What to Do in Steamboat Springs in Summer: 6 Can't-Miss Attractions

A natural hot spring tucked into the wilderness, Strawberry Park is the reason many people drive to Steamboat in the first place.

• Mineral-rich pools stay around 104°F year-round
• Off-grid, low-key, and rustic - the most authentic soak in Colorado
• Reservations required and popular; book ahead
• Massage and aquatic therapy available if you need more relaxation

The water comes straight out of the ground into a series of rock pools. You sit surrounded by trees and mountains, with nothing but natural heat and quiet. Steamboat has two main hot spring options: Strawberry Park is the wilder one, farther from town, while Old Town Hot Springs sits right on Lincoln Avenue with a waterslide and lap lanes. Both are excellent, but Strawberry Park gives you that true backcountry feel. You can stay overnight in a rustic cabin or even an antique covered wagon. The pools stay at a steady 104 degrees, so even a hot summer evening feels fine in the water. I have found that going late afternoon on a weekday helps avoid the biggest crowds, though reservations are needed regardless.

A state-of-the-art zipline course that gives you a bird's-eye view of the Yampa Valley and surrounding wilderness.

• Six-segment zipline course with jump belay systems
• Includes an ATV ride and an easy-paced hike between segments
• ACCT certified - the safety standards are high
• Views of Lake Catamount, Flat Tops Wilderness, and the Yampa Valley

You start with a short hike, then a zipline, then a jump belay station, and finally an ATV ride through the valley. The whole experience lasts a couple of hours. The people running it know their stuff and hold ACCT certification, which matters when you are flying over the treetops. The course is on Rabbit Ears Pass, about 20 minutes from Steamboat Springs, and the views of Lake Catamount and the Flat Tops are stunning. It works well for families - kids tend to love the ATV portion. The only catch is that you need to book in advance, and weather can cancel if thunderstorms roll in. I would schedule it for the morning, when the air is calm and the visibility is best.

Every Friday and Saturday night in July and August, the Romick Rodeo Arena becomes the Wild West.

• Held every Friday and Saturday night throughout July and August
• Watch bull riding, bareback horse riding, cowgirl barrel racing, steer wrestling
• Preceded by barbecue, beer, and live music if you arrive early
• A proper piece of Old West culture right in Steamboat Springs

The rodeo is not a tourist show. It is the real deal, with contestants from the Pro Rodeo circuit competing for prize money. You will see cowboys and cowgirls throw themselves into steer wrestling and barrel racing. The atmosphere is loud, dusty, and filled with the smell of grilled meat. The Romick Rodeo Arena sits just across the Yampa River from downtown, so you can walk over from your hotel. Show up early if you want to grab a spot - the barbecue and live music start before the main event. I would not bring very young kids expecting a quiet evening. Rodeos are rowdy, and the crowd gets into it.

Up on Steamboat Resort's mountain, The Land Up packs a dozen summer activities into one place.

• Includes the Steamboat Bike Park and the Outlaw Mountain Coaster (longest coaster in North America)
• Also features the Kilimanjaro Climbing Wall, mini golf, and tubing
• The gondola ride up to Mount Werner (10,570 ft) is included
• Sunset Happy Hour at Thunderhead Deck - Thursdays and some Saturdays

The Land Up is the name for everything on the mountain during summer. You take the Silver Bullet gondola from the base up to Thunderhead Lodge, and from there you can hit the Mountain Coaster, the bike park, the climbing wall, or just sit on the deck and enjoy the view. The Outlaw Mountain Coaster runs down Christie Peak ski runs and is officially the longest coaster in North America. It is a thrill, but it is also a great way to see the terrain from a different angle. If you prefer pedals, the Steamboat Bike Park has downhill trails maintained just like the ski runs in winter. The Sunset Happy Hour happens on Thunderhead Deck on Thursdays and the occasional Saturday, featuring drinks and music as the light fades. I would come up for the happy hour alone - the sunset over the Yampa Valley is something you will not forget.

A ten-mile paved trail that winds through Steamboat Springs along the Yampa River, connecting the best parts of town.

• Paved, flat, and perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading
• Passes the Yampa River Botanic Park (50+ gardens)
• Connects to the rodeo arena, hot springs, and downtown dining
• Watch tubers, kayakers, and rafters float by while you stroll

The Yampa River Core Trail is the spine of Steamboat in summer. It starts near the base of the ski lifts and runs ten miles through neighborhoods and parks, ending in downtown. Along the way, you will find fishing spots, the Yampa River Botanic Park with its 50 gardens, and multiple access points to the river for paddleboarding or tubing. You can rent a bike at the Sheraton creekside. It is the kind of trail that does not feel like a workout - more like a moving view of the town. If you want to tube the river, check conditions first and avoid going alone. The water levels change fast after summer storms. The trail itself stays shady in sections, but the exposed parts get hot by midday, so I would walk it in the morning or late afternoon.