A look at Pearl Lake State Park near Steamboat Springs:

Description: Less than 30 miles from Steamboat Springs, a 167-acre reservoir glimmers on a clear day, and Farwell Mountain rises mightily against it. Anglers seek the cutthroat in the wakeless water while others come for a rugged, backcountry experience: no-frills camping on the shore and remote adventure in neighboring Routt National Forest.

Activities: Camping, fishing, wakeless boating, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing.

Wildlife: Mule deer, red fox, porcupines, American martens, long-tailed weasels and beavers; northern harriers, ospreys, western bluebirds, red-winged black birds, great blue herons, sandhill cranes.

Fun fact: The lake is named for M. Pearl Hartt, wife of John Kelly Hartt, regarded as a pioneer in sheep herding. His sheep summered in the area that is now the park.

Address: 61105 County Road 129, Clark, 80428

Contact: 970-879-3922, [email protected]

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter

Directions: Drive north on Interstate 25 to Denver and then head west on I-70 to Exit 205. Go north on Colorado 9 for about 37 miles. Turn left onto U.S. 40 and, after about 53 miles, turn right onto County Road 129 and continue for about 22 miles. Then turn right onto County Road 209 and follow to park.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE