Three hours northwest of Denver, this Colorado town isn’t just for winter travelers.
By Anna Lee Braunstein
August 2020
Nestled within the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs, a prime winter skiing destination, extends a warm welcome to summer visitors. As the snow melts, the area abounds with lush beauty and abundant outdoor activities. This is a destination where all drives are scenic.
The area’s medicinal springs were considered sacred to the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho peoples. The Steamboat Springs name was coined by French trappers in the early 1800s who said a noisy spring reminded them of a chugging steamboat. That sound disappeared when railroad construction altered the rock formations around the springs. Before roads were built, skiing was the only way for settlers to get around the area. Ranchers used skis to take feed to their livestock; even the mail was delivered by carriers on skis.
Rafting on the Yampa River and other waterways is popular in summer.
Roads were added, but what truly put the town on the map was the beginning of recreational skiing. In 1913 Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian, built the first ski jump and later established the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, an annual event that continues today.
What is less known is that the town is a great warm-weather escape. The Yampa River, flowing through town, is the center of activity. Rafts and inner tubes surge and bounce and drift upon the cool water. Alongside the river, the 7.5-mile Yampa River Core Trail attracts cyclists, walkers, and runners. Off the trail, wildflowers bloom and wildlife graze. From the Core Trail, the fully accessible Rotary Park Boardwalk leads into the marshes for viewing flora and fauna.
The Yampa River Botanic Park, also off the trail, features sculptures amid 63 gardens, each with its own slope, sun exposure, soil chemistry, etc. At an elevation of 6,800 feet, the plants face harsh weather challenges: eight months of snow, minus-35-degree temperatures, and only a couple months a year without a hard frost. Most of the plants are native, but some come from other high-altitude, high-latitude areas. Paths meander past trees, bushes, and perennials that grow and blossom. The park is funded and maintained by volunteers and does not charge admission; donations are welcome. A detailed self-guided tour map is available at the gate near the parking lot.
Bicyclists ride along the Yampa River Core Trail.
In and around town, visitors can immerse themselves in glorious nature. Even in summer you can hit the slopes — not with skis, but on wheels or your feet. Whether you want the challenge of off-road biking or prefer to follow a paved trail, you will find just the ride or walk for you. A short way out of town, U.S. Forest Service trails accommodate hiking or riding horses, mountain and dirt bikes, and ATVs. The Steamboat Springs Visitors Guide includes a detailed list of the many trails.
The Yampa River, which flows through Steamboat Springs, is joined by others nearby, such as the Elk River just to the west of town. Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, Stagecoach Reservoir, and Hahns Peak Lake are also nearby. Water lovers can wade or jump right into any of these cool basins. Kayakers, canoers, and rafters find thrills and relaxation in the tumble of a river ride. Lakes and rivers teem with fish ready to take a hook. Areas are set aside for water-skiers and jet-skiers.
As the snow melts from the slopes, those high ski trails dry out for summer exhilaration. Gondolas that transport skiers to the top of Mount Werner in the winter carry warm-weather visitors up to revel in amazing vistas. There you can hike, cross-country or downhill bike ride, or bask in the scenery. A chairlift ride up Howelsen Hill takes you to the Howler, a thrilling 2,400-foot alpine slide.
The area’s well-known mineral springs are accompanied by dramatic topography, such as this “rock garden.”
At The Land Up, high above the valley, summer adventures await in the form of scenic gondola rides, mini golf, and the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, which is said to be the long-est mountain coaster in North America. Also nearby is Amaze’n Steamboat Family Fun Park, which offers a human maze, gemstone panning, and super-sized squirt gun fun. Another popular spot is Burgess Creek Beach, which meanders down a walkway and was created by diverting cool spring water from the mountains; it makes a great place for younger children to cool off and parents to relax in Adirondack chairs.
Golfers can try the nine-hole course at the Steamboat Golf Club, opened in 1964. Two highly rated 18-hole courses also are available in town. Those into miniature golf may enjoy the courses at Amaze’n Steamboat Family Fun Park and Steamboat Springs KOA.
The mineral springs that once distinguished the area today attract people who seek to be pampered. Soaking, swimming, and massages are enjoyed at the hot springs and spas near downtown. Old Town Hot Springs provides adults and children with active and relaxing things to do, including water slides and a kiddie pool. It also boasts several “hot pools,” including one with a waterfall; some are designated family friendly. The Heart Spring, an all-natural mineral hot spring, is available for ages 15 and up.
Fish Creek Falls beckons near Steamboat Springs.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is 15 minutes north of Steamboat Springs. There, surrounded by aspens, are calm 104-degree mineral pools and rushing Hot Springs Creek. For more relaxation, enjoy massages and watsu (hydrotherapy). A shuttle service is available for a fee.
Take a leisurely drive out of town in a towed or towing vehicle, and meander through wonderful meadows and up stately mountains. Paved roads wend through fields of wildflowers to lakes and streams where you can take a dip, cast a line, bird-watch, capture spectacular photographs, have a picnic, find a geocache, or admire nature’s beauty. Paved and dirt roads lead up to mountain passes and scenic byways.
Several lovely state parks surround Steamboat Springs: Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake, and Stagecoach. Campsites fill up quickly, so make reservations early. Regardless of whether you stay, they are still worth a visit. Located alongside lakes and streams, the parks are fishing and boating destinations. Hiking trails afford opportunities to see wildlife grazing among the wildflowers.
Seventeen miles north of Steamboat Springs along Routt County Road 129 is a multipurpose center for the surrounding population. The Clark Store is a one-stop post office, restaurant, general store, ice cream shop, and meeting place. The wine and beer selections are definitely worth consideration. This is a great stop for a break or to get needed supplies.
Downtown, the Wild Horse Gallery displays a sculpture of Mark Twain.
Downtown Steamboat Springs is the place for a leisurely walk. Locals brag about the numerous restaurants, shops, and art galleries in town. Diners have countless choices to enjoy ethnic or American food, relax with a glass of wine or beer, and enjoy ice cream for dessert. Shopping choices include Western wear, home décor, and souvenirs. Art galleries emphasize local and Western artists and include a range of art styles. A walking tour guide, available at the visitors center, highlights some of the mineral springs that gave the town its name, as well as Steamboat Springs’ late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.
Nearby Gondola Square is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and businesses. When I visited, classic family movies were shown as part of the outdoor Movies on the Mountains series on Saturday nights in July and August. Movie-goers brought their own chairs and blankets. On Thursdays and Sundays, hop aboard the gondola for a ride up Mount Werner to Thunderhead for views, drinks, and music.
Major events during summer weekends include a Mustang car roundup, a hot-air balloon festival, a rodeo, art and wine festivals, and so much more. Weekdays overflow with such activities as beer events, art classes, farmers markets, concerts, and tours. The Chief Theater and Bud Werner Memorial Library present live shows, lectures, and movies during the day and evening.
The Steamboat Springs Transit bus is free, and it stops at many local sites, including the KOA campground. In addition to its access to various sites in town, the bus is a fun way for RVers to see the many thousands of condominiums that teem with skiers during the winter and fewer visitors in warmer months.
The Steamboat Springs visitors center offers a walking tour guide that includes details of the town’s 19th- and 20th-century architecture.
This small mountain town is a great warm-weather destination, jam-packed with activities. A local saying suggests: Come for the winters; stay for the summers.
More Info
Steamboat Springs Visitor Center
125 Anglers Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
(970) 879-0880
www.steamboatchamber.com/plan-your-trip/visitors-center/
info@steamboatchamber.com
At press time, some of the attractions described in this article were closed because of COVID-19 restrictions. Some annual events have been canceled or postponed for 2020. Please verify before you go.
Elevation in the Steamboat Springs area ranges from 6,695 to 10,568 feet above sea level. Take it easy for the first couple of days to avoid altitude sickness, which could spoil your trip. Dizziness, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate are among the things to be aware of.
Area Camping
Many state parks near Steamboat Springs offer camping and marinas. Visit https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks for a list.
Steamboat Springs KOA
3603 Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Information: (970) 879-0273
Reservations: (800) 562-7782
http://koa.com/campgrounds/steamboat-springs/