Steamboat Springs attracts both nature lovers and adventure junkies alike. With its endless options for adventure, this town is aptly named Ski Town, USA. However, skiing isn’t all that Steamboat has to offer. Keep reading to find out why we LOVE Steamboat Springs in the summer!
Hit the Trails
Fish Creek Falls is a great place to check out in the summer. Experience the 280-foot waterfall with either a short hike to the lower falls or a longer hike up to the Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake. If exploring a mine is more up your alley, check out the Uranium Mine Trail and explore the uranium mine built in the 1950s. Gilpin Lake is north of Steamboat Springs and takes you through meadows and forests along Gilpin Creek. And of course, you can’t visit Steamboat without experiencing the springs! Take an easy hike up Hot Springs Trail to visit Strawbery Hot Springs, one of the best natural soaking pools in Colorado. Reservations are required, so be sure to reserve your spot. If you prefer to experience the trails on 4 legs instead of 2, check out the trail rides offered by local ranches. Rides can be as long as you want, and they all offer incredible views of the Valley.
Get Sky High
The Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo happens every summer, and it never disappoints. Watch over 30 hot air balloons float high over the Yampa Valley and Bald Eagle Lake. The festival also has music, food, and fun activities for the family. For those who would rather ride in the hot air balloon than watch it, check out Wild West Balloon Adventures! Experience the beauty of Colorado from high above the mountains. The Steamboat Gondola is another way to get incredible views from above. You can ride it all the way up and back down, or get off at the top and enjoy great food, shopping, or hiking with the family. Steamboat also offers ziplining adventures for those who enjoy a bit more of a thrill! The adventure includes six zip lines and an ATV ride and lasts up to 2 hours. Riders can experience speeds of up to 40 mph! Lastly, nothing beats experiencing the area from – you guessed it – a helicopter tour! Break out the camera for this one, because the views from the sky are incredible.
Cool Off In The Water
The springs are only the beginning of the water activities in Steamboat Springs. When it’s open, the Yampa River offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting. If you prefer boating, take a short drive to Steamboat Lake, where you can rent a pontoon for the family from Steamboat Lake Marina. They also offer kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rental. For the fishermen in the area, the Yampa is a popular spot for fly fishing! Go on your own or book an experienced fishing guide to help you find the best spots to track down some fish.
Explore the Town
The city of Steamboat Springs has a rich history. A big part of that history is the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo, which dates back to at least 1898. Every Friday and Saturday night from mid-June to mid-August the town hosts rodeo competitions that keep the ranching history of Steamboat alive. On Saturday mornings, stroll the Mainstreet Farmer’s Market to find the freshest produce and local goods. If you love live music, the city puts on a free summer concert series at Howelsen Hill. The town itself has lots of local shops and restaurants downtown, and it’s always worth taking a stroll through the area to see what’s new! Experience the history through historical tours and local museums, or take a food tour to explore the town’s hospitality.
It’s easy to see why Cloud 9 is so proud to call Steamboat Springs home. We love this town and its people, so serving the area is a great joy. We’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite summer activities in the area?