, along with an ANS stamp and current registration, and a Colorado State Parks pass is required to enter the park. We'll confirm your meeting spot when you book.

Getting to Stagecoach State Park

From Steamboat Springs, take Highway 131 south toward Oak Creek, then County Road 14 to the park, about 25 to 30 minutes. It's about 3 hours from Denver. See all of our Colorado boat rentals.

Tips for a Great Day on Stagecoach

• Go early: mornings are often calm and glassy, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
• Dress for the altitude: the lake sits above 7,000 feet, so the water is cool and the sun is strong.
• Plan around inspections: boats can only launch during inspection hours, so check the times before you go.
• Combine it with Steamboat: spend the morning on the lake and the evening in town or at the hot springs.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Colorado boating rules: no one under 14 may drive a motorboat or jet ski, and drivers 14 to 17 must have a Colorado Boating Safety Certificate. Our rental drivers must be 18 or older. Ask us before you book and we'll walk you through what you need.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski must wear a life jacket, and so should anyone being towed and young kids on a moving boat.
• Fire season: during wildfires, firefighting aircraft sometimes scoop water from Stagecoach, and boating can be closed while they work.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Stagecoach Reservoir

North of Steamboat, we also serve Steamboat Lake, and near Craig there's Elkhead Reservoir. To the south, try Green Mountain Reservoir near Kremmling, and over the Continental Divide you'll find Lake Granby and Grand Lake.

Stagecoach Reservoir Map