A look at North Sterling State Park near Sterling:

Description: At this nearly 3,000-acre reservoir in the Eastern Plains, fields of gold span forever and bluffs jut up in the distance. The lake hosts every kind of water sport enthusiast while on land hikers, bikers and horseback riders can loop the shoreline on a 3.5-mile trail. The warm-water fishery offers a wide array of catches for anglers. Two campgrounds with full hookups are open year-round.

Activities: Boating, paddle sports, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, limited hunting, archery range.

Wildlife: Pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, jackrabbits; hawks, falcons, turkey vultures, owls, bald eagles, various waterfowl and songbirds.

Fun fact: Pioneers passed through the land that is now the park via the Overland Trail, which is believed to have been one of America’s busier roads in the late 19th century.

Address: 24005 County Road 330, Sterling, 80751

Contact: 970-522-3657, [email protected].

Hours: Day-use areas closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Directions: Head north on Interstate 25 to Denver and then east on I-76. Take Exit 125 and then turn left onto U.S. 6. Turn right on North Third Street. After four blocks, turn left on Broadway Street. After another four blocks, go right on North Seventh Street. Continue for 12 miles to reservoir.