18 Best Places and Things To Do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is a charming mountain town located in the northwest region of Colorado, known for its world-class skiing, natural hot springs, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, there are plenty of things to see and do in this quaint mountain town. Here are some of the best places and activities to explore in Steamboat Springs:

1. Steamboat Art Museum

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Image Source: https://steamboatartmuseum.org/

The museum showcases a variety of art styles and mediums, from traditional Western art to contemporary works. There are also several rotating exhibits throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

2. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

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Image Source: https://strawberryhotsprings.com/gallery/

One of Steamboat Springs’ biggest draws is its natural hot springs, and Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the best in the area. Located just outside of town, it’s a beautiful spot to soak in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. The springs are open year-round and offer several pools of varying temperatures.

3. Yampa River Botanic Park

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Image Source: https://www.yampariverbotanicpark.org/sculpture/

The hustle and bustle of town, head to the Yampa River Botanic Park. This beautiful 6-acre garden is filled with colorful flowers, native plants, and water features. It’s a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

4. Fish Creek Falls

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For a breathtaking natural attraction, head to Fish Creek Falls. This 280-foot waterfall is a popular hiking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone

5. Howelsen Hill Ski Area

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While Steamboat Ski Resort is the largest and most popular ski resort in the area, Howelsen Hill Ski Area is a hidden gem that’s worth checking out. This historic ski hill is the oldest operating ski area in Colorado, and it’s where many famous ski champions got their start. It’s a smaller ski hill, but it’s great for beginners and families, with affordable lift tickets and ski lessons.

6. Tread of Pioneers Museum

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Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area at the Tread of Pioneers Museum. The museum features exhibits on the town’s founding, the area’s Native American history, and the evolution of skiing in Steamboat Springs. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s unique culture and heritage.

7. Yampa River Core Trail

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Take a leisurely bike ride or walk along the Yampa River Core Trail, a paved path that winds along the Yampa River through downtown Steamboat Springs. The trail is 7.5 miles long and offers stunning views of the river, as well as access to several parks and picnic areas. It’s a great way to experience the town’s natural beauty while getting some exercise.

8. Rotary Park Boardwalk

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The Rotary Park Boardwalk is a beautiful nature trail located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The boardwalk is an elevated wooden walkway that winds through a wetland area, offering visitors a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty. The boardwalk is surrounded by lush vegetation and provides stunning views of the nearby mountains

9. Steamboat Powdercats

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Image Source: https://www.uncovercolorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/steamboat-powdercats/

Steamboat Powdercats is a company that offers guided snowcat skiing and snowboarding tours in the backcountry of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The company operates on over 10,000 acres of private land in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, providing access to some of the best powder skiing in North America.

10. Routt National Forest

Routt National Forest, Colorado

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The Routt National Forest is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine tundra, spruce-fir forests, and grasslands. The forest also contains over 2,000 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as numerous lakes, rivers, and streams for fishing and boating.

11. Mount Werner

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Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Werner

Mount Werner is a mountain located in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, United States. It is part of the Steamboat Ski Resort, which is located on the northwestern side of the mountain in the town of Steamboat Springs. The summit of Mount Werner reaches an elevation of 10,568 feet (3,221 meters), and it is accessible by a gondola that operates year-round. During the winter, Mount Werner and the surrounding area are a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with a variety of runs and terrain parks for all skill levels.

12. Saddleback Ranch

Saddleback Ranch Snowmobile Tour

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Saddleback Ranch is a working cattle ranch located in the Yampa Valley near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The ranch is owned and operated by the Hogue family and has been in operation for over 100 years. Saddleback Ranch offers a range of outdoor activities and experiences, including horseback riding, cattle drives, wagon rides, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides. The ranch also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a gift shop with a variety of western-themed merchandise.

13. Emerald Mountain

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Emerald Mountain is a prominent mountain located near the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The mountain reaches an elevation of 8,262 feet (2,518 meters) and offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Emerald Mountain is known for its extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, which provide access to the mountain’s forests and open meadows. The trails range from easy to challenging, with options for all skill levels. The popular “Beall Trail” is a 7.5-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Yampa Valley and surrounding mountains.

14. Holy Name Catholic Church

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Holy Name Catholic Church offers a range of religious services and activities for its parishioners, including daily and weekly mass, confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and various community events and activities. The church also has a religious education program for children and adults, as well as a youth ministry program.

15. Thunderhead Hiking Trail

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Image Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/thunderhead-hiking-trail–3?u=m

The Thunderhead Hiking Trail is a popular trail located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The trail is named after Thunderhead Peak, which is a prominent mountain in the area that reaches an elevation of 10,427 feet (3,178 meters). The Thunderhead Hiking Trail is a moderate 3.6-mile (5.8 km) trail that winds its way up the mountain through aspen and pine forests. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as opportunities to see local wildlife such as elk and deer.

16. Steamboat Symphony Orchestra

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The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is a professional orchestra based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The orchestra was founded in 1990 and has since grown to become an important cultural institution in the community. The SSO performs a variety of classical music concerts throughout the year, ranging from symphonies to chamber music. The orchestra features a roster of talented musicians, many of whom have performed with major orchestras around the world.

17. Jace Romick Gallery

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The Jace Romick Gallery is an art gallery located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The gallery features the work of Jace Romick, a local artist who specializes in contemporary Western art. Romick’s work is known for its bold colors and strong compositions, and often features iconic Western imagery such as horses, cowboys, and landscapes. He works in a variety of media, including oil paintings, sculpture, and mixed media pieces.

18. RED West Contemporary Art

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RED West Contemporary Art is a modern art gallery located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The gallery features the work of a diverse group of artists working in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The gallery is committed to showcasing contemporary art that is both visually striking and intellectually stimulating, with an emphasis on work that challenges traditional ideas and pushes the boundaries of artistic expression. The artists featured at RED West Contemporary Art are all recognized for their innovative and unique styles, and many have received critical acclaim and international recognition for their work.

Steamboat Springs is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful getaway. With its stunning scenery, natural attractions, and cultural offerings, it’s no wonder why so many people consider it a must-visit destination in Colorado.