Us 40 Routt County boat launch
Us 40 Routt County
This boat ramp services the Elkhead Reservoir, which is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping in Colorado. The reservoir is approximately 900 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 70 feet.
According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Elkhead Reservoir allows motorized boats up to 20 feet in length, as well as non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. All boats must comply with state regulations, including having proper registration and safety equipment.
It is important to note that regulations and restrictions may change over time, so it is always best to check with local authorities or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the most up-to-date information before using the US 40 Routt County boat ramp or accessing the Elkhead Reservoir.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Us 40 Routt County -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yampa River Above Elkhead Creek Near Hayden | 1,560 cfs | → |
| Elkhead Creek Above Long Gulch | 94 cfs | → |
| Elkhead Creek Near Craig | 77 cfs | → |
| Yampa River Below Craig | 1,740 cfs | → |
| Elk River Near Milner | 826 cfs | → |
| Yampa River At Steamboat Springs | 641 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Us 40 Routt County as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Us 40 Routt County
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Us 40 Routt County.