I fell in love with Steamboat Springs during the first ski trip I made there. It just made the top 25 list of American towns to visit and that comes as no surprise to me.
Of course, if you're a skiier the best time to visit Steamboat Springs is during the winter. But remember, tourists flock to Steamboat Springs between December and March, so hotel rates will generally be higher during these months, especially around the holidays. You'll want to secure your airfare and accommodations well in advance to ensure availability.
But it you're not a skiier the best time to visit Steamboat, especially if you're sticking to a tight budget is late March or early April, right before the end of the ski season.
You may also find a few hotel deals in January after holiday travelers have left. April and May – the city's shoulder months (or mud season) – are typically too wet for hiking, but hotel prices are significantly cheaper and attractions are not overrun with tourists. September, October and November also offer more elbow room, plus picturesque fall foliage. Room rates will increase, though, as the winter season nears.
Money $aving Tip For Skiiers: Buy lift tickets online Take advantage of online booking discounts for lift tickets. You'll find reduced rates offered by Steamboat Ski Resort, as well as on third-party websites like Liftopia.com and GetSkiTickets.com.
Know Before You Go
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Having the right set of wheels is a must
You'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires or one with tire chains to access Strawberry Park Hot Springs and other mountain destinations in the winter. -
Some activities may require permits
If you plan on hunting or fishing in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, make sure you buy a license ahead of time on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. -
Restaurant availability may be limited in April and May
Some eateries close during the mud season, so call ahead to confirm a dining venue is open. -
This handy pre arrival guide will tell you everything you need to know before you arrive in Steamboat.
For Skiiers:
Depending on your personal itinerary and length of stay you may want to invest in the IKON Pass Friends & Family tickets. Ikon Pass holders get 12 discounted tickets, and Ikon Base Pass holders get 8 discounted tickets to share with their friends and family. Plus you get other discounted perks. Through 10/30/25 you can purchase this pass for 50% off the normal price. See the link above for more details.
You will need to create an account on ikonpass.com
THE Steamboat MOBILE APP: LEARN THE MOUNTAIN LIKE A LOCAL
You may also want to download this app. Access real-time information and navigate like a local. A digital trail map displaying your location, live webcams, event calendars, and more will keep you prepared no matter what the mountain throws your way.
Getting around Steamboat Springs
The best ways to get around Steamboat Springs are on foot and by using the free bus system, but if you want to explore the surrounding area, you will need a car. Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) is 24 miles west of the city, while Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 178 miles southeast. Both airports offer rental cars. A variety of private shuttle services are available as well.
ON FOOT
The Yampa River and the Yampa River Core Trail run right through downtown, making a stroll from one end of the city to the other easy to do. Along the way, you'll have access to a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants, plus panoramic water and mountain views. If you get tired or want to follow the river trail farther, you can hop on the free bus to return to your starting point.
BY BUS
Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) offers free bus service throughout the city and from the downtown area to Steamboat Ski Resort, where skiers and mountain bikers can access trails via the Steamboat Gondola. The complimentary bus system operates three fixed routes year-round with stops approximately every 20 minutes, although there may be some modifications to the schedule during the summer season. See the bus map for details on available routes and schedules.
CAR
You won't necessarily need a car to get around Steamboat Springs, as the free bus service runs through downtown and to the base of Mount Werner, where you can access the gondola to head up the mountain. However, if you want to visit farther attractions like Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Fish Creek Falls or a local zip line course, you may want to consider getting your own set of wheels. Vehicles are available at both the regional airport and Denver International Airport. Though exact rates will vary by car rental agency and vehicle model, expect to pay roughly $45 to $60 per day.
TAXI
GO Alpine is the only taxi operator available in Steamboat Springs. Taxis can be hailed 24 hours a day, but you must call in advance to get a ride. Local rates begin at $4 per person, plus $2 per mile traveled. Children younger than 2 always ride for free.
Accommodations
There were 8 of us in our group so rather than individually booking our accommodations we found it was cheaper to divide the cost of a 4 bedroom, 4 bath condo between us at the Steamboat Grand right at the base of the ski slopes.
Photos credit: The Steamboat Grand
Money $aving Tips on Accommodations:
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Book in advance. Secure your accommodations early to lock in the best prices, especially during peak season.
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Use budget friendly options. Look for vacation rentals with full or partial kitchens to reduce meal expenses! Dining out is very expensive in Steamboat Springs! We made nearly all of our own meals while in Steamboat to cut down on costs.
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If you're there to ski, stay close to the slopes. Choose accommodations within walking distance of the ski lifts and/or a bus stop for convenience and cost savings. Skipping the costs of a rental car, as well as the cost of parking, will help shave hundreds of dollars off your vacation costs.
If you want to stay at the base village...
People who are on a budget often rule out the possibility of staying in the base village due to the additional cost it typically presents. Thankfully, Steamboat has a range of lodging price points right in the base village.
Check out Kutuk condominiums. Kutuk condominiums are located right on the edge of the base village and just a 2 minute walk from the ski lift. They have condos ranging from 2 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms. They aren't glamorous but they provide an affordable option for those on a budget and they put you right in the heart of the action.
Photos credit: Kutuk Condominiums
Other Accommodations
Exploring Steamboat Springs
Photo credit: Steamboat Chamber.com
What I love about Steamboat Springs is that it's kept its Western heritage in spite of turning into one of America's premier ski resorts. They even went so far as to make their main street (Lincoln Avenue) wide enough to run a cattle drive right down the main street! How many towns can make that claim?!
Even if you're not a skiier, Steamboat has plenty to see and do.
One of Steamboat Springs' most popular summer events is its annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo.
The Yampa Valley Balloon Rodeo is a weekend staple of Steamboat Springs and truly one worth going to during the summertime. This event is perfect for anyone who just wants to chill and watch hot air balloons float over the beautiful town of Steamboat. The event is held in Bald Eagle Park.
If you're interested in taking a hot air balloon ride yourself, Wild West Balloon Adventures offers hot air balloon rides over Steamboat Springs.
Hot air balloon rides are pricey no matter where you go ($295 per person, must be 6 years old to ride) but if you've never been on a hot air balloon ride it's the experience of a lifetime! The Wild West Balloon Adventure flight lasts 45 minutes.
To get to Wild West Turn onto Dougherty Road from Highway 40.
Dougherty Road will turn into dirt and you will see a wooden Wild West Balloon Adventures sign.
Continue past the sign, over the bridge, and into our launch field where they will have coffee waiting for you.
(If coffee goes through you like it does me, skip the coffee. There are no restrooms on a hot air balloon!)
I'm listing the above activity separately from the Itinerary as it's not one everyone can afford to do.
This Itinerary is geared more toward non-skiers and/or those visiting Steamboat during the Mud Shoulder Season and summer months.
Itinerary - Day 1
Morning: Get settled into your accommodations.
Afternoon: Either walk or hop the free bus to downtown Steamboat Springs to explore the town and get the lay of the land. There are a lot of shops and galleries you can explore.
If you'd like to have lunch with a panoramic view, take the gondola to the Oasis Sundeck for stunning mountain vistas of the Yampa Valley and hearty American fare.
[Note: Open daily only during gondola operations in the summer season only.]
Fresh, Flavor-Forward Menu: Handcrafted sandwiches and crisp salads, shareable plates and mountain-inspired specials, local beer, craft cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. $$
Enjoy a leisurely lunch and just take in the views and mountain air.
2305 Mount Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs
There is a guided hike that includes Mt. Werner and lunch at the Oasis if you're interested.
Money $aving Tip: Ikon Pass and Steamboat Season Pass holders receive up to 15% off food and beverage at Steamboat Resort outlets. Learn More
Afternoon: Head back to downtown Steamboat and over to the Old Town Soaking Pools. (Preferably in the early afternoon due to frequent thunderstorms in the area.) The hot pools are mere steps away from the free town bus stop at Lincoln and 3rd Street.
These natural hot pools were first enjoyed by the Ute Indians in the area and later by the pioneers for over 100 years now. There are several different pools to relax, soak and rejuvenate in - the Heart Spring (18 years or older to use this pool), the Big Hot Pool (The shape of the pool provides lots of little corners and areas to find some privacy. There are multiple fountains in this pool and you can swim under two bridges.), Spa One, Spa Three and there's even a Baby Hot Pool for the little ones.
There's also a Splash Pool and a cold water The Icebox. Tucked away in one corner of the main hot activity pool is an aquatics climbing wall. Featured over a deep end of the pool, try your skills at climbing this wall as water flows down beside you.
The Hot Springs is an all-natural mineral hot spring that pumps approximately 250 gallons of 102-103 degree water out of the ground per minute and eventually feeds all of the pools at the facility. The water turns over completely every 15 minutes in the pools.
You will be required to sign a waiver but can do so online before your visit, as well as see admission rates here.
The only problem I had with the pools is that once you get into them you don't want to get out of them.
Evening: I'm going to give you restaurant options in case you don't always want to cook yourself, just so you know the best dining places available.
Head to downtown Steamboat to Table 79 on the main street. $$$
345 Lincoln Ave. Steamboat Springs
Photos credit: Table 79
Table 79 Foodbar offers craft cocktails + elevated comfort food that focuses on seasonality and local ingredients. Ingredients sourced from the Yampa Valley and Rocky Mountain Region.
(Table 79 is the sister restaurant to Aurum and The Periodic Table)
50% OFF ENTREES & $99 DINNER FOR TWO
50% OFF ENTREES Available Sunday through Thursday
$99 4 COURSE DINNER FOR TWO Available Friday & Saturday
They also have a Happy Hour with drink specials from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
You will need to make a reservation and can do so online at their website.
After dinner you can return to your accommodations or enjoy some of Steamboat's night life.
Day 2
If you feel like having breakfast out, then I recommend Creekside Cafe. $$
131 11th Street, Steamboat Springs.
Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining and has the best breakfast in Steamboat, using all farm fresh ingredients.
If visiting during the summer you want to sit out on the patio to eat as it is next to a creek and has a beautiful garden.
Very extensive menu and all 8 of us agreed the food is PHENOMENAL! Everything was done to perfection.
Walk-in's are welcome but the place can get really busy so I'd recommend making reservations.
Even so, the food is worth the wait for a table.
Service can be a bit slow when Creekside is really busy but that's understandable.
After breakfast, take a hike to Fish Creek Falls.
It's minutes from downtown Steamboat and a short 1/4-mile walk down a gravel path will afford you a pristine view of the lower falls, while a moderate hike with picturesque views will take the more adventurous to Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake, deep in the Routt National Forest.
From the base, it's a 5 mile hike round trip to the Upper Falls.
In winter, ice climbers take to the face and hikers snowshoe the trail to the Falls.
Open year round. Daily hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
$5 vehicle day use fee - cash or check.
Fish Creek Falls is located at 34165 Fish Creek Falls Road.
From Lincoln Avenue (highway 40) go north on 3rd Street then a right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Four miles to the parking lot and trailhead.
Picnic at the Falls or return to town for lunch.
Afternoon:
If you want to try something a little different for lunch give T Bar a shot. $$ T Bar is really a reflection of the ski life community. It's right at the base of the ski slopes so during the winter you ski right up to it.
This is an old ski patrol trailer that was converted into a counter service eatery.
Find a picnic table outside and order from one of the T Bar crew or order at the bar and get a number, then find a seat on the patio or inside.
I ordered a turkey and cranberry panini and a bowl of crawfish mac 'n cheese. Both were delicious.
Open daily 11 am to 5 pm.
2045 Ski Time Square Drive, Steamboat Springs
Ski-in-ski-out off of Right-O-Way/BC Ski-way as you come down from base of Thunderhead lift.
After lunch rent a bike and bike the Yampa River Core Trail.
The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved multi-use trail that runs through the heart of Steamboat Springs and along the Yampa River. The Core Trail ties all aspects of Steamboat together: it’s a straight shot from one side of town to the other.
The Yampa River Botanic Park is just one of the stops on the trail – a six-acre sanctuary of 40 gardens, ponds and sculptures. The pathways wind through the colorful flowers and native trees and offer a serene, meditative experience.
Evening: Since we didn't feel like cooking we ordered a group meal from Mazzola's Italian Diner and took it back to the condo to eat. However, you can eat in the restaurant as well.
Mazzola's opened in 1970 and has long been a Steamboat tradition. They offer a from-scratch kitchen, only the highest quality all-natural ingredients, an extensive wine list & full bar. The food and service are both great.
Mazzola's is open daily from 5 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up fast.
917 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
After dinner you can check out local events or live music at a bar before calling it a night.
Day 3
Morning: Breakfast option - The Egg. 325 Anglers Dr, Steamboat Springs
Very extensive menu, good food.
Take a drive to Rabbit Ears Pass, about 30 minutes from downtown Steamboat, for stunning views and photo ops.
There is a slew of activities available within the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears Pass.
Camping – Free, dispersed camping is easy to find on most dirt roads on the pass. There are also two campgrounds, Meadows Lake and Dumont Lake with reasonable nightly fees. The former is first-come, first-serve, while the latter accepts reservations.
Read about the camping near Steamboat Springs, Clark, and Oak Creek.
Fishing – Dumont Lake is the biggest lake on the pass. It’s located within a short distance from the highway. Muddy Pass Lake lies on the highway just east of Dumont Lake.
Hiking – The trail to Rabbit Ears is 4 miles beginning close to Dumont Lake. It can also be driven with a good 4×4. Numerous other trails exist from the parking areas on Highway 40. There’s always a map on site.
OHV – From Dumont Lake, there is a 4-mile high-clearance 4×4 road to the Rabbit Ears (FS Rd 291). There are other trails open to ATVs.
Winter – Once the snow settles, snowmobilers can be seen playing on the pass daily. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are common too.
Highway 40 begins climbing to Rabbit Ears Pass shortly east of Steamboat. Parking for the pass is located on the highway at several points, including both a West Summit and an East Summit.
US-40, Steamboat Springs
Open year round, no admission fee.
Afternoon: Take the kids to Olympic-size Howelsen Ice Arena.
Photo credit: Steamboatchamber.com
The ice arena is a great place to cool off in the summer months and enjoy year-round activities like ice bumper cars, ice skating and ice hockey.
Past visitors with little ones raved about the arena's bumper cars and ice skating. Many also appreciated having access to equipment like helmets and training aids. Additional highlights include the friendly staff, clean facilities and reasonable rates.
The Howelsen Ice Arena is open to the public for ice skating, ice hockey and ice bumper car rides from July to May. Each 15- to 20-minute ice bumper car ride costs $11, while ice skating is $8 per adult and $7 for each child between 6 and 17. Playing ice hockey at the rink costs $9 or $10 per person, depending on age. A combo package that includes ice skating and an ice bumper car ride is offered for $18; ice skates can also be rented on-site for $4 per person.
Located on Howelsen Parkway, the arena is accessible by the free bus on the yellow line and also offers complimentary on-site parking. Many local teams practice at the arena, meaning public access hours vary by day, so check the property's website before visiting.
Evening: Return to Steamboat Springs.
Dinner: Give Primrose a try. Dry-aged USDA Prime beef and hand-cut Colorado black angus steaks, jet-fresh seafood and a curated wine list featuring over 300 wines from around the world. Your steak is cut right in front of you at your table. Their Fruit of the Sea (below) is incredible.
Open 7 days a week 4 pm to 10 pm. Reservations are recommended.
1110 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs
Day 4
Morning: Breakfast suggestion - Winona's Restaurant & Bakery 617 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
Open 7 days a week 7:15 am to 2:30 pm
Visit Tred of Pioneers Museum at 800 Oak St.,Steamboat Springs.
Photo credit: Tred of Pioneers
Housed in a Victorian home with 20th-century furnishings, this museum features exhibits detailing the history of the region's early pioneers and Native Americans, as well as an overview about the city's skiing, agriculture and mining roots.
Families were especially impressed with the property's scavenger hunt and mystery geocache hidden on the grounds. Kids loved it.
There's also an interactive children's 1900's bedroom that includes try-on pioneer clothing and historic and replica toys from the turn of the 19th century. Items are ready for touching and experimentation and include books, blocks, china dolls, teddy bears, porcelain tea sets, stereoscope, and more.
Another room feature includes a drawer of odd Victorian tools no longer in use today. The “What is This?” game has historical objects for kids to hold, bend, and smell to figure out what it is. Some items are, glove stretchers, a button hook, garters, hand warmers, and a darning egg.
For even more history, travelers recommend joining the free behind-the-scenes tour, which is offered at noon and 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at noon on Thursdays and at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
The Tread of Pioneers Museum is located on Oak Street in downtown Steamboat Springs and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12; entrance fees are waived for children 5 and younger.
Money $aving Tip: Complimentary guided tours of the area are also offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; all visitors who join a guided tour receive discounted rates for the museum.
Visit the attraction's website for more information about current exhibits and programs.
You want to take the free bus to this museum to avoid parking hassles.
Afternoon: Have Yampa Sandwich Co. make you a boxed lunch.
Take a scenic drive to Stagecoach State Park for a picnic lunch followed by some hiking or fishing.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Beall
Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the lush Yampa Valley by Steamboat Springs. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake and river fishing. An array of activities await with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping.
Swimming is allowed in the designated wakeless zones and swim beach near the marina. No lifeguard is on duty and hazards do exist below the water surface around the reservoir. Please take caution and swim at your own risk. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult 18 or older.
Picnic tables are located throughout the park's trails, campsites and day-use areas. Sites with both picnic tables and grills can be found at the Arrowhead, Keystone and Haybro picnic areas.
Approximately 8 miles of trails and adventures await. To complete the loop, or the Grand Traverse of Stagecoach Reservoir, link the Elk Run Trail with Routt County Road 18, to the Overlook Trail and then the Lakeview Trail.
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
The park is open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek , CO
Directions from downtown Steamboat Springs and the main street Lincoln Ave:
Follow Lincoln Ave/US-40 E
3.9 mi, about 6 min
Turn right onto Highway 131/CO-131
about 0.5 mi, less than 1 min
Bear left at Highway 131/CO-131
about 0.3 mi, less than 1 min
Follow Highway 131/CO-131
5.7 mi, about 6 min
Turn left onto County Road 14
0.6 mi, about 1 min
Turn left onto County Road 14
about 0.2 mi, less than 1 min
Follow County Road 14
4.5 mi, about 6 min
Turn left onto County Road 18/County Hwy-18
0.5 mi, about 2 min The park is on your left.
Evening: Return to Steamboat Springs.
Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a movie or a stroll along the Yampa River.
Dinner option: 5th Street Kitchen 435 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs
This is a relatively new restaurant that replaced the old (and very popular) Mahogany Ridge.
5th Street is now run by Chef Antonio, who has 2 other successful Steamboat restaurants. This one has a more sophisticated menu and a casual atmosphere.
Open:
Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Day 5
Breakfast option: Starbucks has nothing on Brewed Awakenings. Their professional baristas have been brewing up their in-house craft-roasted beans for decades. And the moment you walk in the door the aroma of their freshly baked made-from-scratch pastries captures your attention. (They're every bit as tasty as they smell!)
Money $aving Tip: Check out their coupons!
Open Monday- Friday from 6AM-4PM, and open Saturdays from 8AM-2PM
Morning: Visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a last relaxing soak (make sure to check for any reservation requirements) or spend any remaining time shopping for souvenirs or taking one last stroll through downtown.
Afternoon: Depart for home.