CLARK, Colo. – Steamboat Lake State Park is diving into the summer spirit and will host many exciting, educational programs for park visitors during the long Fourth of July holiday weekend. Each guided interpretive program focuses on the park’s natural environment, from its wildlife to its historical development. Featured events consist of guest speakers from the Division of Wildlife, the town of Clark, and from our own Park Manager, Julie Arington. Come celebrate this Fourth of July weekend with us here at breathtaking Steamboat Lake.

All of the events are free, but visitors must purchase a parks pass before entering the park. All ages and abilities are welcome. No reservations are needed. The park naturalist programs are funded, in part, through the Colorado Lottery/Great Outdoors Colorado.

Visitors are asked to please dress in weather-appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray.

• Friday, July 1 at 10 a.m. – Pelts-Skulls-Tracks-and Scat. Join interpretive ranger, Desiree Wilcox, as she educates park visitors about Steamboat Lake’s local wildlife. Be prepared to be challenged with this interactive course on animal signs and facts. Meet on the visitor center’s back patio.
• Friday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. – Nature and the Ute People. Think history is boring? Steamboat Lake’s Ute evening program will definitely change your mind! Join the park rangers and interpretive naturalist Desiree Wilcox at the park visitor center and enjoy a hands-on lesson about the Ute Indians that resided at Steamboat Lake.
• Saturday, July 2 at 10 a.m. – May all your Weeds be Wildflowers. Summer has bloomed at Steamboat Lake. Come join Clark locals and the Wiggins family on a wildflower identification hike in the morning sunshine. Meet on the visitor center’s back patio.
• Saturday, July 2 at 2:30 p.m. – See no Nature, Hear no Nature, Speak no nature! Embrace your senses and join Steamboat Lake State Park’s Naturalist, Desiree Wilcox, on a challenging hiking course throughout the park. Through sensory improvisation, you will learn all about wildlife’s adaptations! Meet at Tombstone Trailhead.
• Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m. – Division of Wildlife Talking about the Burly Bears! Join Division of Wildlife’s guest speaker, Jim Haskins, as he talks about Colorado and its burly bears. We will sit by the campfire and enjoy the educational program at the scenic amphitheatre at the Sunrise Vista Campground. Dress warmly and be prepared for a most amazing course.
• Sunday, July 3 at 2:30 p.m. – Find the Mother-Load at Steamboat Lake. Learn about Steamboat Lake’s mining history and the techniques used to find gold. Enjoy the hands-on lesson on panning for the mother-load as we enjoy the warm weather and cool water on the swim beach at Steamboat Lake’s marina.
• Monday, July 4 at 1 p.m. – SNAKES ALIVE! Join Steamboat Lake State Park’s Manager, Julie Arington, as she hosts a detailed, exciting program all about her snakes!

Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.

Contact:
Desiree Wilcox, (970) 879-3922 steamboat.lake@state.co.us
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us