Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a very popular winter ski town but did you know there is plenty to prevent boredom in the summer months as well? We were lucky enough to visit this small mountain town this summer. Here are just a few things you might enjoy during your visit.

Summer Activities in Steamboat Springs

Take A Gondola Ride

Breathtaking views of Mount Werner and the Yampa valley can be found on the two-mile Steamboat Gondola ride. The 8-person gondola will climb 2,200 feet to an elevation of 9,000 feet during the nine-minute ride. It is typically open from June to early September for views up Mount Werner and the Yampa valley. Once at the top, you will find a full bar, food court, and plenty of indoor or outdoor seating to enjoy the mid-mountain views.

Biking

When it comes to mountain biking Steamboat Springs has made a name for itself. There are trails all around town at all different levels and distances. If you need to get a little practice before you hit the trail, try one of the pump tracks. Bear River Bike Park is a free pump track located at the Yampa River Core Trail entrance on Lagoon Street. You can also check out the BMX track at the base of Howelsen Hill and the Olympic winter training area.

If ebikes are more your speed, Steamboat Springs has only one trail for you. The Yampa river core trail that you can see us ride in the video above. It’s a 7 mile out and back that travels along the Yampa River and through town. And as a side note, Mountain Tap brewery is along the trail and a great way to quench your thirst at the end of the ride.

White Water Rafting

Want a little adrenaline rush? White water rafting along the Colorado river might be the perfect day trip for you. Mad Adventures offers half-day trips for beginners to immediate rafters, with prices starting at $90. I wanted to do this, but it was too soon for Phil after his knee replacement. But I will do it eventually. Click here for more information about white water rafting in the Steamboat Springs area.

TUBE the Yampa River

Want to do something that brings down the heart rate instead of elevating it?? Grab a tube and float down the Yampa river on a warm day! You can purchase a tube from Walmart or rent one along the river. We saw quite a few floating down the river while biking the trail. It looked like a great way to relax the day away.

Before you grab a tube, there are a few things you should know

Check the river flow. If it is above 700 cubic feet per second, it is not safe for tubing.
Wear water shoes
No alcohol, glass, or styrofoam is allowed in the river.
Leave no trace. Please keep the river beautiful by packing up everything you bring in.
If you bring your own tube, park at the Community Center and catch the free red line bus to your put-in location. Wet passengers and inflated tubes are not allowed on the buses, so plan to ride from your vehicle instead of to your vehicle.
Enter the river at Fetcher Pond for the longest ride or Dr. Rich Weiss Park.
You can also rent a tube and transportation will be provided for you

Professional Rodeo

In the summer, Steamboat Springs is known for professional rodeo. If you are here in July and August, don’t miss your chance to see some riding and roping. If you arrive before the action starts you can catch live music and bbq.

HIKING

Hiking is a fun, free activity in Steamboat Springs and there are a ton of trails to choose from. We recommend starting with Fish Creek Falls. There are three hikes to choose from. There is a $5 fee to park at the falls unless you have a national park pass.

½ mile easy loop
5-mile loop
13-mile loop

Emerald Mountain is another good option. It's a 4-mile hike for all levels that will give you epic views of the town. If you are feeling energetic, check out the Mount Zirkel loop. This 10-mile loop comes with great views of Routt National Forest. It is about 45 minutes outside Steamboat Springs.

RELAX IN A HOT SPRINGS

Two hot springs to choose from in Steamboat Springs that offer very different experiences.

We chose Strawberry Park hot springs, the most popular, and loved the experience. Before you grab your bathing suit, here are a few things you need to know.

It’s located about 20 minutes from downtown. The drive is a dirt road that gets rough as you get close to the spring. In the winter, you will need 4-wheel drive, and it probably doesn’t hurt in the summer too.
They also offer shuttles from downtown if you don’t want to drive yourself
When the sun goes down clothes come off! That’s right!! It’s adult only after dark, so be prepared if you want to go in the evenings.
Cost $20 for 2 hours per person

The other option is Old Town Hot Springs

It is located downtown
It is not a typical hot springs atmosphere. This hot spring is actually swimming pools fed by hot springs. It includes two 230-foot slides. So more kids splashing and playing and less peace and quiet.
It is attached to a fitness center and has a rock climbing wall.
You can pay for all-day admission and come and go throughout the day
Admission includes the gym, rock wall, and more
You can bring in your own food and drinks
If you have kids, they will love it here.
Cost $27 adults/ $21 kids. You can also save $5 a day if you purchase a 5-day pass

Steamboat Springs Botanic park

This beautiful botanical park is free and open to the public from May through October. This park is six acres of ponds, paths, trees, and beautiful flowers. For the perfect way to start your day, grab a cup of coffee and stroll through the park in the early morning. You will beat the crowds and be rewarded with peace and serenity. You may even be lucky enough to catch a music festival or a yoga class there.

Campgrounds

There are not a lot of options for RVs in steamboat springs. The KOA and Eagle Soaring RV Parks are pretty much it for campgrounds in Steamboat Springs. If you don’t wait until the last minute like we did, there are a few other options less than 30 minutes outside town. Yampa River State Park and Stagecoach State Park are better options than the two private campgrounds previously mentioned. An even better option is one of the numerous dispersed camping areas in the surrounding area. With a little research, you can find a great option for camping at the best price!

Food and Drink

The good news is there are a lot of delicious options to keep the belly full while in Steamboat Springs. The bad news is eating out is not cheap here. Also, during peak times restaurants fill up quickly so reservations are recommended. Below are a couple of locations we visited and would recommend.

Mountain Tap Brewery: Good food and cold brew
Storm Peak Brewing: Beer is good but it does not serve food. Phil can verify How You Doin’ Pizza next door is delicious, and they let you eat at the brewery.
Back Door Grill: delicious burgers!
Dusky Grouse Coffee

but wait, THERE'S more

This is just a little of what steamboat springs offer in the summertime! Go explore this beautiful place for yourself and let us know your favorites.

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