Breath-taking hikes. Nude hot springs. Downhill daze. Fisher’s paradise.
If outdoor adventure is on your itinerary, I highly recommend hitting up Steamboat Springs, CO. Steamboat Springs - AKA The Boat - sits 3 hours NW of Denver and home to some of the best hiking Colorado has to offer. Escape the everyday drone of work-life, computer screens, and the stifle of the city. Steamboat forever remains my getaway. Whether you’re Shaun White or Betty White, there’s something for everyone.
WHEN TO GO
Let me just say, there’s never a bad time to visit. As long as you pack for all weather conditions, you'll be ready for anything. There's so many outdoor activities that make The Boat a perfect year-round destination. This past September, I tackled seven new hikes and revisited some of my favorite activities, like biking the Core Trail and camping in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Keep in mind, I encountered a blizzard one day and sunshine and 70 degrees the next. I'm serious when I say ALL seasons can happen in one week (or one day)!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE? YES, PLEASE!
Most days I’m more into a hike with some views, and there’s plenty of those here. On my last trip, I braved a trek that’s been on my list since living in Steamboat - Devil’s Causeway located in the Flat Tops. It’s a little precarious but totally worth it. Make sure it’s a good weather day for the crossing, and if you’re aiming to do the full 10-mile loop, start early - no later than 9 AM.
When I don’t want to drive out of town but still want a decent workout and beautiful views, I head to Fish Creek Falls. This trail never gets old and is always a favorite. It’s usually somewhat congested, but not in a traffic jam on the trail kind of way. On a day when I feel like being one with nature but not dying uphill for it, I head to Spring Creek Trail for more of a leisure trek.
Message to the adrenaline junkies: If your mountain bike costs more than my car, make sure to hit up Steamboat Bike Park. Pro Tip: Wear a helmet, as it turns out, going downhill on a bicycle can be dangerous...
IN SUMMERTIME, WE FLOAT
During the summer, I’m sure to float the Yampa. An excellent place to drop in with your tube is by Fetcher Pond near Walgreens off Lincoln. Access the river from the Core Trail, float down and pull out wherever you’d like. Many hop out near the Library. You’ll know you’re close when you catch the stench of rotten eggs (sulfur springs). From there, you can hop aboard the free bus that runs during the summer to get back to your starting point or car.
RELAXATION IS MY MIDDLE NAME
As luck would have it, every season is the right season for a soak in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This is home to multiple hot springs pools tucked back into the forest. I will admit this spot is my favorite when it’s snowing out. Consider yourself forewarned, once the sun goes down, clothes become optional. Nicely situated among the rocks are some rad and fully decked out camping spots that you can book through Strawberry Park.
Just because the sun goes goes down doesn't mean the fun is over. Check out the Night Skiing schedule at Steamboat Resort. Original photo credit.
HIT THE SLOPES
Winter is definitely the most popular season here, as Steamboat is a ski town. So when I come back for the holidays, I’m making a daily appearance at Steamboat Resort to ski Mt. Werner. If I’m spending the day on the mountain, I’ll likely grab some dank tacos from Taco Beast, the mountain’s exclusive SnowCat Food Truck. Check Twitter @TacoBeastSBT to get its current location on the mountain. If I’m feeling some après-ski, I’ll celebrate surviving another day on the tracks with a beverage and game of hammerschlagen at T Bar. You can literally ski in.
I’m too much of a crisis-waiting-to-happen to even attempt backcountry. However, my friends that have actual skills and like a challenge head out to Buffalo Pass (AKA Buff Pass if you want to fit in). Want to ski where the Olympians train? Stop by Howelsen Hill, where skiing just happens to be free on Sundays. If you’ve got kiddos in tow or simply want the thrill of speed without having to exert any physical effort, grab a snow tube and slide down the hills at Saddleback Ranch, part of Steamboat Resort.
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Raise your hand if you like things a little slower paced. Fishing always makes my list if I’m back any time outside of winter (cause, hello, cold fingers!). Some folks do get after it year-round, they're just much tougher than yours truly. Whether you prefer fly fishing or casting, you’ve got options - Steamboat Lake, Elk River, and the Yampa River host trout fishing galore. Make sure to grab a permit from Parks & Wildlife, and if you’re venturing out to Elk River, stick to the public sections. Many parts of the Elk fall on private land, and they’ll fine you something hefty if they catch you.
I happen to have a built-in fishing guide when I come to The Boat, as my dad lives there, and if you see him outside of the office, he’s likely fishing. I suggest booking a fishing guide for those of you after the joys of a fishing trip without the hassle of coordinating. I’d loan you my dad, but he’s a tough sell. Yampa Valley Anglers host winter fishing trips and other adventures like private camping trips and rafting. Steamboat Flyfisher is your go-to for fly fishing gear and guides.
My goal to get on a paddleboard for the first time was spoiled by some unexpected snow this past summer. Nonetheless, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is a great way to get in a workout with a view from the water. Paddleboard Adventure Company and Mountain Sports are local establishments that have board rentals and lessons. The most popular spot for SUP is out at Pearl Lake in Clark, about 40 minutes from Steamboat. This isn’t considered traveling for outdoor adventure; everything is at least 40 minutes from The Boat.
TREAT THOSE TASTE BUDS
I feel like I go out to breakfast a lot when I’m back in Steamboat. Two of my favorite breakfast spots are Winona’s and The Shack for yummy comfort food that will energize me throughout the day. For lunch, Backdoor Grill has the best burgers in town accompanied by a fun upstairs bar area, usually stock full of locals especially if the game is on. You can’t go wrong with The Big Blue Burger, with blue cheese, bacon, and sautéed onions, it always has me drooling. Seriously though, I go back every time. If the day hasn’t left me ready for a long hot shower and bed, I make the effort to swap my workout leggings for something a bit more sophisticated and head over to Aurum for dinner. Known for its fine dining and delectable menu, this restaurant is beautifully situated along the Yampa River and their patio area is envy-worthy. In other words, yes, this place is worth it.
TAKE ME BACK
Returning to my city life is never easy after a stay back in Steamboat Springs, but it’s always a great reminder of treating our planet with respect. Getting to enjoy the mountain air, see wildlife roaming free, and be present amongst the trees are just a few of the joys Colorado offers. It can be easy to take nature for granted as our busy lives flash by. So if you have a chance to make the trip, I hope you do. Those bluebird days are made for adventure seekers!
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About Our Writer: Victoria is a social media manager who merged her photography background with the world of advertising and marketing. Inspired by her love of nature, environmental activism, and being an overall tree hugger, it’s no wonder she finds serenity in the wilderness. Any unexplored trail, swimming hole, or campground makes her bucket list. She is currently living in Portland, OR, but Colorado will always be home. You can check out her travels on Instagram.
Victoria and her most-favorite climbing partner, Duke. Portland, OR
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Are you looking forward to visiting The Boat? Which one of these things to do in Steamboat are you most excited about? Drop us a comment below!
Psst: Planning a trip to Colorado? Take a look at some of our other guides and helpful tips.
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