Hot Springs and Mountain Views
Start your trip by relaxing in the thermal waters or taking in panoramic mountain scenery. Steamboat Springs has options for both.
Steamboat Springs offers two thermal-water attractions for soaking. Old Town Hot Springs is located off Lincoln Avenue. It has a waterslide, soaking pools, and lap lanes. Strawberry Park Hot Springs provides a more rustic and secluded experience. Its natural mineral springs maintain an average temperature of 104 degrees year-round. You will find multiple pools to try, and you can even take a cold plunge in the nearby icy river. The surroundings are very scenic and are worth the 15-minute drive from town. Mount Werner also provides excellent views. You can take a gondola ride to the top for brunch or lunch with a splendid view. Another option is to hike up the mountain and ride the gondola down for free. Sunset happy hour events, sometimes with live music and drinks, also happen at the top.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs details
The large stone pools at Strawberry Park Hot Springs blend into the mountainside. The mineral-rich pools stay around 104 degrees. You can soak for a couple of hours or stay the weekend in cabins or covered wagons. Massage and aquatic therapy are available. It is an off-grid, low-key, and scenic spot.
15-minute drive from town
Reservations are required year-round.
They only accept cash, so plan ahead.
Outdoor Activities: Trails and Water
Steamboat Springs is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find many trails for hiking and biking, and the Yampa River offers various water-based fun.
Steamboat is a big biking destination. You can ride the Yampa River Core Trail to find fishing access, the hot springs, town shopping, riverside parks, and the rodeo. Along the way, you might see the Art Along the Yampa community mural. You can also watch tubers, kayakers, and rafters float by. Emerald Mountain is known for its lush green mountainside and is a mecca of hiking and biking trails. It leads to a beautiful overlook that faces the town and ski area. It is easy to get to, located right in town. For bikers, it is an easier climb than the ski area. Emerald Mountain has trails that loop into the trees and out onto overlooks. The easiest climb is to head to the bluffs and then choose other trails from there. There is also the Steamboat Bike Park with over 50 miles of singletrack trails.
Hiking trails
Hikes in Steamboat Springs range from easy walks to challenging rock scrambles. Fish Creek Falls is a must-do. The hike to the 283-foot waterfall is an easy, paved quarter-mile trail. This path goes through an aspen forest to an overlook. You can see the entire waterfall from here. The overlook is accessible to wheelchair users. You can also hike down to the base of the falls to see giant boulders and a wooden bridge. For a challenging hike, cross the bridge and continue 2.5 miles to the Upper Fish Creek Falls. This trail involves rocks and switchbacks through Fish Creek Canyon. The second falls are not massive, but the hike is rewarding. Peak summer months can be crowded, so go first thing in the morning to avoid the masses. The Vista Nature Trail starts at the top of the gondola at Thunderhead Lodge. This 1-mile loop is gentle and lined with wildflowers. It offers incredible views and is great for families and light hikers. The Long Lake via Fish Creek Trail is a 12-mile out-and-back hike. It features steep climbs and rock scrambling. A waterfall appears midway, but pushing further reveals wide-open meadows, wildflowers, and alpine views. The Yampa River Core Trail is a ten-mile paved path. It winds from the ski lifts through leafy neighborhoods to downtown. You will pass parks and wildflowers. You can fish, kayak, or relax along the river.
Water fun on the Yampa River
The Yampa River runs right through town and offers many activities. Water levels change, so plans depend on the season. Spring run-off brings high water, making the Yampa a playground for adventurous kayakers, boaters, and paddleboarders. As levels drop, tubing and paddleboarding become popular. You can rent a tube or watch river adventurers from riverside benches. The Yampa River also has Gold Medal fishing waters. The stretch below Stagecoach Reservoir is known for large brown and rainbow trout.
Lake activities
Stagecoach State Park's reservoir is great for water activities. You can enjoy boating, Jet Skiing, and fishing for rainbow trout.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Steamboat Springs offers a variety of cultural experiences and entertainment, from botanic gardens to artwalks and escape rooms.
The Yampa River Botanic Park is a hidden gem. It has over 50 gardens and designed paths around a pond with lily pads. The park also has a grassy area, perfect for a picnic. Look for local happenings or check their website for music events, yoga, kids storytime, and plays. The park is next to the Yampa River and the Core Trail, making it easy to reach by bike or walk from town. The Tread of Pioneers Museum explores the history of Native Americans, early settlers, miners, ranchers, skiers, outlaws, and lawmen. Steamboat is a Certified Colorado Creative District. You can stroll through the town's galleries or join the First Friday Artwalk. For alternative entertainment, The Crooked Key offers escape rooms, including an outdoor option.
Hot air balloon rides
Floating above the Yampa Valley in a hot air balloon offers an unforgettable view. You launch near the Yampa River, between Emerald Mountain and the Steamboat Ski Area. The experience begins with the balloon inflating, followed by a quiet ascent. You can hear the river flowing below as you float with the wind. The pilot provides facts about the balloon and sights. The flight ends with a champagne toast, coffee, donuts, photos, and a flight certificate.
Dining and Nightlife Options
After a day of activity, Steamboat Springs offers many dining choices and lively spots to enjoy the evening.
Delicious dining options are plentiful in historic downtown Steamboat Springs. Salt & Lime puts a twist on classic Mexican food with spicy, fresh ingredients. Table 79 serves shareable plates and curious cocktails, including options with smoked salt, pomegranate grenadine, and rosemary simple syrup. For riverside dining, E3 is known for its beautiful yard, fine wines, and excellent steak. Taco Cabo on Yampa Street offers house-roasted pork shoulder, marinated chicken, fresh cod, and vibrant veggies in handmade tortillas. Its riverside patio is bustling and shaded. Try their guacamole, artisanal hot sauce, and an orange float margarita. Bésame is a Latin fusion restaurant with an elegant vibe. It serves shareable tapas and crafted cocktails. The Aji Amarillo Ceviche, with salmon, cucumber, passion fruit, and jalapeño, is a must-try. Reservations are recommended for Bésame as it stays busy all summer. When the sun goes down, Steamboat has a lively atmosphere. Schmiggity's is a dance and music bar downtown. It features rotating local and touring acts, from Grateful Dead jam bands to rock 'n' roll and R&B. They have $5 drinks and karaoke nights. The Press offers a more relaxing night out. Locals enjoy its Trivia Tuesdays and Bingo Wednesdays. Weekly bands play through a unique sound system.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Steamboat Springs has unique local shops where you can find gifts and mementos.
If you need souvenirs or gifts, check out Ohana and Upcountry. They offer locally designed and printed clothing, plus locally crafted home goods. Both stores are on Lincoln Avenue. Steamboat Hatter creates hand-shaped felt hats that are customizable. They are designed for all seasons. For Western style and history, visit FM Light and Sons. This 120-year-old store has five generations of owners. It carries popular brands like Carhartt and UGG, as well as local brands like Tree Line Candle Company. You can find unique gifts or Western souvenirs here.
Summer Events Calendar
Steamboat Springs hosts various summer events, from concerts to art festivals.
The Stranahan's Summer Concert Series happens on July 4, 11, and 25. It is a free event with live music from headliners like Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel and Six Million Dollar Band. If you enjoy movies outdoors, attend Coca-Cola Movies on the Mountain. These events take place on July 5, 12, and 26. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of films and concessions. Art in the Park by Steamboat Creates is an annual event on July 12-13. West Lincoln Park becomes an outdoor gallery. It features handmade works from over 120 local and national artists, including ceramics, paintings, clothing, and leather goods. The event also has food trucks, a beer garden, games, live entertainment, and interactive creativity stations. This is a mix of culture and community in summer. On summer weekends, cross the Yampa River to the Romick Rodeo Arena for the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. The rodeo dates back to 1898 and is an exhilarating event. It takes place on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. You can see barrel racing and bull riding up close due to its small size. Barbecue and live country music precede the rodeo.
Day Trips from Steamboat Springs
Explore areas beyond Steamboat Springs for more adventures, including wildlife viewing and historical towns.
Northeast of Steamboat is North Park, known as the Moose Capital of Colorado, where sightings are common. The Moose Visitor Center at State Forest State Park is a good starting point. You can also get tips from locals at the River Rock Cafe on Main Street in Walden. This area is great for birding, with the Colorado Birding Trail, Walden Lake, and Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area attracting birds like the greater sage-grouse and boreal owls. Other attractions include ghost towns such as Teller City and Coalmont, and OHV trails in North Sand Hills' sand dunes. You can drive the Cache la Poudre-North Park scenic byway. About 65 percent of North Park is public land, offering lakes, rivers, mountains, and prairies without crowds. Visit the North Park Pioneer Museum in Walden, housed in an 1883 cabin filled with Old West artifacts. To Steamboat's west, you will find the quiet towns of Craig and Hayden. These towns are popular with hunters and fishermen. In Craig, the Museum of Northwest Colorado has a collection of cowboy and gunfighter memorabilia. West of Craig, the Sand Wash Basin is home to wild mustangs and is prime off-roading territory. Hayden is near the Medicine Bow and Routt national forests, Mount Zirkel, and Sarvis Creek wilderness areas, offering backpacking, hiking, and biking. The Hayden Heritage Center, in the 1918 Moffat Railroad Depot Building, teaches about local cowboys, cowgirls, homesteaders, and coal miners. Further west, Meeker and Rangely are jumping-off points for the 250-mile Wagon Wheel off-highway-vehicle trail system through the White River National Forest. Meeker is OHV-friendly, allowing visitors to ride through town to shops and restaurants. It hosts Meekerpalooza in June, Colorado's oldest rodeo in July, and the Meeker Sheepdog Trials in September. Rangely has an automotive museum, The TANK Center for Sonic Arts, and an OHV Adventure Rally in August. South of Steamboat, the town of Yampa offers a bite at the historical Antlers Cafe & Bar. From Yampa, the Flat Tops scenic byway provides access to scenery, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.