Things To Do
Hiking
Many of the hiking trails around town and at lower elevations are typically open in May. The trails higher up can be snow-covered and/or muddy into June. Easier trails include the core trail, a paved trail along the Yampa river, Fish Creek Falls (A must!) and Spring Creek. More moderate trails are Emerald Mountain and Rabbit Ears. A good source for trails information is AllTrails.com
Biking
Steamboat has trails for every type of bike – mountain, road, gravel and e-bikes. There are several bike shops in town. We recommend Ski Haus and Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare.
Tubing the Yampa River
One of our favorite summer activities! Hopefully the river level gods are on our side this year allowing us to grab our inner tubes and head to the yampa for an afternoon floating with a cold beer in hand. You can purchase tubes at Walgreens, Walmart, or outdoor outfitters in town. Walk down to the river at Fletchers Pound and start your float. Float the river to Yampa street where you can tie up to bar's docking areas and jump out for a cocktail! After your day of floating, deflate your tube and jump on the free bus back to your car.
Free summer concert at Howelsen Hill Friday June 24th
Held at historic Howelsen Hill, the Steamboat Free Summer Concerts are a highlight of the summertime in the Yampa Valley for locals and visitors. Just a short walk over the Yampa River from downtown, Howelsen Hill is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America and has been the stomping grounds of many past and future Olympians. Concerts go from 5 to 10pm on the grass in front of Howelsen hill, the first summer concert is on Friday, June 24th!
Farmers Market
The Main Street Steamboat Farmers Marketl located on Yampa Street between 5th and 8th streets and is held on Saturdays from June 5th to September 18th. The official hours are 9 am to 2 pm. The market is filled with fresh produce, local coffee, pastries and food trucks and of course local artists.
Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs
Definitely a must! A popular time to go is mid to late afternoon after having been out for an activity earlier in the day. Please note, youth under the age of 18 are not allowed after dark. In the summer you can drive up in most vehicles. It’s about a 20-minute drive out of town up a winding, dirt road. Due to COVID, you have had to make reservations online. This is still in place but is subject to change. The cost is $20 per person. Cash only.
HORSEBACK RIDING
The quintessential Steamboat activity! There are two outfitters we recommend – Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch and Saddleback Ranch. For either of these, we recommend the 2-hour trail ride. The main difference is that the minimum age to ride at Del’s is 8 and it’s 6 at Saddleback. Saddleback Ranch is also a shorter drive than to Del’s. Del's: They offer rides at 10am & 2pm daily (except for Sundays) from May 1 through early November. The cost is $115 per person. Saddleback: Their rides are at 9am and 1:30pm (except for Sundays and Mondays) from May 4 – September 30. The cost is $100 per person.
Paddleboarding/Kayaking/Canoeing
One of the best places to paddleboard is at Pearl Lake, 40 miles north of Steamboat. Paddleboard Adventure Company has a rental kiosk at the boat ramp at the lake. They also rent canoes and kayaks. They operate daily from May 28 – September 7.
Fly Fishing
We recommend the Steamboat Flyfisher, Bucking Rainbow and Straightline Sports. They all offer a variety of trips, on public and private water, and supply all the gear. It’s best to call them directly to discuss your group’s dynamic and ages and what would be the best option.
GOLF
The two public golf courses in Steamboat are: Haymaker and Rollingstone. We recommend Rollingstone because of its beautiful scenery.
ZIPLINING
Steamboat Zipline Adventures operates a course that consists of six ziplines, two quick-jump belay systems and an ATV ride. The lines range from 600 feet to 1300 feet in length with potential speeds of up to 40mph. The excursion lasts approximately 2 hours. The cost is $95 per person. You can book a timeslot from 9am – 3pm. They are open from May 31 – September 5.
TENNIS/ PICKLEBALL
Steamboat’s state-of-the-art tennis facility features 3 outdoor hydrocourt clay courts, 5 outdoor hard courts, 6 RSS 500 cushioned indoor hardcourts and 8 outdoor hard pickleball courts.
Breweries and Yampa Street
Steamboat has some great locations to sip a beer and enjoy the scenery. Our personal favorites are Storm Peak Brewery, Mountain Tap, The Barley and Taco Cabo. Storm Peak Brewery is located on the west side of town with a great taproom, selection of beers and outdoor seating. The Barley, Mountain Tap and Taco Cabo are located on Yampa Street in downtown Steamboat. Mountain Tap is an independent brewery with wood fire pizza and a big patio. The Barley is the locals' favorite taproom with 20 taps of local brews, wine and cocktails. Taco Cabo is a yummy taco place with delicious margaritas and an awesome patio that backs up to the Yampa River, usually hosting live music on sunny summer afternoons.
ATV Tours
Lucky 8 Ranch has a 3-hour ATV Bison Adventure that kids love! They also offer a 2-hour Ranch Adventure where you pass through the bison herd onto other trails around the ranch. June is calving season so you should be able to see baby bison and calves. Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse offers 2- and 4-hour tours through Routt National Forest. You must be 16 with a valid driver’s license to drive an ATV or Side x Side. The ATV tours are $160 per person for 2-hours and $280 for 4-hours. For a Side x Side with two riders, the cost is $280 for 2-hours and $75 per extra rider. And $400 for two riders for the 4-hour tour and $105 per extra rider.
HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS
Wild West Balloon Adventures runs the hot air balloon flights. It’s an early morning activity – meeting at the launch site between 7-8am. The flight lasts approximately 45 minutes followed by breakfast snacks and a champagne toast. The entire activity lasts 2 – 2 ½ hours. The cost is $295 per person. For groups larger than 4 people, you will need to call to book. Fewer than that you can book directly online. They allow children as young as 6.
Bucking Rainbow Outfitters
Bucking Rainbow is the local outfitter that runs guided river rafting trips. The local favorite is the full-day Colorado River. You check in at the shop in Steamboat at 8am, then are transported to the river (about an hour drive). You float down the river, stopping at beaches along the way and can even jump off and swim in spots. There is just one section of mellow whitewater. The cost is $103 per adult /$93 per child (ages 3-12).
Gondola Rides
Take a ride up Mt. Werner and enjoy the views that can only be appreciated from Steamboat's gondola. From the top of Thunderhead enjoy sights, hiking trails and mountain biking trails.