How to Spend a Day in Steamboat Springs
Fun activities and attractions in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, are available year-round. Through the warmer months and the snowy season, locals and travelers can participate in outdoor thrills and indoor events alike. Let's explore some of the best ways to spend a day in this blossoming community.
Discover the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB) encompasses close to 2.9 million acres in northern Colorado and the state of Wyoming. The Forests are a year-round destination and are often referred to as the "Land of Many Uses."
The Forests feature portions of numerous mountain ranges, including:
Flat Tops
Gore Range
Parks Range
Medicine Bow Mountains
Sierra Madre
Laramie Range
Despite its massive size, the most toured areas are just three miles east of Steamboat Springs. This zone is a small dirt road in the forest that connects the community to Walden, Colorado, via Buffalo Pass.
However, there is exceptional snowmobiling and snowshoeing along the backcountry trails on Rabbit Ears Pass during winter. Biking, hiking, and four-wheeling are popular when the weather is warm.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
Trek the Yampa Core Trail
Want to explore one of the best hiking trails in Steamboat Springs? Get moving on a nice day to hike all or part of the 7.5-mile Yampa Core Trail that traverses from downtown to Bear River Park. Hikers and bikers enjoy this paved, multi-use trail, and leashed pets are welcome to join their owners.
This pathway meanders through serene landscapes that include 40 gardens of flowers, sculptures, ponds, and native trees. While enjoying the trail along the Yampa River, visitors can fish, float on inner tubes, and take a dip in the water at the C-Hole standing wave zone.
Other features that make this a great destination to spend the day include wooden bridges, picnic spots, and playgrounds. After expelling some energy, park visitors can soak in the hot springs or head to the city center for lunch or snacks.
Enjoy Scenic Views at Fish Creek Falls
Just a few minutes from the heart of downtown, Fish Creek Canyon Falls boasts a spectacular 280-foot waterfall. As one of the most popular Steamboat Springs destinations, there's an appeal regardless of the season.
Just minutes from the parking lot, summertime visitors can walk along a gravel path to embrace the fantastic views and embrace the splash of the water. Explorers can also take a moderate hike to the upper level of Fish Creek Falls. Picnic areas are available to make the day extra satisfying.
Four trails traverse the forestry: the shorter ones lead to the falls, while the longer ones lead to Long Lake. It's worth noting that even the trails rated as "easy" can be daunting when making the descent.
Ice climbers take on the frozen waterfall during winter, and hikers snowshoe along the trails. With a convenient location and only a $5 entry fee, it's no surprise this glorious place is a top spot to visit in Steamboat Springs.
Steamboat Ski Resort Is Open Year-Round
Best known as one of America's top skiing destinations, Steamboat Ski Resort offers 3,000 skiable acres. There are 165 trails at the resort, a massive terrain park, and a snowboarding bowl.
During summer, mountain bikers and hikers dominate the area, along with kayakers, paddleboarders, and anglers. Many accommodations are nearby in town and within walking distance of the lifts and two scenic gondolas.
Soak the Day Away at Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Just seven miles from the city center, you'll find one of the best places to bask in the warm waters of the multiple mineral pools at Strawberry Park. The host zone features a heated changing cabin, and guests can book a private or couple's massage.
Picnic spaces are near the campground area, where guests can rent cabins. For those who make early reservations, it might be possible to snag a night or two in the stylish train caboose or the historic covered wagon.
Those staying overnight in the cabins should bring camping essentials like food, water, and bedding linens. There is a bathhouse on the grounds, but most sites don't have electricity or running water.
Spend the Day Taking in the Best of Steamboat Springs!
Whether traveling to the city of Steamboat Springs for the day or making a move here, there are so many attractions to keep you entertained. From hiking, fishing, and wintertime activities, there is sure to be an ideal pursuit for you any time of the year.
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