Visit Steamboat for the winters but stay for the summers. Here is our list of the 10 Best Things to Do in Steamboat Springs in Summer.
Steamboat may have trademarked the term “Ski Town USA” but what many people don’t realize, at least until they experience it for themselves, is that summer is what converts many visitors into residents.
It might have something to do with the perfect weather, the endless activities, events, and many ways to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of the Yampa Valley. There’s so much to do that sometimes it’s hard to decide. That’s why we’ve come up with our list of the 10 Best.
#1) Dip a toe in the water.
Steamboat was named for the abundant mineral springs that fooled original settlers into thinking it was the sound of an approaching steam engine. Today, these springs remain and have been preserved and developed for year-round use. Don’t miss Strawberry Park Hot Springs for its idyllic natural setting, massage and Wastu therapy. Families love Old Town Hot Springs for the large pools, water slides, and newly renovated recreation center – there’s something for everyone. On a budget? Check out the natural (and free) “hippie hot springs” along the river at Rich Weiss Park, downtown next to the Rabbit Ears Motel.
PC The Home Ranch
#2) Saddle Up.Live out your cowboy western fantasies on horseback at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch offering everything from horseback rides to multi-day summer pack trips. Or swing out to Saddleback Ranch where summer activities range from horseback dinner rides to cattle drives.
#3) Play on the mountain, no skis required.
You don’t need a pair of skis or a snowboard to enjoy Steamboat Mountain Resort in the summertime. In fact, there’s even more choices in the warmer months. Discover an extensive network of mountain biking trails, from screaming lift-accessed downhills to miles and miles of single track. Explore a number of hiking trails, or hang out at the base sunning and letting the kids play at the Burgess Creek “beach” where you can put your toes in sand, mountain-style. For the kiddos, check out the Land Up Activities adventure zone at the Base Area including mini-golf, climbing wall, summer tubing lanes, ropes course, trampolines, mini-boats, bounce house, and definitely don’t miss the Outlaw Mountain Coaster—a little downhill action to tide you over until winter.
PC Jennifer Baker Glass Art
#4) State of the art.
Take in the arts every week at the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Steamboat for a self-guided stroll through Steamboat’s finest art galleries and museums for the latest exhibits, drinks, nibbles, and some small-town socializing. You can have your night at the orchestra but stay in the mountains with performances all summer long under the pavilion nestled at the base of Steamboat’s mountains at Strings Music Festival, including free Music on the Green, Youth & Family events, “Different Tempo” series and classical music from some of the country’s most prolific entertainers.
#5) Cowboy up.
Celebrate Steamboat’s ranching tradition at the Steamboat Pro Rodeo, at the Howelsen Hill complex smack dab in the middle of downtown Steamboat. The rodeo has been a tradition since before the town was incorporated over 100 years ago. The rodeo continues to thrive every Friday and Saturday evening from mid-June to mid-August, with PRCA-sanctioned competitions during the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series including additional events from pro bull riding and team penning to team roping throughout the summer.
#6) Like riding a bike.
Steamboat may be famous for tree and powder skiing but it’s also world-renowned as a mecca for cyclists. Whether you’re just cruising into town towing your kids (and/or dogs) on the paved Core Trail along the Yampa River, logging miles on Steamboat’s scenic rural routes on the road bike, or escaping into the backcountry on the hundreds of miles of single track on your mountain bike, there is something for everyone. https://routtcountyriders.org
#7) Head on down to downtown.
No matter how many times you visit, exploring Steamboat’s downtown never gets old. During the summer, downtown Steamboat’s sweet spot is along Yampa Street for the weekly the Farmers Market and all the great patios along the Yampa River where can enjoy Happy Hour (whatever time of day that might be for you), and watch boaters and tubers float through town. Get your New Orleans spirit on at Sunpies’s Bistro where hurricanes are served in plastic cups for that après party vibe. Sample some elevated eats on the elegant patio at Aurum Food & Wine and enjoy watching the river go by. There’s no sound machine necessary at Yoga Center of Steamboat, where the sound of the river will make it that much easier to find your zen. And when you’re ready for something a little livelier, join the party at one of the Free Summer Concert Series shows at the base of Howelsen Hill, where locals love to enjoy some great music in a family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s free!
#8) Take a hike.
Sometimes it’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other that will take you exactly where you want to go. That’s especially true in summer when hiking is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Yampa Valley. There are a wide variety of trails for everyone, from the quarter-mile jaunt to Fish Creek Falls (that also happens to be one of the most spectacular views around) to all-day hikes to the upper falls, Rabbit Ears Pass, Mad Creek, Quarry on Emerald Mountain, King Solomon Falls (for the more adventurous) or for the Six Best Hikes in Steamboat, visit the Steamboat Chamber Resort Association.
#9) Did we mention, a river (literally) runs through it?
During the summer months, the Yampa River becomes a playground for all kinds of water sports from tubing and white water rafting to fly fishing and paddle boarding, or even dipping your toes in the water to cool off on a hot day. Watch the kayakers surf the wave at Charlie’s Hole (“C-Hole”) next to the library. No matter what you do, leave no trace – pack out your trash and be respectful of this beautiful natural resource. For tubing and equipment rentals and river reports, stop by Backdoor Sports.
#10) Go jump in a lake.
We may be landlocked, but nearby Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach State Park both have great day use beaches for the family. Enjoy swimming, sunning, catching crawdads and playing in the water. Rent a boat and tour the lake, do some water skiing or wake boarding, or try fishing. Pearl Lake is a great, quieter option where motorized boats are not allowed, making it great for fishing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing.