Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is one of Colorado’s distinguished resort towns, offering a plethora of outdoor activities available throughout the year.

Situated in Routt County in the north-central region of Colorado, it is not far from the Wyoming border to the north.

Steamboat Springs is renowned for its outstanding skiing, and during the summer, it attracts golf enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

The town provides a variety of lodging and dining options across different price ranges, as well as historic sites, galleries, and museums.

Outlined below are 15 activities to engage in while visiting Steamboat Springs and its surrounding areas.

1. Steamboat Ski Resort

Covering 3,000 scenic acres amidst some of Colorado’s most formidable mountains, Steamboat Ski Resort is frequently regarded as one of the nation’s leading ski resorts.

With over 150 trails and some of the best powder available, it caters to both expert skiers and novices; it includes dedicated slopes for children and offers affordable lessons for all ages and skill levels.

In the warmer months, opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing become prominent attractions, alongside various nature trails, towering gondolas, and a designated kids’ zone resembling a mini amusement park.

2. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Situated along County Road 36, Strawberry Park Hot Springs features several natural pools that maintain pleasantly warm temperatures year-round.

It is said that the mineral content of the springs may provide therapeutic benefits, particularly for alleviating muscle, bone, and deep tissue discomfort often exacerbated by demanding outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Visitors have reported a unique ambiance in the springs during snowfall, and rustic accommodations and campsites are available for those wishing to extend their stay.

Due to its popularity, the springs can become crowded during peak hours; therefore, an early morning visit is recommended to avoid the rush.

3. Yampa River Core Trail

The Yampa River Core Trail extends for nearly eight miles beginning in Steamboat Springs and leading to Bear River Park.

This paved trail closely follows the course of the Yampa River, making it accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

Open to the public daily and free to use, it can be treacherous during winter months when covered in ice and snow.

Common activities along the trail include fishing and inner-tubing; it also provides habitat for diverse bird species such as woodpeckers, raptors, and owls.

Affordable bike rentals are available at the trailhead.

4. Steamboat Symphony Orchestra

While not as longstanding as many of its peers, the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra has cultivated a dedicated audience among classical music aficionados. It offers a fitting conclusion to a day filled with outdoor pursuits.

In addition to symphonic performances, the venue also features string and woodwind ensembles, and its musicians and staff organize various programs and workshops suitable for musicians of all skill levels.

The orchestra maintains a full calendar of events throughout the year, and many performances reach full capacity; therefore, it is advisable to acquire tickets in advance.

5. Yampa River Botanic Park

The Yampa River Botanic Park spans six acres and features several themed cultivated areas showcasing both native and exotic plant species.

The park is accessible daily from dawn until dusk between May and October; entry is free and it is conveniently situated near the downtown area.

An amphitheater within the park hosts various performances, including complimentary concerts on Thursdays during the season.

Additionally, free guided yoga sessions and children’s programs are popular; however, the park is known for mosquitos, so it’s wise to bring insect repellent.

6. Fish Creek Falls

At nearly 300 feet, Fish Creek Falls is among the area’s most spectacular natural attractions, open to visitors daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

For those wishing to explore the outdoors and enjoy the fresh mountain air, these falls can be accessed on foot from downtown.

There are various trails surrounding the falls, ranging from easy paths to more challenging ones, with the flow being most impressive during the spring thaw.

In winter, the frozen sections of the falls attract ice climbers; witnessing this activity can be an exhilarating experience.

7. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Encompassing nearly two million acres, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is substantial even by Colorado’s national forest standards.

Its borders lie just a few miles from Steamboat Springs, extending into Wyoming to the north.

While much of the forest remains undeveloped and some roads are unpaved, it is an ideal destination for those who appreciate unspoiled nature.

Popular activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, and fishing; however, it is advisable to visit the nearest visitor center to Steamboat Springs prior to embarking on your exploration.

8. Steamboat Art Museum

The arts play a significant role in Colorado’s economy, particularly in the affluent resort towns that attract visitors from around the globe.

Founded in 2005, Steamboat Art Museum occupies a renovated historic building that once housed a local branch of a national banking institution.

The museum’s collection comprises both historical and contemporary artworks, featuring a diverse range from paintings and sculptures to quilts and photography.

Located on Lincoln Avenue, the museum offers guided tours, which are highly recommended for visitors seeking to enhance their experience.

9. The Paramount

Fresh air and physically demanding activities such as skiing and hiking can create substantial appetites, and there is a wealth of dining options available for those in Steamboat Springs seeking satisfying meals.

The Paramount is a popular dining establishment known for generous portions, reasonable pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere, leading numerous visitors to return repeatedly.

The menu features numerous traditional favorites, including mac & cheese, fried chicken sandwiches, and corned beef hash, alongside hearty salads and a dedicated children’s menu offering smaller portions at reduced prices.

10. Tread of Pioneers Museum

For history enthusiasts seeking a singular destination providing in-depth insights into Steamboat Springs’ past, the Tread of Pioneers Museum presents an excellent opportunity for exploration.

The exhibits encompass topics such as Native American heritage, mining, agriculture, and the skiing industry.

Many displays encourage interaction, effectively engaging both youthful and mature inquisitive minds.

Admission is very affordable, and the museum frequently hosts scavenger hunts for families visiting with children. Complimentary guided tours are available multiple times daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

11. MountainBrew

Since its inception in 2011, MountainBrew has become a cornerstone of Steamboat’s coffee culture.

This establishment, located on Oak Street, is committed to using only high-quality fair-trade beans and offers a range of delectable pastries baked fresh on-site daily.

MountainBrew serves breakfast and lunch, and many previous patrons have described it as a comfortable, casual atmosphere ideal for both dining in or taking orders to go.

They are especially renowned for their fresh scones, in addition to an extensive selection of cappuccinos, lattes, fraps, teas, juices, and smoothies.

12. Rocky Mountain National Park

Although it requires a bit of travel from Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park is frequently a top choice for visitors to Colorado, providing experiences that are often among the most memorable of their journey.

The park encompasses over 400 square miles of wilderness, characterized by majestic peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, along with hundreds of miles of hiking trails meandering through forests and canyons, passing by monumental rock formations.

During the spring, vibrant wildflowers bloom in the lowland areas, although the park can become busy during holidays and weekends, necessitating advance planning for visits.

13. Alpine Slide

Located at the Howelsen Hill Lodge in Steamboat Springs, the Alpine Slide is one of the region’s most thrilling summer attractions.

Adventurous participants start their journey via chairlift to the highest point of the lodge’s hill, where they are equipped with unique sleds featuring brakes and steering mechanisms, ensuring both safety and enjoyment.

The concrete track descends roughly 2,500 feet to the hill’s base, offering riders stunning vistas of the lodge, surrounding mountains, and the town below.

The Alpine Slide is reasonably priced, conveniently located, and often ranks among the highlight experiences for visitors to Steamboat Springs.

14. Go Fishing

Colorado is home to numerous alpine lakes and secluded river stretches, providing habitat for various game fish, including trout, bass, walleye, and pike.

Fly fishing is particularly popular on the Yampa River that flows through Steamboat Springs. For those interested in guided experiences, several professional outfitters offer fishing excursions ranging from a few hours to several days.

Unlike many regions, fishing in Steamboat Springs persists throughout the winter; in fact, it can be exceptionally productive on cold, windy, and overcast days.

15. Mountain Tap Brewery

While Colorado is home to numerous craft breweries that may seem commonplace after a while, they provide excellent opportunities for avid beer enthusiasts to sample unique brews and engage with local patrons.

Mountain Tap Brewery offers a range of beers from light and refreshing to rich and flavorful, encompassing both traditional and modern styles.

Surprisingly, Mountain Tap is also well-regarded for its exceptional food. Their diverse menu includes options such as pizza, mac & cheese, and freshly baked desserts like peach cobbler.

Located at the north end of town, it is conveniently positioned near the Yampa River.