Steamboat Lake Marina

Posts Tagged ‘steamboat springs summer’

As I sit and look out the window of the marina this morning and notice the calm in the air, I’m reminded of the fact that summer is definitely winding down. The last batch of fudge has been made, the last order of live bait as been placed and we’ve seen a noticeable increase in sweatshirt sales. Yes… it all leads me to the sad reality that very soon the boats will in fact be on dry land and the skies will begin to snow.

As I reflect on how the summer has gone, I think back to the church group that rented our wakeboard boat for 5 hours. I’ve never before seen a group of happier kids with wider smiles in my life. The sheer enjoyment they experienced that day is something I’m sure will stick with each of those kids for a very long time. And the idea that we were such a large part of their weekend entertainment really hits home in the grand scheme of what the Steamboat Lake Marina is all about.

Hardly a day goes by that we don’t get area campers, fisherman, hikers, bikers and folks from all walks of like stopping by to say what an enjoyable place this is. We are priveledged to be able to operate our business within one of the top-rated State Parks in Colorado and appreciate each and every customer that has walked through our doors. It’s easy to get caught in the rut of thinking we are in the “boat rental” business but every now and again I’m reminded that we are, in fact, operating a “people business.” It’s a two-way street too. We couldn’t survive without the patronage of our wonderful clientele and our area visitors are happy that we are here for them.

So as you think back on your summer and the memories that were created we hope that part of your recollection includes an experience or two at Stemaboat Lake. If we were lucky enough to have showed you some fun this summer, we hope you return. If you didn’t get a chance to come see us, please start thinking about next summer. We’d be honored to have you!

I was lucky enough to get out on one of our pontoon boats this morning for an early awakening in the fresh mountain air. As I motored out through the no-wake zone of the marina exit, I couldn’t help but notice the family camping on Bridge Island. The kids were playing some form of “tag” and their dog was happily sniffing the wildflowers. No doubt in search of new territory to mark! Mom and dad seemed to be busy whipping up breakfast for the troops. I was trying to capture the smell of griddled bacon and pancakes but they were too far off to tell for sure what the morning delicacy was to be.

The swim beach on my right was already packed with swimmers lathered in sunscreen and splashing away. Pop tents had been set out to give a bit of shade to the picnic tables on what is shaping up to be another sunny day in paradise. I couldn’t help but think back to my childhood and how a simple day at the beach with my sister and family was like an entire vacation experience all to itself. If I could sip from the Fountain of Youth and go back to those carefree days, I surely would.

On the far side of lake near the dam, I saw a cloud of dust kicking up from the trails along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a troop of pack horses gently carrying a group of riders along the hillsides and valley’s of our area. What a way to spend the morning in North Routt County. Nothing but the trail, the animals, the camaraderie of good friends and the gentle hint of simpler times to make a person truly appreciate this life.

Little by little, it began to dawn on me. Tomorrow is the first day of August. Kids will soon be back in school and our green aspens will soon be turning bright yellow. Things at Steamboat Lake will start winding down and there are really only a handful of busy days left in our summer calendar. Not to sound cliché, but where did the time go? When I began working here at the marina I was told how fast the summer will fly by. Thinking back now, it really did.

So for anyone looking at this summer in the same way I am, I have one bit of advice. If you haven’t made the short trek from Steamboat Springs to the Steamboat Lake State Park this summer, GO! Don’t think, just do it. And when you start making your way north from Steamboat, try to contemplate how glorious this life is. Take in all the sights, sounds, smells and colors you see on your way up here and try to remember that summer memories like this are like a candle in the wind. Don’t let yours blow out before you’ve had a chance to experience its light!

Happy Trails!

-DAVE

 

That’s right, the Steamboat Lake Marina now has a new toy for rent. You’ve asked for it, now here it is. Please welcome the newest member to our fleet – the Master Craft “X-Star” wakeboard/water ski boat! We launched this sucker and got her in the water for the first time today. We are planning to offer piloted wakeboard, water ski and wake surf lessons for all abilities starting as early as next week. Rental of the boat comes with all of the equipment you desire, a driver and hands-on instruction. What more would you expect from the most cutting edge marina in Northwest Colorado?

Here are some pics of our lovely lady. Call to inquire about rental rates and availability. Perhaps we’ll consider some discounted sessions for the lucky few who get to help us officially christen this bad boy on the lake. 970-879-7019… ask for Dave.

Specs on this baby:
- Vortec, 8.1 Liter Engine (similar to a Corvette!)
- 450 Horsepower
- 22 feet… 12 passenger capacity
- 17 speakers… CD/MP3 equipped
- On-board cooler / 12 cup holders
- Official boat of the X-Games
- The “Gold Standard” of all wakeboard boats on the market!

Quite an exciting weekend the 4^th turned out to be.  I’m here to report that one of the most uncommon events I’ve ever witnessed took place over the past few days… the sinking of a vintage ski boat just yards from the no-wake buoys at the marina entrance. 

Now this wasn’t an intentional sinking of any kind.  You know, the way the Navy might intentionally sink a machine boat or retired ship to create a diving attraction.  No, the theory on this sinking was simply a loose plug which allowed an overwhelming amount of water to flow into the back end of the craft.  With more water on board than the boat could handle, the vessel sank faster than it takes to microwave a burrito.

Luckily, all the passengers on the boat were able to quickly swim from danger and nobody was harmed in the accident.  The trouble then became finding the boat and hiring a salvage crew to remove the craft from the bottom of the lake.  Choppy waves created by a busy 4^th of July made it difficult.

Finally on Monday the 6^th, certified divers found the sunken vessel and were able to secure it to air-filled buoys.  Giving the boat a slight lift off the bottom, salvage divers were able to handily guide it to the boat ramp and the owners of the boat were able to get it secured to their trailer.

Miraculously, the boat suffered very little structural damage and the owners are fully intending to get it back on the water very soon.  The entire salvage process caught the interest of both boaters and visitors to the park alike. 

Now that the boat has been safely retrieved, one has to beg the question… what will do for excitement around here?

As a father myself, there’s nothing I love more than spending time with family and friends on the lake.  Here are a few photos that sum up my love for this place more than words can say.  Be sure to check out our frequently updated “Daily Photos” for a photo timeline of how much this place evolves.  As famed skier/videographer Warren Miller likes to say:  If you can’t make it to Steamboat Lake this summer, you’ll just be another year older when you do (or something like that!):

http://bit.ly/280A8S

Here’s a hi-speed look at the scenic drive into the Steamboat Lake Marina and the lake’s edge.  Just think… if you visited the lake this summer, this view could be ALL YOURS!

If you are looking for a genuine Rocky Mountain experience this summer, consider camping alongside Steamboat Lake within the Steamboat Lake State Park.  The park offers 188 campsites and many are very near the shoreline.  There are sites that offer electric hook-ups (50amp) for those traveling with RVs and other more rustic sites for those looking to enjoy simplified accomodations. 

The Dutch Hill campground is nearest to the Marina, swim beach, dump station and the camper services building. For those looking to capture the most scenic views of the lake, we recommend checking out the Bridge Island sites.

The Sunrise Vista campground includes an amphitheater and is connected to the Marina via a 1/4 mile foot trail. There are 6 loops and 113 sites included in the Sunrise Vista area of the park.

What you can expect from every site is a level parking area, picnic table, fire ring and a 14′ x 14′ tent pad. All tents and equipment need to be set up on these high use pads. The Camper Services building includes coin-operated laundry, coin-operated showers and dump station facilities. For those traveling with a boat, the launch is near the Camper Services building as well as the Marina. We sell firewood at the Marina so plan to stock up on pre-cut bundles when you arrive and leave the fallen wood in the park where it lies.

Camping rates range from $16/night for non-electric sites to $20/night for sites with electric. Camping permits are required in addition to a daily or annual vehicle pass. Advance campsite reservations can and should be made prior to your arrival to ensure you have a spot.

Click here for a complete campground map and enjoy your time at the Steamboat Lake State Park!

If you’ve never seen a “water blob” before, let me tell you that they can be a TON of fun.  I would love the State Park to get one of these at the lake this summer but as you will see from this clip, there are inherant risks.

If you are planning to bring your boat to Steamboat Lake and the Steamboat Lake State Park this summer, we’d love to have you!  There are two boat ramps available for full-size boats on the lake; Placer Cove and the Dutch Hill Area.  The Sage Flats ramp is for use with launching small boats only.

The Marina offers overnight dock rentals, fuel, concessions, camping supplies, firewood and a whole lot more.  For our visitors staying at the park can store boat trailers west of the Marina.  Complete boat registration details can be found on the Colorado State Parks website.

A Day Permit or a Parks Pass is required to access the park and the boat ramps.  Annual Parks Passes can be purchased for $60 per vehicle and there are discounts for seniors, veterans and those that are disabled.

In response to various threats such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels, all boats must first be inspected by a Colorado State Parks Ranger in order to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species.  Inspections will include a thorough scan of all boats and floating devices including their content, motors, trailers and associated equipment.

For those that don’t plan to bring their own boat but would love the opportunity to explore the lake from the water, please allow us to help you with the perfect Steamboat Lake boat rentals.

WOW!  The weather has been fantastic as of late and the wheels are in motion to start getting the marina up and running for the summer.  Our phones are buzzing with lots of friendly people eager to book our Steamboat Springs cabins and inquire about other camping in the area.

Don’t be left out of the fun… start planning ahead!  The State Park has announced that ALL of their campsites will be open and available this summer but spot will fill up quickly.   Here’s a helpful link for Steamboat Lake Camping and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!