If you are considering a trip to Steamboat Springs, you’ll be happy to learn there's more to it than champagne powder and tree skiing. After the snow melts in Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs becomes a vacation hot spot during the warmer months.
Situated in a natural paradise along the free-flowing Yampa River, high up in the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and plenty of accommodation.
But what makes Steamboat Springs one of the top summer vacation spots in the Centennial State is its virtually unlimited list of things to do. Horseback riding, tubing, and fly fishing are only a few highlights (wait until you venture further off-trail).
Secure your spot now because the secret is out. Here are a few reasons why Steamboat Springs should be your next summer vacation destination.
Luxury and Adventure in the High Rockies
Well above a mile high, Steamboat Springs offers everything you travel to the mountains to experience. Dozens of hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and restaurants with a view all lie within the dense pine forests and rocky hilltops of one of America’s premier mountain destinations.
Tour the Mountain With An Expert Guide
Leave the planning to the experts. For travelers looking for a tried-and-true plan for seeing the best of Steamboat Springs, booking a guided tour is a great way to focus exclusively on having fun. The only thing you’ll need to decide on is whether to book lunch or happy hour. Spoiler alert: you can always do both.
Start your day with a hiking and lunch combo, which includes a one-mile stroll followed by some food fresh off the grill.
Then, move to the sunset happy hour. Enjoy an alpine sunset with a local craft beer or cocktail at Oasis Sundeck at the Thunderhead Lodge, where you can dream up what adventures await you tomorrow. If you haven’t trained for trekking at high altitudes, you’ll be happy to learn that both tours include a gondola ride to the top.
For travelers who want to add a thrill-seeking tour to the mix, trot through the hills and valleys on horseback from nearby Saddleback Ranch. 1 and 2-hour tours are available for kids 6+ and adults up to 240 pounds.
DIY Mountain Adventures
If you’re more of a plan-it-yourself type of traveler, the possibilities for summertime fun are endless.
Adrenaline-seeking visitors can try mountain biking or fly fishing on the Yampa River. Or, book this rock climbing tour, which offers half or full-day climbing adventures designed for beginners, experts, and everyone in between.
If you want to get out on the trails for some cardio and wildlife sightings (bring your camera), there are over 60 trails near Steamboat Springs. Our pick? You can’t miss this easy out-and-back hike with stellar views of Fish Creek Falls.
Family Fun for All Ages
Steamboat Springs has a great reputation for its luxury resorts, boutique rentals, and charming restaurants. But it’s equally amazing for fun-filled family adventures.
Cruise Down the Rockies on an Alpine Slide
Fly down this 2,400-foot thrill ride in Steamboat, and you’ll have no doubt about why it’s named The Howler. Kids 2+ can join their parents and see why sledding down the twists and turns on the alpine slide is one of the top summer activities in Steamboat Springs.
Fly Through the Treetops on a Zipline
Steamboat Zipline Adventures is the best option for families who want to create core memories high in the sky. Hang on to your hat—this is a wild ride, with speeds reaching nearly 40 mph. Keep in mind that younger kids won’t be able to join the ride (there’s a weight requirement of 50 lbs).
Hang Onto Your Hat! It’s Rodeo Time
Giddy up. Summer weekends offer one of Colorado's most authentic Wild West experiences: the Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series.
On Fridays and Saturdays from June 21 to August 24, you can check out cowboys and cowgirls riding broncos, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more. There’s live music, tasty BBQ, and even a full bar for adults.
Make a Splash With Fun On the Water
Of course, Steamboat Springs is known for its relaxing hot springs. But it’s also packed with lively water activities along the iconic Yampa River.
Swim or Soak at Old Town Hot Springs
Morning in Steamboat Springs are chillier than you’d think. Old Town Hot Springs is a great place to warm up and start your day fresh. It’s a beautiful facility for all ages, with ADA parking, handrails into the natural pools, and 2 waterslides! The water is a delight, at around 100°F year-round.
Float Around a Lazy River
Bobbing down the Yampa River on an inflatable tube is something both locals and tourists love to do in Steamboat Springs. From June until the end of August, you can take in the verdant hills and pine forests while slowly rolling down the river with your family and friends.
Whitewater Rafting Through the Rockies
If you want to cruise the river at higher speeds, contact Bucking Rainbow Outfitters for a rafting tour. Options range from mellow, all-ages expeditions on the Colorado River to epic full-day thrills through Cross Mountain.
Book Your Summer Adventure Now
Summer in Steamboat Springs is packed with incredible adventure for travelers of any age. Reach out to us at The Lodging Company and let us help you plan the summer break of a lifetime.