Things to Do in Steamboat Springs in September

Fish Creek Falls Trail is the place to go when you want a waterfall without a full-day hike.

• 283-foot waterfall, the second tallest in the state
• Short trail to a lower overlook through the aspens
• 2.5-mile climb continues to Upper Fish Creek Falls
• Quick drive from downtown Steamboat Springs

A 283-foot waterfall spills over the cliff here. That makes it the second tallest waterfall in the state, and the scene is good enough that it once appeared on a Coors can. The short trail to the overlook cuts through the aspens, and in September the fall foliage makes the photos look sharp. You can stay at the overlook or go down to the base, where giant boulders gather around a wooden bridge. For a longer walk, cross the bridge and continue 2.5 miles up through the rocks and trees to Upper Fish Creek Falls. The trail climbs through switchbacks in Fish Creek Canyon. The upper falls are not massive, but the hike into the Rocky Mountains is worth it. Fish Creek Falls is just a quick drive from downtown, so it fits easily into a morning. The trail can get crowded in peak summer months, so be ready to share the view and watch for different skill levels on the path. If a family is trying to take a group photo at the bridge, offer to help.

A quiet set of garden paths sits right beside the Yampa River, and it's the easiest place in town to slow down.

• Pond full of lily pads with winding paths
• Large grassy area made for picnics
• Music, yoga, kids storytime and plays
• Sits right next to the Yampa River Core Trail

Yampa River Botanic Park is a hidden gem for people who want to escape the crowds. The paths are carefully designed around a pond full of lily pads, and there is plenty of green grass for a picnic. The pace is slow, which is exactly the point. It sits right next to the Yampa River and the Core Trail, so you can bike or walk straight from town. Check the local calendar before you visit. The park hosts music, yoga, kids storytime, and plays throughout the season. If you time it right, you can listen to something live while you sit by the pond. If not, the garden paths are still worth the stop. If you only have one relaxed hour, I'd spend it on the grass by the pond.

If you want the easiest slice of fall color, drive Buffalo Pass Road right at the edge of town.

• Local favorite for spectacular fall colors
• Early mornings bring chances to see elk and moose
• Rainbow Ridge gives views of Rocky Peak and Crystal Peak
• Road tops out around 11,000 feet

Buffalo Pass Road is a stone's throw from downtown. It is a local favorite and one of the easiest places to find spectacular fall colors. The ridges and valleys fill the skyline, and the aspen stands turn gold before most of the area. Early morning risers have a real chance of seeing elk and moose in the open parks between the pines. Spring Creek Trail is also located off this road, so hikers and bikers can use it as a base. About five miles up from the base, a spot called Rainbow Ridge opens up wide views of Rocky Peak and Crystal Peak. The pass tops out around 11,000 feet, and it is usually the first place in the area where leaves start changing. To get there, take County Road 36 toward Strawberry Park Hot Springs, go one mile, and turn right.

After a cool morning outside, the big stone pools at Strawberry Park Hot Springs are the warm payoff.

• Natural mineral springs with a year-round average of 104 degrees
• Multiple pools at different temperatures
• Icy river right next to the pools for cold plunges
• Reservations required and cash only

Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits in a valley that feels far from town, but it is only about a 15-minute drive. The large stone pools blend into the mountainside, and the natural mineral springs keep a year-round average of 104 degrees. With several pools, you can move between them until the temperature feels right. If you want a jolt, the fresh, icy river flows right next to the pools for a cold plunge. This place comes with a few rules that catch people off guard. Reservations are required year-round, and they only accept cash, so plan ahead. The drive itself is short and beautiful, which is a bonus. In winter, snow tires or chains are necessary, but a September trip is more straightforward.

The Yampa River Core Trail is the easiest way to see fall colors without leaving town.

• 7.5-mile paved trail through Steamboat Springs
• Good for walking, running, or biking
• Cuts through town with the Yampa River alongside
• Leads straight to the Yampa River Botanic Park

The Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved route that cuts straight through Steamboat Springs. It is the easy trek in town, and it does the job when you want color without a big climb. The path follows the Yampa River, and the fall leaves line the way. You can walk a short section or ride the whole thing. Because it runs through town, the trail is also a connector. It is a jumping-off point for local spots like the Yampa River Botanic Park, so you can see two places in one ride. The paved route is one of the easier ways to see the area. If the goal is a relaxed morning with steady scenery, this is the route.

The Steamboat Gondola gets you above town for a meal, a sunset, or a free ride down.

• Takes riders to the midpoint of Mt. Werner
• Oasis bar and grill sits at the top with valley views
• Hike up, then ride down for free
• Sunset happy hour runs live music when scheduled

The Steamboat Gondola takes riders to the midpoint of Mt. Werner, where the Oasis bar and grill serves lunch with a view. For people who like an active start, you can hike up the mountain and take the gondola down for free. If a big climb is not your plan, shorter trails start right at the drop-off point. Check the schedule before you go to see if the sunset happy hour is happening. When it is on, you get live music and a drink while the sun drops over the valley. It is one of the more relaxed ways to end a day in Steamboat. The Steamboat Resort also keeps adding bike trails, with cross-country and downhill options close to town.