Activities to do in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is the perfect home base for epic Colorado adventures. As a service to our lodging guests, Simply Steamboat can help plan your stay in Steamboat with recommendations for adventure and activity vendors. Give us a call at (888) 870-3397 for assistance planning your trip.

Biking

For casual cruising, the Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved multi-use route connecting the mountain and downtown areas. Scenic road-riding options range from easy pedaling along River Road or Twentymile Road to a challenging hillclimb up Rabbit Ears Pass or a major loop out toward the Gore Range. Numerous mountain bike options include the Emerald Mountain trail system accessible from downtown or the Steamboat Bike Park, which boasts better than 50 miles of gondola-accessible trails on the ski mountain, with rentals available at the base.

Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing

Experience the most enjoyable and accessible wintertime recreation on freshly groomed skate skiing and classic cross-country skiing trails at a number of facilities in Steamboat Springs.

Fly Fishing

The Steamboat Springs area is renowned for its world-class fly fishing. Beginners can take a lesson with any one of numerous outfitters and learn about flycasting, knots, entomology and more. In addition to our spectacular Yampa River, there's an abundance of streams, lakes and reservoirs for the more experienced to check out.

FLYFISH STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Golf

The satisfying sensation of driving a golf ball into thin mountain air is readily available here, with Steamboat Springs offering three challenging 18-hole courses. The Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club offers public play on its Robert Trent Jones II-designed course, with the back nine following Fish Creek. The 233-acre public Haymaker Golf Course preserves the open pastoral feel of the Yampa Valley by incorporating rolling hills, native grasses and wetlands. Steamboat Golf Club is an 9-hole course that borders the Yampa River featuring beautiful views of the valley and Steamboat ski mountain.

GOLF STEAMBOAT

Gondola Rides

Scenic rides are an excellent way to effortlessly take in panoramic views of the Yampa Valley. Weekly happy hours at Thunderhead Lodge atop the gondola are an ideal opportunity to enjoy beverages and appetizers while savoring a Steamboat sunset. The Coca-Cola Adventure Zone at the gondola base offers slingshot bungee jumping and other fun for young ones.

Helicopter Tours

Enjoy scenic tours with Zephyr Helicopter Company, featuring incredible views of North Routt County, Hahn's Peak, Steamboat Lake, Mt Werner, Strawberry Park and Emerald Mountain. They can design a custom tour anywhere in the Yampa Valley for up to five people, depending on total passengers' weight. There is nothing quite like a bird's eye view of the Steamboat area when you are here on vacation.

Hiking

Hiking in Steamboat Springs features spectacular surroundings full of alpine forests, open meadows, beautiful aspen groves, lakes and streams. Numerous options range from a pleasant stroll along the Yampa River Core Trail, a short jaunt up to roaring Fish Creek Falls, a couple delightful hours on the Spring Creek Trail ... to a full day or multi-day adventure in the Mount Zirkel or Flat Tops wilderness areas.

Horseback Rides

Experience everything Routt National Forest has to offer on horseback, travel through lush aspen groves, wildflower studded hillsides and majestic pines.

Hot Air Balloon Tours

Imagine the view as you soar high above town and the mountains around Steamboat! 45 minute Yampa Valley flights available. Continental breakfast, champagne ceremony with flight certificates and courtesy pick-up are included.

Hot Springs Tours

Conveniently located at the edge of downtown, Old Town Hot Springs is the place for recreation and rejuvenation. Kids love the waterslides and rock-climbing wall. A kiddie pool, lap pool and fitness center make this the perfect family destination. For more rustic relaxation, head just a few minutes out of town to the spectacular mineral waters of Strawberry Park Hot Springs. In a serene, forested setting, hot pools of varying temperatures are fed by natural spring water, and you can even enjoy a massage in a beautiful private hut.

Lakes

Roughly 20 minutes south of Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach State Park provides a scenic reservoir with a marina that offers boat rentals for a day of fun in the sun. Record-sized fish have been pulled out of Stagecoach, and the calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding and wakeboarding. About 45 minutes north of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Lake State Park offers a marina with boat rentals and no shortage of fun ways for the family to enjoy a day out on the water under beautiful summer skies.

Night Skiing

State of the art lighting illuminates 1,100 vertical feet of terrain with 5 trails off the Christie Peak Express chairlift: Sitz, See Me/See Ya, Vogue, Stampede and Lil' Rodeo Terrain Park.

Paddleboarding

Steamboat is known for its snow, but come summer all that frozen moisture melts and runs into countless rivers, streams and lakes making a variety of water sports possible, including paddleboarding. Strap on a helmet and wet suit for an exciting ride down the Yampa River, or enjoy a low-impact, relaxing cruise across Pearl Lake. Several outfitters offer paddleboard rentals or guided tours. You can even partake in a paddleboard yoga class.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Famous for our Champagne Powder snow, Steamboat is known as Ski Town U.S.A. Having produced more Olympic skiers than most small countries, the tradition of skiing runs deep in Steamboat Springs.

Sleigh Ride Dinners

Snuggle deep in the blankets as you take an incredible sleigh ride through the beautiful Rocky Mountain countryside. In the evening, it will seem like you can touch the stars as you glide across the Champagne Powder® snow.

Snowmobile Tours

Want to try something different? Snowmobiling is not only fun and easy to learn, it enables you to see some incredible local scenery. A two-hour dinner ride is also a great family option.

Snowshoe Tours

Take a moment to reflect upon the natural beauty of the Yampa Valley while you snowshoe through the winter landscape. Snowshoe tours are great for the whole family.

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series

The Old West comes alive for the summer at the Romick Rodeo Arena with the PRCA Pro Rodeo Series every Friday and Saturday evening mid-June through mid-August, with special performances over Fourth of July, and the Bull Bash over Labor Day Weekend.

COWBOY UP

Steamboat Zipline Adventures

Steamboat Zipline Adventures offers a state-of-the-art six segment zipline course, two quick jump belay systems and a trip down memory lane with an ATV ride along the old Rabbit Ears Pass Road. Hidden away in a valley just minutes from the town of Steamboat Springs, this six segment zipline adventure awaits, with breathtaking views of the mountainous and valley terrain of the Yampa Valley and Flat Top Mountain Range.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

At the end of an active day, a relaxing soak in a natural hot springs mineral pool can be just what your sore muscles need. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most spectacular mineral springs in the world.

SOAK IN THE SPRINGS

The Howler Alpine Slide

Steamboat's most exciting summer attraction, The Howler Alpine Slide, is fun for the entire family.

Tubing the Yampa

Tubing the Yampa River through town is a must-do summer activity. Whether you're a family, a couple, or vacationing with your friends, this is a special Steamboat summertime treat too great to pass up! Conveniently located tubing outfitters can provide everything you need for your adventure on the river including rental tubes, life jackets ... and, importantly, shuttle service.

TUBE THE YAMPA

Whitewater Rafting

Experience whitewater rafting with a full or half day trip on Colorado's most exciting rivers. Rafting trips are available for any ability level and make a great bonding experience for families or groups. Steamboat has several outfitters ready to guide you through unbelievable mountain scenery and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Winter Fly Fishing

Whether it's your first time trying fly fishing or an expert seeking more local knowledge, enjoy what Yampa River has to offer for fly fishing.

Winter Horseback Rides

Enjoy an amazing journey through the Colorado scenery on a guided horseback ride. This favorite pastime gives you, your friends and family the opportunity to ride through snow-blanketed aspen trees and valleys.

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