How to spend time in the mountains and still have your day at the beach.
If you thought of Steamboat as landlocked, think again. Not only are there several large bodies of water close to town, there are plenty of ways to get your feet wet. Whether you want to spend the day boating on Stagecoach Reservoir, swimming and paddle boarding at Steamboat Lake or simply enjoying one of a handful of legit river beaches, there’s nothing better than cooling off on a hot day surrounded by mountains under a cloudless Colorado sky—as if there wasn’t already enough to do in Steamboat during the summertime.
For serious boaters …
Check out Stagecoach State Park, a Colorado State Park located only 17 miles from Steamboat. This 771-acre reservoir includes a marina, boat ramps, campsites, picnic sites and eight miles of hiking trails. Spend the day or camp for a weekend and get out on your boat, paddle board, fish, hike, or charter a boat for the day to wake surf, wake board, or water ski. “We love that it’s so close to town, but it never gets too busy,” says Ben Saari, owner Wake Water Sports. “It’s the best of both worlds.” Saari offers wake surfing sessions on Stagecoach, including equipment, boat and driver. For larger groups, WWS will coordinate an accompanying pontoon boat rental. “It’s a great way to surf the Rockies,” Saari says. “It’s like one endless wave.”
For families with young children …
You can spend hours watching your kids play in the Burgess Creek Beach at the base of Mount Werner as you lounge in an Adirondack chair and kick back with your feet in the cool water. Shallow depths and crystal-clear water are perfect for little ones to splash and play while you soak in the sun and gaze up at the mountain. In downtown Steamboat, the Yampa River is divided by a series of rock features that create small beaches and nice swimming holes. These spots are safe for swimming in mid-to-late summer when the flow is slower and water levels drop. Check out Charlie’s Hole (known as “C Hole”) behind the library and D Hole, behind the Art Depot. Remember to bring river shoes (a rubber-soled sandal that’s securely strapped on) to navigate the rocky bottom and be prepared for cold water—best enjoyed after sunbathing on the rocks to get nice and warm before taking the plunge.
For a day at the beach …
Head 30 miles north of town to Steamboat Lake Park, where Hahn’s Peak and views of the Continental Divide create the perfect mountain backdrop for plenty sun and fun at this 1,053-acre lake. A full-service marina and swim beach make it a great place to spend the day swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, and relaxing. Steamboat Lake Marina offers pontoon, ski boat, paddle board, kayak, canoe, and cabin rentals and there are also several campsites available for people who want a true lake getaway—but without having to sacrifice precious time spent in the mountains.
