Lakes & Rivers

Several high-mountain lakes are within a few miles of The Murphy-Larsen Ranch. Although these lakes vary in degree of convenience, privacy, size, and popularity, they all reward recreationalists with soul-satisfying natural beauty. 

Steamboat Lake is the area’s largest lake at over 1,000 acres. Popular to locals and visitors, it is open for canoeing and paddle boarding.  Wakeboarding, water skiing and jet skiing are also allowed in most of the lake.  The marina boat rentals in the warmer months. The lake has a campground, cabins for rent, and a trail system. Winter activities on the lake include ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.  

Hahn’s Peak Lake and Pearl Lake are also both easy to access. They are smaller, quiet and wake-less lakes.  They provide peaceful fly-fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing and picnicking experiences. Both lakes have campsites for rent and Pearl Lake has yurts that can be rented year-round.  

Higher mountain lakes accessible by forest service trails require more time and energy to reach but reward the recreationalist with glimpses of wildlife, crystal clear waters and voracious native trout. 

The Elk River also flows near the Murphy-Larsen Ranch and much of the upper reaches of the river are open to public fishing. The Elk River is a scenic and truly freestone river that attracts anglers from around the world.  

The Yampa River which runs trough Steamboat is not only know for high class fishing opportunities, but also water activities for all age levels: tubing, paddle boarding, rafting, kayaking and more!