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Elkhead State Park facts for kids

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Elkhead State Park
Elkhead State Park.JPG
A view of Elkhead State park including Elkhead Reservoir with the Elkhead Mountains in the distance.
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Location Moffat County and Routt County, Colorado, USA
Nearest city Craig, Colorado
Area 2,200 acres (8.9 km2)
Created 2009
Operated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Elkhead State Park is a wonderful outdoor area located in northwest Colorado. It's found in both Moffat County and Routt County, not far from the town of Craig. This park is centered around the large Elkhead Reservoir, which is a big lake that offers lots of fun activities. Sometimes, people call it Elkhead Reservoir State Park because the reservoir is such a big part of it.

Exploring Elkhead State Park

Elkhead State Park is a fantastic place to visit if you love being outdoors. It offers many different ways to enjoy nature and have an adventure.

Fun Activities to Try

There are lots of things to do at Elkhead State Park. You can spend your day:

  • Camping: Set up a tent or park an RV and sleep under the stars. It's a great way to experience the park overnight.
  • Fishing: The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing. You might catch different kinds of fish here.
  • Boating: Bring your boat or kayak and enjoy the calm waters of the reservoir. It's perfect for a relaxing ride or some water sports.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for animals! The park is home to various wildlife.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery on foot.

Fish and Wildlife

The Elkhead Reservoir is home to many fish. It is regularly stocked with smallmouth bass and trout, which are popular for fishing. Northern pike are also being moved to the reservoir from the nearby Yampa River. Besides fish, you might see other animals and birds that live in and around the park's natural habitats.

Where is Elkhead State Park?

Elkhead State Park is located in a unique spot in Colorado. It sits right on the border between two counties: Routt County and Moffat County.

The Elkhead Reservoir

The main feature of the park is the Elkhead Reservoir. This large body of water was created by building a dam across Elkhead Creek. Elkhead Creek is a stream that flows down from the Elkhead Mountains to the north. The reservoir collects this water, creating the big lake that visitors enjoy today.

Who Manages the Park?

Elkhead State Park is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This organization takes care of all the state parks and wildlife areas in Colorado. They work to protect the natural environment and make sure visitors have a safe and fun experience. The park was officially created in 2009, making it a relatively new state park in Colorado.

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