Steamboat Springs hot springs
Steamboat Springs has two thermal-water attractions for soaking and relaxation.
Start your trip at either Old Town Hot Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Both offer a chance to relax in warm mineral waters.
Old Town Hot Springs details
Old Town Hot Springs is on Lincoln Avenue. It features a waterslide, soaking pools, and lap lanes.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs information
Strawberry Park Hot Springs provides a more rustic experience. The large stone pools blend into the mountainside. These natural mineral springs stay around 104 degrees year-round. There are multiple pools for different temperatures. You can also try a cold plunge in the icy river flowing nearby. The drive takes about 15 minutes through Strawberry Park valley. In winter, snow tires or chains are needed.
Reservations required year-round.
Cash only.
15-minute drive.
Snow tires or chains needed in winter.
Steamboat Springs outdoor activities
Summer in Steamboat Springs means mountains, rivers, and trails. You can find many ways to be outside here.
Fish Creek Falls trails
Visit Fish Creek Falls, a 283-foot waterfall. An easy, paved quarter-mile trail leads to an overlook. This overlook is wheelchair accessible. You can also hike down to the base of the falls. Here you will find giant boulders and a wooden bridge. For a longer hike, cross the bridge and continue 2.5 miles to Upper Fish Creek Falls. This path goes through rocks and trees in Fish Creek Canyon. It offers views of the Rocky Mountains. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. The waterfall was once featured on a Coors can. For a challenging and remarkable hike, try the Long Lake via Fish Creek Trail. This 12-mile out-and-back includes steep climbs and rock scrambling.
Yampa River water activities
The Yampa River runs right through town. It is known for its Gold Medal fishing waters, especially below Stagecoach Reservoir, where brown and rainbow trout lurk. You can watch tubers, kayakers, and rafters float by. Water levels change with the season. Spring run-off brings high water for kayakers and boaters. As levels drop, tubing and paddleboarding become popular. You can rent a tube to join the river floats. Riverside parks and benches offer places to relax and watch.
Biking in Steamboat
Steamboat is a top biking area. Rent a cruiser and ride the Yampa River Core Trail. This paved path is ten miles long. It winds from the ski lifts through town. You can find fishing access, the hot springs, shops, and parks along the way. For mountain biking, try the Steamboat Bike Park. There are over 50 miles of singletrack trails on Emerald Mountain. Steamboat Resort also has cross-country and downhill trails for all skill levels. Gravel riding is popular, with roads known for the Steamboat Gravel race. Wheels bike shop offers rentals.
Steamboat Gondola rides
Ride the gondola to the top of Mount Werner. You can have brunch or lunch at the Oasis bar and grill with mountain views. You can hike up the mountain and ride the gondola down for free. The Vista Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop with wildflowers and views, starts at the top of the gondola at Thunderhead Lodge. Shorter trails also begin from the gondola drop-off point. Check the schedule for sunset happy hour, which includes live music and drinks.
Hike up the mountain and take the gondola down for free.
Ziplining and scenic drives
Steamboat Zipline Adventures is on Rabbit Ears Pass. You get views of Lake Catamount, the Flat Tops Wilderness, and Yampa Valley. You can also drive up Buffalo Pass Road. This road is especially scenic in the fall. High-clearance vehicles are suggested if you plan to drive far up.
Emerald Mountain hiking
Emerald Mountain has many hiking trails. It leads to an overlook that faces the town and ski area. This spot is easy to reach from town and has good views. The easiest climb starts at the bluffs. From there, you can choose to loop into other trails.
Hot air balloon rides
For a different view, take a hot air balloon ride. Wild West Balloon Adventures offers early morning flights. You will float above the Yampa Valley and the surrounding peaks. Flights launch near the Yampa River, between Emerald Mountain and the Steamboat Ski Area. The experience includes a champagne toast, coffee, donuts, and a personalized flight certificate.
Steamboat Springs local culture and events
Steamboat Springs has a deep local history. It also hosts many summer events.
Rodeo events
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series happens on summer weekends. You can cheer on cowboys at the Romick Rodeo Arena. The events include barrel racing and bull riding. Barbecue and live country music happen before the rodeo. This rodeo tradition goes back to 1898. Its smaller size lets you get close to the action. It takes place on Friday and Saturday nights through the summer.
Arts and entertainment
Steamboat is a Certified Colorado Creative District. You can walk through the town's art galleries. The First Friday Artwalk is another option. Look for the Art Along the Yampa community mural installation. The Crooked Key offers escape rooms, including an outdoor choice.
Yampa River Botanic Park activities
The Yampa River Botanic Park is a place to relax. It has over 50 gardens and paths around a pond with lily pads. A large grassy area is good for picnics. The park hosts events like music, yoga, kids storytime, and plays. It is located next to the Yampa River and the core trail.
Summer concerts and movies
The Steamboat Springs balloon festival is held in July. The Stranahan's Summer Concert Series offers free live music on July 4, 11, and 25. Headliners have included Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel and Six Million Dollar Band. Coca-Cola Movies on the Mountain shows movies outdoors on July 5, 12, and 26. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of entertainment. Concessions are available.
Art in the Park festival
Steamboat Creates hosts Art in the Park on July 12-13. West Lincoln Park becomes an outdoor gallery. Over 120 local and national artists show their handmade works. You can find ceramics, paintings, clothing, and leather goods. The event also has food trucks, a beer garden, games, and live entertainment. Interactive creativity stations offer chances to win prizes.
Steamboat Springs dining and shopping
Historic downtown Steamboat Springs has many dining and shopping options.
Downtown Steamboat Springs dining
For Mexican food, Salt & Lime offers spicy and fresh ingredients. Table 79 serves shareable plates and unique cocktails with ingredients like smoked salt and rosemary simple syrup. Taco Cabo on Yampa Street provides river views. They serve house-roasted pork shoulder, marinated chicken, fresh cod, and vegetables in handmade tortillas. Their guacamole and orange float margaritas are popular. For an elegant experience, try Bésame, a Latin fusion restaurant. It has a nice atmosphere, shareable tapas, and crafted cocktails. The Aji Amarillo Ceviche, a mix of salmon, cucumber, passion fruit, and jalapeño, is a notable dish. Reservations are recommended for Bésame. E3 is another option by the Yampa River, known for its fine wines and steak.
Local shops and souvenirs
Ohana and Upcountry stores are on Lincoln Avenue. They sell locally designed and printed clothing and tasteful home goods. Steamboat Hatter creates hand-shaped felt hats that can be customized. These hats are designed for all seasons. FM Light and Sons is a 120-year-old store. It carries Western style items and popular brands like Carhartt and UGG. They also feature local brands such as Tree Line Candle Company, Rockmount Ranchwear, and Johnson & Held.
Steamboat Springs nightlife
Schmiggity's is a downtown dance and music bar. It features local and touring bands, $5 drinks, and karaoke nights. The Press offers a more relaxed evening. Locals enjoy Trivia Tuesdays and Bingo Wednesdays. It also hosts weekly bands and has a good sound system.
Day trips from Steamboat Springs
Explore areas beyond Steamboat Springs for more experiences.
North Park, Moose Capital of Colorado
Northeast of Steamboat, North Park is known as the Moose Capital of Colorado. Moose sightings are common here. The Moose Visitor Center at State Forest State Park is a good first stop. You can also get tips from locals at the River Rock Cafe on Main Street in Walden. This area has the Colorado Birding Trail, Walden Lake, and Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area. You might see greater sage-grouse, boreal owls, and fox sparrows. Other attractions include ghost towns like Teller City and Coalmont. There are also wildlife refuges and OHV trails in North Sand Hills' sand dunes. The Cache la Poudre-North Park scenic byway runs through this area. About 65 percent of North Park is public land. Towns like Rand, Gould, and Cowdrey are also found here. The North Park Pioneer Museum in Walden is in an 1883 cabin and has Old West artifacts.
Western Slope towns and nature
To Steamboat's west are the quiet towns of Craig and Hayden. They are good bases for hunters and fishermen. In Craig, the Museum of Northwest Colorado has one of the nation's best collections of cowboy and gunfighter memorabilia. West of Craig, the Sand Wash Basin is home to wild mustangs. They are often seen along the Wild Horse Loop on Seven Mile Ridge near Maybell. Hayden is close to Medicine Bow and Routt national forests. Mount Zirkel and Sarvis Creek wilderness areas are also nearby. These areas offer backpacking, hiking, and biking. State parks provide opportunities for whitewater activities and camping. The Hayden Heritage Center is in the historic 1918 Moffat Railroad Depot Building. It shares the history of the town's cowboys, cowgirls, homesteaders, and coal miners.
Meeker, Rangely, and the Flat Tops
Meeker and Rangely are west of Craig. Meeker is a starting point for the 250-mile Wagon Wheel off-highway-vehicle trail system. This trail runs through the White River National Forest. Meeker is OHV-friendly, letting visitors ride through town to shops and restaurants. Events include Meekerpalooza in June for arts and culinary fun. Colorado's oldest rodeo is in July. The Meeker Sheepdog Trials happen in September. West of Meeker, Rangely has an automotive museum with rare cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s. The TANK Center for Sonic Arts is an acoustically perfect concert hall in a former steel water tank. The OHV Adventure Rally is in August. South of Steamboat, you can stop in the tiny town of Yampa. The historical Antlers Cafe & Bar is there. From Yampa, the Flat Tops scenic byway gives access to amazing scenery, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. This area also offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in other seasons.