The picturesque mountain haven of Steamboat Springs is one of the best destinations in the entire US for nature enthusiasts. If you love activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking, this is the perfect place for you.
The city’s breathtaking panoramic landscape makes it the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. There’s absolutely no better way to experience this stunning landscape than heading out to soak in the gorgeous natural scenery while enjoying some of the many available outdoor activities with some friends or family.
Here are some of the best outdoor activities and destinations in Steamboat Springs:
Fish Creek Falls
Located just a few minutes away from Steamboat Springs, the 280-foot Fish Creek Falls is one of the most popular outdoor destinations around the city. The legendary falls is a majestic work of nature, with its crystal clear high alpine waters roaring and cascading through smooth rocks.
Visitors can enjoy a quick ¼-mile trek on a gravel path to get a view of the lower falls, while those looking for a more challenging adventure can go for a moderate hike to reach Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake, which you’ll find deep within the heart of the sprawling Routt National Forest.
Go Biking
Biking is one of Steamboat Springs’ main modes of transportation – not only do many residents bike to get to different places, they bike for fun and bike for exercise as well. Steamboat Springs is one of the 18 countries nationwide to be recognized as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community by The American League of Bicyclists.
The city has something for bikers of all ages and skill levels – you can pedal away on the family-friendly trails along Yampa River or let the stunning surroundings zip by as you zoom through Steamboat Bike Park or the downhill trails in Mount Werner.
Go Tubing on the Yampa River
Tubing is definitely one of the top activities in Steamboat Springs, especially during the summer. This is a favorite activity for many locals and visitors. Tubing along the serene Yampa River offers a rare chance to take in the sights of downtown Steamboat while floating along on an inner tube. Tubing season usually starts in June and lasts through September, depending on the amount of rainfall and snowmelt.
The best part about tubing the Yampa is trips are customizable – you can go for a short one-hour ride or a long, relaxing three-hour journey, as you’ll be able to find plenty of riverside stops close to parks, restaurants, and bars throughout the route.
Relax in the Hot Springs Pools
Steamboat Springs is home to two hot spring venues: Old Town Hot Springs and Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which are both excellent destinations if you’re looking for some relaxation.
If you’re tired from enjoying some of the activities mentioned above, this is the perfect way to unwind – just soak your sore muscles and joints in natural hot mineral springs. A visit to one of the hot springs is sure to be a fun, relaxing experience for the entire family.