Things to Do in Steamboat Springs CO

This week we head to Northern Colorado to visit Steamboat Springs, Colorado and its surrounding beautiful scenery for the first time. Yes, this was our first trip to Steamboat Springs, but it definitely will not be our last. We absolutely loved our time in Steamboat Springs CO! If you've never visited Steamboat, add it to your list of places to visit as you RV America!

In this video, we share more of the history of Steamboat Springs including how it got the nickname "Ski Town USA".

Steamboat Springs may be "Ski Town USA", but don't forget to visit Steamboat Springs CO in the summer. There is a TON to do in Steamboat during the summer months.

We found so much to do in Steamboat Springs CO! As much as we did, there is still a lot we didn't have time to see or do. This is definitely a destination worthy of spending some time.

Does Steamboat Springs Have Springs?

Yes! Much of Steamboat Springs' history revolves around its mineral springs and natural hot springs. The City of Steamboat Springs website provides information about the historical springs and springs that are still active today.

Mentioned In This Episode

Things to Do in Steamboat Springs CO

Tread of Pioneers Museum

The Howler Alpine Slide

Steamboat Art Museum

Fish Creek Falls

Yampa River Core Trail

Steamboat Gondola

Bud Werner Memorial Libary

Steamboat Springs Transit (free bus service)

Places to Eat in Steamboat Springs CO

8th Street Steakhouse

The Shack Cafe

Winona's Restaurant

West End Sports Grill

Mountain Tap Brewery

Our Campsite in Steamboat Springs CO

Free Things to Do in Steamboat Springs

Ride the Steamboat Springs Transit to get around town.

Stretch your legs and take a hike or enjoy bike rides along the Yampa River Core Trail.

Stroll along Main Street, the heart of Steamboat Springs, and wander through the large variety of shops in town.

Enjoy a free guided walking history tour around town with a docent from the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

Experience the the beauty and aromas of the Yampa River Botanic Park.

Tips for Visiting Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The Fish Creek Falls hiking area in the beautiful Routt National Forest is a phenomenal way to spend an hour or a day exploring some of the miles of trails in the Steamboat Springs area. The parking lot is just a short drive from the downtown area. There is a $5 vehicle fee.

The Fish Creek Canyon area (home of the 280-foot waterfall with the same name) is a very popular destination. The best time to visit is early in the day to beat the crowds and ensure that you find a parking space.

Locals here clearly love outdoor activities! Check with the Visitor Center early during your stay to learn about all of the options available during your visit: biking trails, places for a short walk, roads to enjoy a scenic drive, fly fishing spots...

Do not miss the Tread of the Pioneers Museum! This community museum features the story of Steamboat Springs: the Native Americans who called this region home, the difficulty folks had getting here, early settlers, the role that the hot springs played in growing interest in the community, how Steamboat got its name, the town's role in the sport of skiing, the arrival of Steamboat Resort and more. This museum is one of the best things to do in Steamboat and is well worth a visit.

Live music fans visiting Steamboat Ski Resort during the Summer can enjoy a Sunset Happy Hour at the top of the scenic gondola ride.

The mountains of this popular ski resort town are part of the Park Mountain Range. From here, the range heads north into Wyoming and becomes known as the Sierra Madre Range.

Like so much of the state of Colorado, scenic drives are everywhere around Steamboat Springs. Even leaving Steamboat and heading to our next destination between Frisco CO and Breckenridge CO took us through Rabbit Ears Pass. The road in this pass stays at around 10,000 feet above sea level for several miles.

Start at the Steamboat Springs Visitor Center

On the edge of historic downtown Steamboat Springs, you'll find Howelsen Hill. Named for ski jumping pioneer Carl Howelsen in 1915, Howelsen Hill is Colorado's oldest continually operating ski area and the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America.

Fans of hot springs have 2 options: Old Town Hot Springs is located on Main Street in Downtown Steamboat. It is easy to reach via the city's free shuttle. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and want to be in a more natural setting, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is just a short scenic drive from town.

Our Basecamp for This Visit

📍 Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday

Despite being in an area that gets an average of almost 300 inches of snow each year, this RV park is open year-round. We hear that their cabins are popular amongst seasonal ski resort employees.