Bear Lake

July 21st, 2025

I arrived in Yampa on Tuesday. That is the day you are most likely to find a good campsite, as all the weekenders have gone home. I ended up at site 22, one I had occupied before, a favorite. Large boulders are behind the site and pine and aspen trees line the sides. A band of mountain wildflowers surround the edges. Hummingbirds are numerous. The elevation is just below 10,000 feet, so days are warm, nights are cool, and there is no humidity. Some afternoons cloud up for a couple hours and may result in a quick rain shower.

During the first couple of days, I hiked area trails that I had experienced in years past. I kept a close eye out for moose, which I had run into there before. On the third day, I pumped up the paddle board and launched it on Bear Lake. It was a little breezy, but I paddle to the far end where the Bear River flowed into the lake. There I caught 3 Rainbow Trout between 12 and 14 inches. The paddle back was quick, as the wind help keep me moving.

On Saturday, I made the drive up to the town of Steamboat Springs. I ate breakfast at The Egg, a favorite morning spot. Then I crossed the road to the baseball diamonds, parked, and started the hike north along the Yampa River. I headed to the Ice Arena, crossed back over the river and strolled through the Farmer’s Market that is held Saturday mornings throughout the summer. There were plenty of good things to eat, including peaches from Palisades, Colorado. I purchased a small summer sausage, made locally, and a quarter plank of smoked salmon. The salmon was expensive, as it usually is, but was very tasty. I would definitely recommend the market if you visit on a weekend.

On the hike back to the truck, I was walking very close to the river when I heard a large splash about 20 yards away. An Osprey had crashed into the water in an attempt to catch a fish. It missed, but I got a very close view of this fishing method and large beautiful black and white bird.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, I will hitch up and make my way back to the Leadville area in time for the coming Boom Days celebration and weekend Leadville 100 MTB and running races.