Five day itinerary for exploring Clark and Routt County

A trip to Clark, Colorado offers much more than beautiful mountain views. Surrounded by lakes, forests, scenic trails, and charming mountain communities, the area provides countless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. If you are planning your first visit, having a flexible itinerary can help you experience some of the best attractions without feeling rushed.

This five day itinerary combines popular destinations with quieter local favorites, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Routt County while returning each evening to the comfort of Brown Dog Cabin.

Day one, settle in and explore Clark

After arriving at Brown Dog Cabin, take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting. Unpack, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and become familiar with the surrounding scenery.

Later in the day, take a leisurely drive through Clark to get a feel for the area. Stop at scenic viewpoints, enjoy the mountain landscapes, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and a variety of birds that are often seen nearby.

End your first evening with a quiet walk and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes Clark such a special destination.

Day two, discover Steamboat Lake State Park

Spend your second day exploring one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations, Steamboat Lake State Park.

The park offers kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and excellent picnic areas. Even if you prefer a slower pace, relaxing along the shoreline while taking in the mountain views is well worth the visit.

Bring a camera because the lake provides spectacular photo opportunities throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon are especially beautiful when the water reflects the surrounding mountains.

After a full day outdoors, return to Brown Dog Cabin to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Day three, visit Pearl Lake and Hahn’s Peak

Begin your morning at Pearl Lake State Park, where calm waters and a quieter atmosphere make it an excellent place for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Later, head to Hahn’s Peak Lake, located just a short drive away. The lake is known for its beautiful mountain backdrop and peaceful setting, making it a great place for a picnic, fishing, or photography.

If time allows, explore the historic community of Hahn’s Peak, where visitors can see remnants of Colorado’s mining history while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

Day four, spend the day in Steamboat Springs

Take a day trip to nearby Steamboat Springs to experience another side of Routt County.

Browse locally owned shops, visit art galleries, enjoy lunch at one of the town’s restaurants, or spend time relaxing in the famous hot springs. During the winter months, this day can easily be dedicated to skiing or snowboarding before exploring downtown.

Steamboat Springs offers an enjoyable balance of outdoor recreation and small town charm, making it a favorite stop for many visitors staying in Clark.

Return to Brown Dog Cabin in the evening to enjoy the quieter surroundings after a busy day.

Day five, explore Routt National Forest

Spend your final day discovering the beauty of Routt National Forest.

Choose a hiking trail that matches your experience level, enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, or spend time photographing wildflowers, forests, rivers, and mountain vistas. Wildlife viewing is often excellent, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

If you prefer a more relaxing final day, pack a picnic and find a quiet spot surrounded by nature where you can reflect on your Colorado adventure before heading home.

There is no shortage of beautiful places to explore throughout the forest, making it the perfect way to conclude your trip.

Helpful tips for your stay

Colorado’s mountain weather can change quickly, even during the summer. Bring clothing you can layer throughout the day, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water for outdoor activities.

If you plan to fish, be sure to purchase the appropriate Colorado fishing license before heading to the lakes or rivers.

Wildlife is one of the highlights of visiting Clark, but always observe animals from a safe distance and never feed them.

Allow extra time in your schedule for unexpected discoveries. Some of the area’s best memories come from scenic overlooks, quiet lakes, or peaceful trails you find along the way.

Make Brown Dog Cabin your home base

This five day itinerary highlights just a small sample of what Clark and Routt County have to offer. The region’s combination of mountain lakes, hiking trails, wildlife, scenic drives, and nearby attractions creates endless opportunities for adventure in every season.

Brown Dog Cabin provides the perfect home base for exploring the area while offering a peaceful retreat at the end of each day. Whether you are planning an active outdoor vacation or simply looking to enjoy Colorado’s mountain scenery, the cabin makes it easy to experience the best of Northwestern Colorado.

To start planning your stay, visit the Brown Dog Cabin home page. If you have questions or would like additional information, visit the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need to see Clark, Colorado?

Five days is a comfortable amount of time to see the main lakes, spend a day in Steamboat Springs, and still have a slower day exploring Routt National Forest. If you only have a weekend, focus on Steamboat Lake and one nearby lake rather than trying to fit everything in.

What’s the best order to visit the lakes in?

Starting with Steamboat Lake works well since it has the most going on, boating, paddling, and hiking trails. Save Pearl Lake and Hahn’s Peak Lake for a quieter day, since both are smaller and better suited to a slower pace.

Do I need a car for this itinerary?

Yes. Clark is spread out, and getting to the lakes, Steamboat Springs, and Routt National Forest all require driving. There’s no public transit in the area, so a vehicle is essential for following a multi-day itinerary like this one.

Is this itinerary better for summer or can it work in winter too?

This itinerary is written with summer and fall activities in mind, boating, hiking, and lake days. In winter, the same general structure works, but you’d swap paddling and hiking for skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling on those days.

Do I need a fishing license for any part of this trip?

Yes, if you plan to fish at Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, or Hahn’s Peak Lake, Colorado requires a valid fishing license. These can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores before your trip.

How far in advance should I plan a trip like this?

Booking your cabin a few months ahead is a good idea, especially during summer and early fall when the area is busiest. Lakes and trails don’t require reservations, so the itinerary itself can stay flexible even if your lodging is booked early.

Can this itinerary be shortened to a long weekend?

Yes. If you only have three days, combine the lakes into one full day instead of two, spend a day in Steamboat Springs, and use the last day for a shorter hike or a relaxed morning before heading home.

Is Steamboat Springs worth a full day, or just a few hours?

A full day gives you time to explore downtown, have a proper lunch, and still fit in the hot springs or a bit of shopping. If you’re short on time, even a half day covering lunch and one main attraction is enough to get a feel for the town.

What should I pack that isn’t already obvious, like a jacket or sunscreen?

A physical map or downloaded offline maps are worth having, since cell service is limited in parts of Clark and around the lakes. It’s also worth packing a printed copy of your fishing license if you plan to fish, since you may not have signal to pull it up on your phone.