The steam rises off Strawberry Park Hot Springs well before you reach the parking lot. Summer in Steamboat Springs means long daylight hours and mountains that turn green. Finding things to do in Steamboat Springs in summer is easy-the hard part is fitting them all in. The Yampa River runs through town, and locals bike the Core Trail with fishing rods in hand. Old West charm still lingers in the downtown storefronts and in the rodeo arena.
- Best time
- June to August
- Where to stay
- Near downtown or the ski base
- Perfect for
- Families * Outdoor adventurers * Couples
- Don't miss
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs at sunset
Things I'd tell a friend
Here's what I learned from my time in Steamboat Springs.
Book your hot springs soak early
Both Strawberry Park and Old Town Hot Springs get busy. Make a reservation at least a few days ahead, especially in July and August.
Source · From experience
Start Fish Creek Falls before 8 a.m.
The parking lot fills up fast. Go first thing in the morning and you'll have the overlook to yourself.
Source · Local tip
Free concerts at Howelsen Hill
Keepin' It Free brings national acts to the base of the hill. Grab a blanket and arrive early for a spot.
Source · Heard from a local
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Natural hot springs tucked into the wilderness-perfect for a soak after a day of hiking.
- Mineral-rich pools stay around 104°F year-round
- Reservations required for soaking
- Overnight stays in rustic cabins or covered wagons
- Massage and aquatic therapy available
Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits off the grid, deep in the woods north of Steamboat. The pools are natural, fed by mineral water that hovers around 104 degrees no matter the season. You need a reservation to soak for a couple of hours, but you can also stay overnight in a large rustic cabin or even an antique covered wagon. Massage and aquatic therapy are on offer if you want to go deeper into relaxation. The whole place is low-key and scenic. Steamboat Springs hot springs are some of the most impressive in the US. It is popular, so book ahead.
Reservations needed even for day visits
You cannot walk in without a reservation. Book at least a few days ahead, especially in summer.
Tucked away in the wilderness
The hot springs are north of town, off the grid. Plan for a short drive on a gravel road.
Reserve your spot ahead of time-they fill up fast even on weekdays.
Old Town Hot Springs
Eight spring pools right in town, with a waterslide and lap lanes.
- Located on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat
- Eight spring pools plus a waterslide
- Soaking pools and lap lanes for swimmers
- Popular spot for families and visitors
Old Town Hot Springs sits right on Lincoln Avenue, easy to find and walk to from anywhere in town. It has eight spring pools, a waterslide, soaking pools, and lap lanes. It is one of Steamboat's two main thermal-water attractions. Like Strawberry Park, it gets busy, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Book in advance to avoid wait
Old Town Hot Springs fills up quickly on summer weekends. Reserve your spot online ahead of time.
Walk from downtown
The hot springs are steps from Lincoln Avenue shopping and dining. Soak, then grab a bite nearby.
Book your afternoon soak ahead-the lap lanes get crowded by noon.
Stay at a hotel within walking distance of Old Town Hot Springs and downtown.
The Steamboat Hotel
The Steamboat Grand
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Skiing
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Fish Creek Falls
An easy, scenic hike to a waterfall with a wheelchair-accessible overlook.
- Easy and achievable hike for all skill levels
- Scenic 280-foot waterfall
- Wheelchair-accessible overlook
- Gets crowded-go early in the morning
Fish Creek Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Steamboat area. The trail is short and easy, so it works for families or anyone who wants a quick nature fix. The overlook is even wheelchair accessible, which is rare for a mountain waterfall. The cascade itself drops 280 feet and is stunning. To avoid the masses, head there first thing in the morning.
Parking fills by mid-morning
The lot is small and fills up fast. Go before 8 a.m. or try late afternoon.
Combine with a hike to Long Lake
For a longer challenge, continue past the falls on the Fish Creek Trail to Long Lake-a 12-mile out-and-back.
Short drive from downtown Steamboat
The trailhead is a few miles east of town on Fish Creek Falls Road. Easy to reach by car.
Arrive by 7 a.m. and you'll have the trail almost to yourself.
Choose a hotel close to the trailhead or downtown for early starts.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Skiing
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fitness center
- Spa and wellness center
- Bar
The Inn At Steamboat
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Steamboat Zipline Adventures
A six-segment zipline course with views of the Yampa Valley.
- Six-segment zipline course with jump belay systems
- Includes a hike and ATV ride
- Views of Yampa Valley, Lake Catamount, and Flat Tops Wilderness
- ACCT certified for safety
Steamboat Zipline Adventures sits on Rabbit Ears Pass, where the valley views stretch for miles. The course has six segments, plus jump belay systems, an easy paced hike, and an ATV ride. You get to see Lake Catamount, the Flat Tops Wilderness, and the full Yampa Valley from above. The guides share local history along the way. The operation is ACCT certified, so safety is taken seriously. This adventure is one of the best Steamboat Springs summer activities.
Book ahead for summer
Summer is peak season. Reserve your spot online to guarantee a time slot.
Combine with a gondola ride
After ziplining, head to the base area and ride the gondola up Mount Werner for a different perspective.
Located on Rabbit Ears Pass
The zipline course is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Steamboat on Highway 40.
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants-you'll do a short hike between zips.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
Traditional rodeo every Friday and Saturday night in July and August.
- Held at Romick Rodeo Arena across the Yampa River
- Events include bull-riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling
- Live music, BBQ, and bar snacks before the show
- Runs every Friday and Saturday night in July and August
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is a summer tradition. It happens at the Romick Rodeo Arena, just across the Yampa River from downtown. The events are classic: bull-riding, bareback horse-riding, cowgirl barrel racing, and steer wrestling. If you arrive early, you get live music plus the three Bs: beer, BBQ, and bar snacks. It runs every Friday and Saturday night in July and August. This is Old West entertainment you won't find everywhere.
Outdoor seating, bring a jacket
Evenings can get cool in the mountains. Bring a light jacket or blanket.
Cross the Yampa River on foot
The arena is within walking distance from downtown across the river bridge.
July and August only, buy tickets online
The rodeo runs each Friday and Saturday night in July and August. Tickets are available on the rodeo website.
Get there an hour early for the music and BBQ-it's part of the experience.
Stay in downtown so you can walk to the rodeo and avoid parking.
The Nordic Lodge
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Skiing
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Hampton Inn & Suites Steamboat Springs
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Yampa River Core Trail
A ten-mile paved path from the ski base to downtown, perfect for biking, walking, and fishing.
- 10-mile paved trail from ski lifts to downtown
- Passes parks, fishing spots, and wildflower meadows
- Access to hot springs, shopping, and the rodeo arena
- Popular for biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing
The Yampa River Core Trail is the backbone of summer activity in Steamboat. It is a ten-mile paved walking and biking path that starts at the base of the ski lifts and winds through leafy neighborhoods all the way to downtown. Along the way, you pass parks, fishing access, and wildflower meadows. You can stop at Old Town Hot Springs, ride to the rodeo arena, or watch tubers and kayakers float down the river. Keep an eye out for the Art Along the Yampa murals. It is a flat, easy ride that anyone can do.
Free activity, no entry fee
The trail is public and free. Rent a bike or just walk-no cost.
Watch for pedestrians and children
The trail is shared by walkers, runners, bikers, and strollers. Go at a moderate pace.
Pack a picnic and a fishing rod
There are plenty of benches and riverbanks along the trail. Perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Start at the ski base and ride downhill toward downtown for an effortless trip.
Choose a hotel near the trail for direct access to the Yampa River Core Trail.
Worldmark Steamboat Springs
- 2 swimming pools
- Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Skiing
- Fitness center
Eagleridge Lodge And Townhomes
- 5 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Skiing
- Fitness center
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Do I need a reservation for Strawberry Park Hot Springs?
Yes, reservations are required. Book a few days ahead in summer.
Is Fish Creek Falls accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the waterfall has a wheelchair-accessible overlook.
When does the Pro Rodeo take place?
It runs every Friday and Saturday night in July and August at the Romick Rodeo Arena.
How long is the Yampa River Core Trail?
It is a ten-mile paved path from the ski base to downtown.
What is included in the Steamboat Zipline Adventures experience?
The course includes six zipline segments, a hike, and an ATV ride with views of the Yampa Valley.
