Best Things To Do In Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is one of Colorado’s most charming mountain towns — and the good news is, there’s no bad time to visit. Whether you’re chasing powder-covered slopes in winter or looking for epic trails and river floats in summer, this Northern Colorado gem delivers year-round.

Here’s the thing most visitors don’t know: the town’s name actually comes from the natural hot springs scattered all around it. (And yes, some of them carry a faint sulfur smell — totally normal, totally worth it.)

Locals will be the first to tell you that Steamboat is just as fun — if not more fun — outside of ski season. Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Steamboat Springs no matter when you roll into town.

Year-Round Things To Do in Steamboat Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is easily one of the best natural hot springs in the entire state. Tucked among aspen trees, colorful wildflowers, and beautiful stonework, it feels like a hidden gem even when it’s packed.

Day access runs $15 per person. The springs are cleaned twice a week, so Wednesday and Thursday are your best bets for the freshest water. Multiple pools with different temperatures make it easy to spend a few hours bouncing around.

Winter visits are stunning — think snow-draped trees and icicles framing the steaming pools. Summer brings lush greenery and blooming native plants. Either way, you win.

Rustic cabins and tent campsites are available for overnight stays. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Old Town Hot Springs

Right in the heart of Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs is a great option for families. A natural spring pumps out 220 gallons of 102–103°F water per minute. Beyond the original soaking pool, there are two additional spas, a main hot pool, lap pool, kiddie pool, and water slides.

No advance reservations needed — just show up and soak.

Steamboat Scenic Gondola Ride

Riding the gondola to the top of the ski mountain is one of the easiest ways to take in sweeping Yampa Valley views. Lift tickets run $20 for adults and $10 for additional children, with kids 4 and under riding free. There are restaurants at the top, so plan for lunch or dinner with a killer view.

Explore Downtown Steamboat Springs

Lincoln Avenue is the main drag — lined with souvenir shops, boutique clothing stores, and great restaurants. Spend a morning or afternoon just wandering.

For something interactive, Cat’s Meow offers an immersive scavenger hunt that teaches you the town’s history and culture. History buffs should check out the Tread of Pioneers Museum at Oak St. & 8th St., which covers everything from the Ute People to the rise of ski culture in Colorado.

Parking tip: Peak season parking is tight, but the town runs a free shuttle for visitors.

Mountain Tap Brewery

Seriously, don’t skip this place. Mountain Tap Brewery is just one street off the main strip and the beer is legitimately some of the best you’ll find in Colorado. Get a flight — you won’t find a dud in the bunch. Their wood-fired pizzas are next-level, and the shrimp appetizer slaps too.

Howelsen Ice Arena

Crave winter vibes even in summer? Howelsen Ice Arena has you covered. It’s open during summer months for public skating, hockey, and bumper cars (bumper cars require advance reservations). Note that it typically closes for maintenance during shoulder seasons.

Horseback Riding

Saddleback Ranch, just outside town, offers two unique trail rides: a 1–2 hour scenic ride or a 3-hour ride that includes a picnic lunch. Winter tours are available too, making it a solid option any time of year.

Stagecoach State Park

About 15 miles from Steamboat, Stagecoach Reservoir is a go-to for beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation. Admission is $8 per vehicle. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, volleyball, and picnicking. Camping is available but requires reservations. The park is open year-round.

Yampa River Core Trail

This scenic paved path winds through Steamboat Springs, passing natural hot springs along the way. It stretches 7.5 miles one-way from Bear River Park to just past Rotary Park. Walk as much or as little as you like — there’s a self-guided hot springs tour available along the route. It also makes for a great casual bike ride.

Summer Things To Do in Steamboat Springs

Summer is arguably the most electric time to be in Steamboat. The town buzzes with outdoor energy from morning to night.

Hike Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls is a must-do. The main waterfall is just 0.8 miles from the trailhead and is fully handicap accessible. If you want more, push on to the second waterfall — it’s a 4.7-mile roundtrip with about 1,450 feet of elevation gain. Challenging but worth every step. Hardcore hikers can continue to Long Lake, making it a 12+ mile adventure.

Steamboat Springs Farmers Market

Running mid-June through late September every Saturday on Yampa Street (between 5th and 8th), the farmers market draws 130+ local vendors selling produce, crafts, clothing, and art. It’s the perfect Saturday morning vibe.

Whitewater Rafting

There are several rivers near Steamboat with options for all skill levels. Check out Bucking Rainbow Outfitters, Colorado River Guides, or Backdoor Sports to book a trip.

Howler Alpine Slide

The Howler Alpine Slide stretches 2,400 feet down the mountain with scenic views of the valley below. Rides start at $15, with discounts for multiple runs. Sleds are provided at the top of the gondola.

Rabbit Ears Pass

This scenic drive just outside town is one of Colorado’s snowiest passes and a stunning year-round destination. The rocky formations that give it its name are unmistakable. In summer, hiking or off-roading to Rabbit Ears Peak is wildly popular — it’s a 5.5-mile round trip with about 947 feet of elevation gain.

Buffalo Pass

Another epic scenic drive close to town. It’s 11 miles to the summit, and most vehicles can make it (high clearance is recommended near the top). You can turn around and head back to town, or continue 32 miles through to Walden.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Wild West Balloon Adventures offers unforgettable rides over the Flat Top Mountains and Hahn’s Peak — an inactive volcano. There’s no better way to see the raw scale of this landscape.

Tubing the Yampa River

When the summer heat hits, floating the Yampa River is the move. Launch at 5th Street Bridge or near Fetcher Park. Bucking Rainbow Outfitters and Backdoor Sports rent tubes and offer shuttle services if you don’t have your own gear.

Steamboat Zipline Adventures

Six ziplines, platforms ranging from 600 to 1,300 feet, and speeds up to 40 mph. For the adrenaline seekers, this is pure fun.

Mountain Biking

Steamboat is literally called “Bike Town USA.” The trail network is extensive — from beginner cross-country rides to gnarly expert descents. The Flash of Gold to Grouse Ridge trail is a 21-mile epic for advanced riders. The gondola and Christie Peak Express chairlift provide access to the resort’s downhill trails (fees apply).

Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series

Every Friday and Saturday night throughout July and August, the Romick Arena at Howelsen Hill Park Complex hosts a full rodeo series. It’s loud, fun, and deeply rooted in Steamboat’s cowboy heritage.

Sunset Happy Hour at the Top of the Gondola

From Memorial Day Weekend through late September, you can ride the gondola up for a sunset experience with food, drinks, and live music. Last ride up is 8 PM, last ride down is 9 PM — plan accordingly.

Golf

Three public courses worth knowing:

• Haymaker Golf Course — 18 holes with views of Mt. Werner and the Flat Tops
• Rollingstone Ranch — 18 holes with Yampa Valley views and Fish Creek running through it
• Steamboat Golf Club — the most budget-friendly option at 9 holes

The Land Up Activity Park

Perfect for families with kids, this activity park at the base of the ski resort packs in a mountain coaster, mini-golf, climbing wall, rope course, bungee trampolines, mini-boats, and more. Tickets run $49 for kids and $59 for adults.

Winter Things To Do in Steamboat Springs

Ski Steamboat Resort (Mt. Werner)

The big draw. Steamboat Ski Resort is consistently ranked among the best in the country — challenging terrain, legendary snow (Champagne Powder® is actually a trademarked term here), and night skiing on Christie Peak Lift. There are beginner-friendly trails too, so no one gets left out.

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Multiple Nordic centers operate in and around town:

• Steamboat Ski Touring Center
• Catamount Ranch and Club
• Haymaker Nordic Center
• Howelsen Hill
• Steamboat Lake

Howelsen Hill is the most convenient — right in town, with an easy web of trails. Note that it doesn’t offer equipment rentals, so you’ll need to source gear elsewhere.

Howelsen Hill

Colorado’s oldest continuously operating ski area has been running since the early 1900s. Nearly 100 Olympians have trained here. It offers affordable downhill skiing, a terrain park, snow tubing, and a sledding hill near the base. It’s history you can actually ride on.

Snowmobile Tours

Explore the Continental Divide by snowmobile — one of the most epic ways to experience winter in Colorado. Steamboat Snowmobile Tours runs trips through Routt National Forest, including sunrise and sunset options. Saddleback Ranch also offers 2–3 hour snowmobile tours with views of the Flat Tops, Mt. Werner, Sleeping Giant, and the Zirkels.