You step off the Yampa River Trail and onto the boardwalk at the Botanic Park, the sound of live music drifting across the ponds. Figuring out the best things to do in Steamboat Springs can feel like a lot, but the reality is simpler than you think. The Yampa River runs straight through town, the ski slopes rise right behind Main Street, and the hot springs are a short walk from your hotel. Whether you are here for the winter snow or the summer green, the valley packs a lot into a small area.
- Best time
- Winter for skiing and snowboarding, summer for hiking, biking, and the Pro Rodeo.
- Where to stay
- Downtown near the Yampa River or slopeside at the Steamboat Ski Area base.
- Perfect for
- Skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, hot spring lovers, and families.
- Don't miss
- Floating the Yampa River or catching the Pro Rodeo series on a summer night.
Things I'd Tell a Friend
If a friend asked me what to do here, these are the honest tips I would share.
Float the Yampa River
Floating the Yampa is a must-do in summer. Bring your own inner tube to do it for free. Or book with an outfitter for a shuttle. It is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Source · Done it with my kids
First Friday Artwalk
If you are in town on the first Friday of the month, walk through downtown. Galleries open their doors and the streets feel different. It is a free, easy night out.
Source · Happens every month
Movie on the Mountain
Summer Saturday nights at the Steamboat Ski Area mean free outdoor movies. Grab a blanket and go at sunset. It is a simple night with a solid mountain view.
Source · Free summer fun
Steamboat Ski Area
Steamboat Ski Area is the reason most people find this valley in winter. It offers some of the best tree skiing in North America.
- 165 trails across six peaks and nearly 3,000 acres
- Famous Champagne Powder snow and legendary tree skiing
- Summer gondola rides up Mt. Werner for hiking and biking
- 50 miles of downhill mountain bike trails on the mountain
The Steamboat Ski Area sits at 7,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. It covers six peaks with 165 trails. The mountain is known for its Champagne Powder snow and tree skiing. In summer the gondola stays open. You can take it up Mt. Werner for hiking, mountain biking, or lunch at a mountaintop restaurant. There is a terrain for all skill levels. The ski and snowboard school offers lessons for anyone new to the slopes. Mountain bikers can ride the 50 miles of trails on the mountain. You can rent bikes and safety equipment right at the base.
Seasonal hours and lift tickets
The ski area is open during winter season. The gondola runs in summer. Check the website for exact opening and closing dates each season.
Tree skiing and the superpipe
Steamboat is famous for tree skiing. It also has Mavericks, the longest superpipe in North America. Do not skip the trails between the trees if you are an advanced skier.
Pair a ski day with a soak
Pair a morning of skiing with an afternoon at the Old Town Hot Springs. The walk from the ski base to the hot springs is doable.
Get to the gondola before the first tour bus if you want the mountain mostly to yourself.
Hotels near the ski base make it easy to walk to the gondola.
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.
Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs sits right in the middle of Steamboat. It has been operating year-round since 1935.
- Three spring-fed hot mineral pools open year-round
- Olympic-size lap pool and a 350-foot water slide
- Kiddie pool and a full recreation center with weight room
- Tennis courts and family-friendly activities on site
This is a Steamboat institution. The water comes from natural geothermal springs. The complex includes three hot mineral pools, an Olympic-size pool, a 350-foot water slide, and a kiddie pool. It is more than just a soak. There are tennis courts, a weight room, and a full recreation center. It is located right in the heart of town, which makes it easy to pair with a day downtown.
Open all year with day passes
Open year-round. Day passes are available. Check online for holiday hours and special events.
Combine a soak with a trail walk
Combine a soak here with a walk on the Yampa River Trail. The trail runs right past the Botanic Park and connects easily to downtown.
Go early in the morning if you want the pools mostly to yourself.
Staying within walking distance of the hot springs means you can go back as many times as you want.
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 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
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Yampa River Botanic Park
The Yampa River Botanic Park is a free garden along the Yampa River Trail. It is open from spring until the first heavy snow.
- Free admission every day with a tips jar at the entrance
- Ponds, flowers, birds, and butterflies in landscaped gardens
- Music on the Green concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays in summer
- Library story time for kids on Friday mornings
The botanic park is easy to miss if you are walking the Yampa River Trail. One entrance sits right off the path. The gardens include ponds, native and non-native plants, and plenty of birds. It is best from late spring through summer when the flowers are in bloom. In fall the plants are mostly dead, but summer is gorgeous. Wednesdays and Thursdays in summer bring live music. Fridays bring story time from the Bud Werner Memorial Library. Admission is completely free, though there is a jar for tips.
One of the best free attractions in town
This is one of the best free things to do in Steamboat Springs. Parking is free at Emerald Park. Walk down the sidewalk along the field and you will hit the entrance.
Dawn to dusk in the warm months
Open dawn to dusk from spring until the first heavy snow. Free.
Come on a Thursday in summer for the Music on the Green concert.
Hotels near the Yampa River Trail give you quick access to the park.
Hampton Inn & Suites Steamboat Springs
Worldmark Steamboat Springs
- 2 swimming pools
- Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Skiing
- Fitness center
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is one of the top weekly rodeos in the country. It runs Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.
- Bull riding, bronco riding, and all the classic rodeo events
- Held at Romick Arena on the Howelsen Hill Park Complex
- Shows start at 7:30 pm during summer months
- Come early for BBQ and good seats, bring a jacket for after sunset
The rodeo is a serious local tradition. Cowboys compete in bull riding and bucking broncos. The series takes place on Friday and Saturday nights all summer. The gates open early at Romick Arena. People line up for barbeque before the show. The sun goes down behind the mountains during the event, so a jacket is a good idea. This is a family-friendly event that shows off the town's Western roots.
Summer nights only at 7:30 pm
Summer months, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets available at the gate or online.
Part of the Howelsen Hill complex
The rodeo is part of the Howelsen Hill complex. You can park on site or walk from downtown if you are staying close.
Bring a jacket-once the sun drops behind the mountains, the temperature drops fast.
A room downtown puts the rodeo grounds within walking distance.
Residence Inn By Marriott Steamboat Springs
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Parking on site
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Skiing
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Yampa River Trail
The Yampa River Trail runs seven miles through the edge of Steamboat. It is paved, shaded, and easy for all ages.
- 7-mile paved trail running along the Yampa River
- Access to the Yampa River Botanic Park and Rotary Park Boardwalk
- Great for walking, jogging, biking, and pushing a stroller
- Shady spots with access points to the river for wading
This trail connects the west end of town to the east. It stays mostly in the shade of cottonwood trees. You cross bridges and pass behind houses. It gives you a different way to see the town. You can walk from the transit center to the ski area. Families use it for bike rides. Kids can stop to throw pebbles in the river. The trail passes the Yampa River Botanic Park and the Rotary Park Boardwalk. It is one of the most popular free things to do in Steamboat Springs.
Multiple access points along the river
Pick it up near Mt. Werner Road, at the transit center, or from Little Toots Park at 12th and Yampa.
Best time for a walk or bike ride
Walk the trail in the late afternoon. The shade and river breeze keep you cool, and the light on the water is nice.
The trail is flat from end to end, making it the easiest way to see the river without a car.
Any hotel near the Yampa River puts you steps from the trail.
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.
Howelsen Hill
Howelsen Hill is the town's original ski hill. Today it is a year-round hub for outdoor fun.
- Howler Alpine Slide with a 2,400-foot track down the hill
- Howelsen Ice Arena for skating, hockey, and broomball leagues
- Snow tubing lanes on the hill in winter
- Home of the Pro Rodeo series in summer
Howelsen Hill sits right on the edge of downtown. In summer the Howler Alpine Slide lets you wind down a 2,400-foot track. You get views of the Yampa Valley as you go. The Howelsen Ice Arena is the only ice rink in town. It offers open skating, hockey, and broomball. It has an Olympic-size surface. In winter you can go snow tubing right on the hill. The Pro Rodeo series runs here in summer at Romick Arena. Emerald Mountain is also right here, with trails like Bluffs Loop for a quick hike.
Alpine slide and ice arena hours
Alpine Slide operates in summer and fall. Ice Arena has seasonal hours for skating and hockey.
From ski hill to city park
This hill has a long history. It was the town's first ski area. Now it is a city park with a mix of free and paid activities.
The Alpine Slide can have a line by lunchtime. Go in the first hour they open.
Hotels on the south end of downtown are a short walk to Howelsen Hill.
Homewood Suites By Hilton Steamboat Springs
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
The Inn At Steamboat
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What are the best free things to do in Steamboat Springs with kids?
The Yampa River Botanic Park is free. Walk or bike the Yampa River Trail. Float the Yampa River with your own tube. Hike Bluffs Loop on Emerald Mountain.
How long is the Yampa River Trail?
It runs seven miles through town. It is paved and mostly shaded, making it easy for walking, jogging, or biking.
When is the Pro Rodeo season?
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo series runs Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. Shows start at 7:30 pm at Romick Arena.
Is the Yampa River Botanic Park open year-round?
It opens at dawn and closes at dusk from spring until the first heavy snow of the year. It is best visited in summer when the flowers are in bloom.
What makes Steamboat Ski Area special?
It is known for Champagne Powder snow and legendary tree skiing. It has 165 trails across six peaks covering nearly 3,000 acres.
Where is the best place to stay for families?
The Steamboat Grand is a solid choice with a heated pool open year-round. The Rabbit Ears Motel is a classic option right in downtown.
