This historic Colorado cowboy town is famed for its ski slopes, but there’s a mountain (or more!) of summer fun to be had in Steamboat Springs. Summer brings wildflowers, waterfall hikes, hot air balloons and much more to “Ski Town, USA.”
Steamboat Summer Fun: Waterfalls, Marathons and more
Opportunities for warm-weather play abound. Take a short drive out of town to check out Fish Creek Falls. Plunging 280′ down the canyon, the falls are a great spot for hiking, photography and picnicking. There’s a wheelchair-accessible overlook as well as a quarter-mile path to the base of the lower falls. Adventurous hikers will want to make the 6.5 mile (each way) trek up to Long Lake, deep in the Routt National Forest. Get great views of the town on the Vista Nature Trail. This short and leisurely loop is accessible from the top of the gondola. The gravel road starts off wind and then narrows to a single track. Afterwards, you can reward yourself with a delicious lunch at the Oasis Sundeck. This tasty spot was voted a “Top Spot to Dine with an Elevated View” by USA Today.
If you’d rather run than hike, don’t miss the Steamboat Marathon on June 4th. There’s also a 10K and a Half, which Runners World magazine put on its Bucket List: 9 Destination Half Marathons. In addition, Steamboat plays host to a slew of bike and foot races over the summer, ranging from a 5K family fun run to Steamboat’s rural roads and mountain lakes attract athletes from all over to test their endurance at altitude. Sign up to run, ride or swim in a race and turn it into a weekend getaway for family and friends. Options range from a 5K family fun run to 100-mile ultra marathons and bike races. Check out this scenery!
Steamboat Summer Fun: Super Soakers
Prefer “wet” to “sweat”? Steamboat has got you covered. Thrill to the rush of whitewater rafting or chill on a lazy tube through the town. There are a number of whitewater operators in Kremmling, about an hour away, or you can rent or buy inner tubes and splash around on the Yampa, which runs through town. If you want it warmer, treat yourself to a soak at one of the great hot springs. Family-friendly Old Town is right in the heart of Steamboat, with a water slide, kiddie pool, climbing wall, a fitness center and an adults-only spring. Fifteen minutes out of town, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers rustic relief in an aspen-filled valley.
Steamboat Summer Fun: Go Ride A Bike
There’s a reason Steamboat’s summer nickname is “Bike Town USA.” You’ll find tons of trails in the area, whether you want a leisurely cruiser pedal the Yampa River Core Trail or a heart-pounding mountain bike descent down the 50 miles of trails that make up the high-intensity Steamboat Bike Park. Accessible from the top of the gondola, there are dirt jumps, rock drops and everything a daredevil on two wheels can dream of.
Our luxury vacation villas are located right on the slopes, giving you easy access to the gondola for hiking and biking, as well as to town where you can head out on your adventures. Steamboat summer fun also means great summer savings … plan your warm-weather escape today!