Things To Do In Steamboat Springs
There are many great activities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Here are a few of our guests favorites.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs: 7 miles from town
- Fish Creek Falls: 3 miles from town
- Continental Divide Trail: Summit Lake trailhead 18 miles from town
- Steamboat Lake State Park: 27 miles north of town
- Stagecoach State Park: 17 miles south of town
- Yampa River Core Trail: winds along the Yampa River through downtown Steamboat Springs
Mountain Biking
For those of you who love to bike, the spring, summer and fall months are all wonderful times for Steamboat mountain biking. In fact, Steamboat Springs is fast becoming known as Bike Town USA because of over 576 miles of bike-able paths. It doesn’t matter where you come from, the Steamboat area can suit all of your needs. Both paved roads and country roads offer flat, slightly rolling levels within the town for those of you who want to explore the area by way of biking, and for anyone who likes steeper inclines the surrounding mountains allow for all of the harder tracks.
If you want a challenging ride, Arapaho Ridge Trail runs down from the Continental Divide for a hard workout where advanced riders can enjoy a 12.2 total mile journey within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest for about a 3-hour journey.
For beginning Steamboat mountain bikers, you can journey to nearby Howelsen Hill. From here bikers can then ride towards Emerald Mountain, which offers multiple trails that are interconnected and easily accessible. Such trails include Strawberry Park, Mad Creek, and Quarry Mountain Trail.
Summer Activities
Though best known for its skiing, there are plenty of other Steamboat Springs summer activities that the area has to offer when its warm. The warmer months provide many luxuries that cannot be found in other towns, like summer wildflowers, rushing rivers, mountain adventures and memorable experiences.
If you’re looking for some daring wilderness activities, you can climb The Domes which offer multiple climbing routes. Families can go out river rafting with some of Steamboat Spring’s many available tours to cool down during the summer, and town hot spots like the natural hot springs can offer even more excitement.
There’s even more the area has to offer. You can take a ride down one of Steamboats most unique attractions, the Alpine Slide. The ride offers a controllable sled that runs 2,400 feet down Howelsen Hill and is a blast for all ages. The town also has many biking trails fit for varying difficulty levels, and offers guided bike tours throughout the well-maintained public trail systems. Steamboat Springs offers just about anything you can think of; biking, camping, boating, climbing, fishing, golfing, helicopter sightseeing, hiking, riding in an air balloon, ice skating, and rafting. The options for Steamboat Springs summer activities are endless! Whether you prefer to enjoy the area’s views on a nature hike, or maybe go biking on some of the best bike trails in the state, Steamboat Springs has more than enough fun to go around.
Steamboat Tours
Tours: Some of Steamboats primary tourist attractions include it’s outstanding ski resort, interesting local museums and galleries, diverse shopping and dining, beautiful wilderness areas, natural hot springs and Steamboat tours. The best way to get to know Steamboat Springs and be able to enjoy all of the many attractions is to plan your vacation to include a guided tour of the surrounding area. With someone who knows Steamboat Springs, you can be exposed to all of the town’s hidden wonders.
If you want to explore the backwoods, but you don’t want to walk, Above and Beyond 4×4 offers a guide for you and your four wheeled needs.What about seeing Steamboat from above? You can easily do this with an air balloon tour like you’ve never imagined. And if you don’t like hot air balloons, Zephyr Helicopter can take you for a ride in a safe and controlled helicopter.
There are tours for just about anyone. You can see the town via bike, or you can experience the landscape as you raft down the Yampa River. Steamboat Springs has tours for all of your needs, so make the most of your trip by taking advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the available guides and tours in the area!
Above & Beyond 4 x 4 Guides: Jeeps, Hummers & ATVs
ph: 970.390.5337 | Visit Website
Jeep, Hummer, and ATV adventures with experienced guides. The ultimate off-road experience! View mountains & wildlife on an unforgettable adventure!
Adventures in Whitewater Winter Park, CO
ph: 970.879.7219 | Visit Website
Zephyr Helicopter
Rocky Mountain Ventures
ph: 970.870.8440
Rock Climbing & Ice Climbing
Strawberry Hot Springs
“A must-do on your trip to Steamboat” – Tripadvisor
If you’re looking for a particularly relaxing afternoon or evening, consider Strawberry Hot Springs, near Steamboat Springs. Its one of the most impressive hot springs in the world and located only a shuttle trip or short drive away from Steamboat Springs. Their 104 degree pools of mineral water are perfect for warmth and well-being, especially after a day of outdoor activity, and the surrounding blend of natural beauty and unique stone masonry makes a complimentary setting that completes the experience.
In addition to their pools, Strawberry Hot Springs also offers special services like rentals or a visit to their private massage hut. Watsu therapy sessions, which involve the body being stretched in water in ways that would be impossible on land, can also be arranged. Further accommodations such as a changing area, soaps, beverages and snacks are provided, as are restrooms and picnic areas.
During summer or winter, Strawberry Hot Springs also provide access to activities that can heighten the pools alleviating effects: areas for hiking, biking and camping by backpacking can be reached by Buffalo Pass Road, approximately 6 miles from their location, while snowshoeing terrain can be found within the immediate area. Calls to their staff for information about trail conditions and closures during winter months are advised.
Skiing in Steamboat
“The best ski vacation ever . . .” – Tripadvisor
Skiing in Steamboat Springs Colorado is well known as some of the very best in the state. Steamboat earned the title Ski Town USA and for good reason. Whether you’re a beginner or you shred the slopes like a pro, Steamboat Springs has something for you. Steamboat Springs is not just a paradise for skiers but snowboarders as well. One of the reasons why Skiing in Steamboat Springs Colorado is so spectacular is the legendary snow that comes down at Steamboat Springs, CO is often called Champagne Snow (because the snow is so soft, airy and easy to ski on).
Steamboat Springs Mountain Stats
- 343 inches of annual snowfall
- 2965 acres open
- Top elevation 10568 feet, base 6900 feet
- 14% beginner, 42% intermediate, 44% advanced, 0% expert
- Projected opening: 11/24
- Projected closing: 4/10
Driving Times
From Hayden Airport: 35 minutes / 25 miles
From Denver Airport: 3 Hours 45 minutes / 166 miles
From Eagle Airport: 2 Hours 15 minutes / 95 miles
Allow additional time for seasonal driving conditions and traffic.
Hiking
Hiking in Steamboat Springs Ski Area and Routt National Park offer miles and miles of terrain to explore. Two popular trails are highlighted below.
Fish Creek Falls “Easy hike, Terrific reward” -Tripadvisor
The Fish Creek Falls trail, just 10 minutes outside of the downtown area, is a very popular attraction for hikers. After a paved road to the trailhead, the lower falls viewing bridge, which presents a view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Colorado, is just a short walk away. This sight alone is worth a trip but the actual hike remains: 2.5 miles and 9000 feet through steep but mostly shaded terrain. After following it over the creek on a small bridge and through some rocky areas you will find yourself enjoying the scenic views of Upper Fish Creek Falls. Fish Creek Falls is always some of the favorite hiking in Steamboat Springs.
Rabbit Ears Pass is a 25 minute drive outside of Steamboat Springs that provides almost two hours of hiking each way. It’s an old road which begins gently, then gradually acquires an incline. Wildflowers can be seen along most of the trail, and the climb up Rabbit Ears Peak—the most challenging part of the trail and about a quarter of its length—leads to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is dog friendly and has no entrance fee. Restroom facilities can be found nearby at the Dumont Lake picnic area.
Other trails within driving distance include Mount Werner, in the Steamboat Springs ski area and theYampa River Core Trail at Walton Creek Road and Highway 40.
Restaurant & Bars
There are more than 70 Steamboat Springs dining options representing the full spectrum of cuisine to satisfy every appetite. From fresh game to fresh fish, flown in daily, every culinary delight set in a variety of atmospheres is waiting to serve up a delicious meal with a healthy helping of western hospitality.
Shopping & Retail
Lots of shopping in Steamboat Springs can be found on Lincoln Avenue, in the city’s downtown area. Here you can find a selection of stores as diverse as All That Jazz, Steamboat’s only DVD, CD and Vinyl store; Cowgirls and Angels, which has both contemporary and Western clothing; and Fuzziwigs Candy Factory. Within the same area is the Off the Beaten Path bookstore, coffeehouse and bakery café and Orange Peel Bikes, which can rent you a mountain bike, road bike or cruiser for the nearby biking trails.
Other opportunities for shopping in Steamboat Springs can be found in Mountain Village, located at the base of the ski resort. The majority of the stores here are related to skiing—Fleischer Sport is a full service ski and snowboard shop and Gondola General specializes in ski accessories—but it is also worth visiting in summer months for stores such as RED Contemporary, a host for internationally recognized artists with a western flair; and The Silver Lining, which has a unique selection of designer jewelry. Mountain Village is three miles from the downtown area and can be accessed by a free bus. Both areas are pedestrian friendly.
Make sure to stop by F.M. Light & Sons, the oldest store in Steamboat. It’s like talking a walk back in time. The store remains similar intact to how it was when it opened in 1905. The kids will love the “famous” horse you can ride outside the store. Silver Lining is a very fun Jewelry & Bead store with items ranging from affordable to exquisite.
With shops ranging from winter and western clothing to gifts, cafés and keepsakes, one of over 250 Steamboat Springs shopping opportunities are sure to have what you’re looking for.