Explore Steamboat
Come for the mountains. Fall in love with the town.
There’s something special about Steamboat Springs.
Maybe it’s waking up to fresh snow, floating the Yampa on a warm summer afternoon, soaking in the hot springs after a day outside, or wandering downtown before dinner.
Steamboat combines world-class outdoor adventure with the charm of a true Colorado mountain town—and there’s something to experience in every season.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite ways to experience Steamboat, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation.
Winter in Steamboat
Powder days are just the beginning. Steamboat may be famous for its Champagne Powder® snow, but you don't have to spend every minute of your vacation on skis.
Ski & Snowboard
Powder days are just the beginning. Steamboat may be famous for its Champagne Powder® snow, but you don't have to spend every minute of your vacation on skis.
For most winter visitors, Steamboat Resort is the main event.
Spend your days exploring the mountain, cruising groomers, skiing through Steamboat's famous tree terrain or simply enjoying the views from the gondola.
If you're traveling during a busy holiday period, we recommend purchasing lift tickets, rentals and lessons in advance.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Few things feel better after a cold day on the mountain than soaking in naturally heated mineral water.
Steamboat has two very different hot-springs experiences: a convenient option right in town and a more rustic mountain experience outside town.
Hot springs are also one of our favorite recommendations for guests who don't ski.
Snowmobiling
Want to experience Colorado beyond the ski resort?
A guided snowmobile tour is an incredible way to explore the snowy backcountry surrounding Steamboat and see a completely different side of the Yampa Valley.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
For something quieter, spend a morning exploring Steamboat's winter trails by snowshoe or Nordic skis.
It's one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery without the crowds of the ski mountain.
Apres-Ski
When the lifts stop spinning, the day isn't over.
Grab a drink at the base of the mountain, find a sunny patio on a bluebird afternoon or head downtown for cocktails and dinner.
OUR TIP: Don't plan every minute of your ski trip. Leave at least one afternoon open for hot springs, downtown Steamboat or simply relaxing at your vacation rental.
Summer in Steamboat
Ask enough locals and you'll hear it eventually: many of us came to Steamboat for the skiing and stayed because of the summers.
Long sunny days, cool mountain evenings and seemingly endless ways to get outside make summer one of our favorite times of year.
Hike The Mountains
You don't have to go far to find incredible hiking.
Choose anything from an easy scenic walk to a full-day mountain adventure. Wildflowers typically cover the mountains during the heart of summer, and fall brings beautiful changing colors.
Pack water, sunscreen and layers—the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Mountain Bike
Steamboat has earned a reputation as a fantastic biking destination.
Ride the mountain, explore miles of trails around town or simply rent bikes and cruise along the Yampa River Core Trail.
There are options for experienced riders as well as families looking for an easy afternoon activity.
Float the Yampa
On the right summer day, few activities feel more like Steamboat than floating down the Yampa River through town.
Grab a tube, relax and enjoy the scenery.
River conditions vary throughout the season, so always check current conditions before planning your float.
Fly Fish
The Yampa Valley offers incredible opportunities for fly fishing.
Experienced anglers can head out on their own, while first-timers can book a local guide who will provide equipment, instruction and knowledge of the area's rivers.
Take a scenic Gondola Ride
You don't have to ski to experience the view from the mountain.
Ride the gondola up for panoramic views of the Yampa Valley, then explore the mountain, grab something to eat or simply enjoy being at elevation.
Visit the Farmers Market
Saturday mornings downtown are one of our favorite summer traditions.
Grab coffee, wander through the market and shop for local produce, food, art and Colorado-made goods before exploring the rest of downtown.
Steamboat Pro Rodeo
Steamboat's Western heritage is still very much part of the town.
A summer evening at the rodeo is a classic Steamboat experience and a fun option for families, couples and groups.
Live Music
Summer evenings frequently bring outdoor concerts and live music around Steamboat.
Pack a blanket, grab some food and enjoy a Colorado evening outside.
OUR TIP: Summer weather is beautiful, but temperatures can change dramatically between afternoon and evening. Bring layers everywhere.
Events & Adventures
There's always something happening in Steamboat. Some of the best times to visit Steamboat are when the town comes alive for one of its signature events.
Depending on when you're visiting, you might find ski celebrations, live music, rodeos, farmers markets, races, festivals or other events happening around town and on the mountain.
Winter Carnival
One of Steamboat's most beloved traditions celebrates the town's skiing and Western heritage with events throughout downtown.
It's a uniquely Steamboat weekend and one of our favorite times to experience the community.
WinterWonderGrass
Music, mountains and winter come together for one of Steamboat's biggest annual weekends.
If you're visiting during WinterWonderGrass, plan early—lodging demand can be extremely high.
Summer Concerts
There's something hard to beat about live music outside on a Colorado summer evening.
Check the local event calendar during your stay because free concerts and special performances take place throughout the summer.
Balloons & Special Events
From colorful hot-air balloons over the valley to mountain races, festivals and holiday celebrations, Steamboat's event calendar changes throughout the year.
Make Your Own Adventure
You don't need a festival to have an unforgettable day.
Depending on the season, consider:
Horseback riding • Rafting • Paddleboarding • Golf • Fishing • Mountain biking • Snowmobiling • Snowshoeing • Hot springs • Scenic gondola rides • Hiking
OUR TIP: If you're coming specifically for an event, reserve your vacation rental early. Popular weekends can book well in advance.
Our Local Favorites
Experience Steamboat Like a Local
We live here, so we're always happy to share the places we actually go. These are some of our favorite ways to eat, drink, explore and experience Steamboat beyond the ski mountain.
Breakfast & Coffee
Start the morning with great coffee and breakfast before heading out for the day. Downtown has plenty of locally owned cafés and breakfast spots worth waking up for.
OUR FAVORITES:
Off the Beaten Path - Beard & Braid - Creekside Cafe & Grill - Freshies Restaurant - Winona's
Lunch & Casual Eats
Whether you're taking a break from skiing or coming off the trail, Steamboat has plenty of relaxed places for a great lunch, burger, pizza or quick bite.
OUR FAVORITES:
T-Bar (Winter Only) - Taco Cabo - Back Door Grill - Seedz - Slopeside Grill
Happy Hour
Happy Hour in Steamboat is a must. Most restaurants offer fantastic deals on food and drinks anywhere between 3pm - 6pm daily
OUR FAVORITES:
Besume - Mombo Italiano - Laundry - Brass - Aurum Food & Wine
Dinner
From casual family dinners to date-night restaurants, there are plenty of reasons to leave the vacation rental kitchen behind for an evening.
OUR FAVORITES:
Ore House - Truffle Pig - Cafe Diva - Primerose - Tahk - The Periodic Table
Get Outside
Some of our favorite Steamboat experiences don't require a reservation. Walk or bike the Yampa River Core Trail, explore downtown, hike a local trail or spend an afternoon beside the river.
With the Kids
Steamboat is an incredible family destination year-round. Look for easy hikes, tubing, hot springs, biking, horseback riding, the rodeo and plenty of outdoor adventures.
A Perfect Steamboat Day
Start with coffee downtown, spend the morning outside, grab lunch somewhere local, leave the afternoon open for an adventure or a little downtime, and finish with dinner and a walk through town.
The best Steamboat vacations aren't overplanned. Leave yourself some time to explore.
Stay Like A Local
Find your Steamboat home away from home and let us help you experience the town we love.