Clark, Colorado

Clark is a tiny village north of Steamboat Springs on County Road 129. It was a former mining camp next to Hahns Peak. Today, visitors come for great outdoor recreation and small-town charm.

Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake are close by, as is the Routt National Forest. Clark sits at an elevation of 7,260′ within Routt County. There is a cool multi-purpose general store, the Clark Store, that serves a population of 765 in town.

In the winter the area is popular for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Some of the places to eat remain serving throughout the year. In the summer, activities of all types are nearby including horseback riding, paddle-boarding, hiking, and fishing.

Main Attractions

Steamboat Lake State Park Clark CO — Steamboat Lake State Park in Clark. Photo by: Adam Zolyak

Steamboat Lake State Park – Popular state park for summer recreation including motorized boating and fishing. There are two campgrounds at Steamboat Lake.

Pearl Lake State Park – Located across County Road 129 from Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake offers retreat and relaxation. It’s wakeless boating only at this scenic state park.

Recreation

Alpine lake on the Mt. Zirkel hiking trail, near Clark, CO. Photo by: Alan Szalwinski

Camping –

Steamboat Lake has the most campsites with 188, with camping available year-round.
Pearl Lake has 36 sites from late May to mid-October and 2 yurts available year-round.
Dispersed and free car camping can be found in parts of the Routt National Forest. Take County Road 129 north past Hahns Peak until it comes to a fork in the road, which is closed in winter. Take a right onto the US Forest Road and look for established sites.
Hahns Peak Lake is a part of the Routt National Forest and has a campground.
Read about the camping near Steamboat Springs, Clark and Oak Creek.

Fishing – Hahns Peak Lake, Pearl Lake, and Steamboat Lake all offer fishing in North Routt County for trout, walleye, and pike.

Hiking – Slavonia trailhead is near town and has two routes that have breathtaking alpine scenery. Mount Zirkel is a 10.3 loop that is rated as hard, and Gilpin Lake is a 9.7-mile moderate trek.

Accommodations

Front of ranch lodge in snow — Reception building at the Elk River Lodge in Clark, CO. Photo by: Elk River Lodge

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Glen Eden Resort – With 28 private cabins to choose from, this mountain retreat is a great option for any sized group. Many of the cabins are pet-friendly and riverside as well.

The Cabins at Historic Columbine – If you want to go off the grid, stay at one of the 14 cabins in this historic area, only 20 minutes away from Clark. It is surrounded by aspen trees, and there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Elk River Guest Ranch – Nestled within the forest, this guest ranch is a peaceful getaway from life. They have individual cabins for rent and an a-la-carte approach to activities included so you can personalize your experience. Options include kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more.

Steamboat Lake Outpost – This community-gathering place features a general store and on-site restaurant, as well as several lodging options. Choose from the Bunkhouse Motel, cabin rentals, or an RV park. Activities include guided horseback riding, ATV rentals, and winter snowmobile tours.

Read about the best hotels in Steamboat Springs and the top 4 star hotels in Steamboat Springs.

Dining

Cafe with sunshine on it — The cheery Hahn’s Peak Cafe in Clark, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/hahnspeakcafe

Hahns Peak Cafe – A Mexican restaurant located across from Steamboat Lake, it’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of exploring.

The Clark Store – Everything you need all in one place, this convenience and post office store has a deli with great sandwiches and burgers to choose from.

Glen Eden Resort – This cabin rental accommodation also has a great restaurant on site, open to the public for dine-in or take-out.

Special Events

Steamboat Lake Triathlon runner in a meadow of flowers. Photo by: facebook.com/withoutlimitsproductions

Jul – Hahn’s Peak Vertical Trail Race – An 8-mile trail run to Hahn’s Peak, with a payoff of panoramic views of the area.

Jul – Steamboat Lake Triathlon – This race starts with a warm swim in Steamboat Lake, a bike ride through the countryside, and ends with a scenic run through flower meadows. They also have a swim/bike only option or you can complete the swim on a stand-up paddle-board.