Winter in the Rocky Mountains is magical, but it always feels good to start shaking off the cold and welcoming spring. Steamboat Springs has plenty of options, however you choose to usher in the warmer weather.
Hot Springs
The tourist season has come to an end, making it a great time to enjoy the relaxation of the natural hot springs. The family-friendly Old Town Hot Springs are conveniently located downtown and have a 230 ft water slide, climbing wall, and more. Strawberry Park Hot Springs are about a 15-minute drive from Steamboat Springs and you need to make a reservation in advance. From November 1st to May 1st, a 4-wheel drive or AWD with snow tires or chains is required, but you can also take a convenient shuttle.
Biking
Hopping on a bike is a fun way to enjoy springtime and the outdoors around Steamboat Springs, with a variety of options for different skill levels. There are easy mountain biking options like Spring Creek Trail and Long Lake Loop, expert trails like Diamond Park Loop, and everything in between. You can cruise through town on the Yampa Valley Core Trail, taking you from one side of town to the other with plenty of possible stops along the way. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are another option, but make sure you read up on the rules of the road and which trails allow them before taking off.
Hiking
There are about 55 miles of hiking trails in and around Steamboat Springs, making it a great way to take advantage of the fantastic spring weather and the beauty of the Rockies. As with biking, there are options for all skill levels, from beginning to expert. Use the interactive trail map to help plan your next excursion. Novice hikers should also follow basic trail etiquette and check lists of what to bring along.
Get Competitive
If you’ve got a competitive spirit, there are a couple of options for you. Bikers will enjoy SBT GRVL, a gravel race. Runners have The Spirit Challenge that includes a kid’s fun run, 5K and 10K. There’s also the Steamboat Marathon that includes a 10K and half-marathon. Volunteer opportunities are a great way to get involved without taking part in a race.
Around Town
Enjoy a mellow day in Steamboat Springs visiting museums, eating out, and shopping. There’s plenty to do around town; no extra equipment required. A day out might include a stop at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, shopping downtown, and enjoying a happy hour. There are over 130 options for food and drinks. If that’s overwhelming, you can use this 48 Hour Foodie Guide or the Explore Steamboat Dining Guide.
There are endless opportunities to enjoy all that Steamboat Springs has to offer, whether that means outdoor adventures or spending quality time with family and friends. The Steamboat Pilot maintains a list of events that will keep you busy.
When a long day enjoying spring is over, you want to come home to a place that’s safe and comfortable. Contact Cloud9 to find out how to make your in-home experience every bit as pleasurable as your adventures around Steamboat Springs.