20 Unique Things To Do In Steamboat Springs Colorado

1. Snap A Photo At Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls is a stunning natural place in Steamboat Springs. Located at 34165 Fish Creek Falls Rd, the waterfall goes down 280 feet, providing a beautiful scene perfect for photography. Visitors can take a short, easy hike through a well-marked trail to reach the waterfall while exploring the beautiful landscape.

During the colder months, the waterfall offers a unique view of frozen water, captivating photographers and visitors from around the globe. Fish Creek Falls is a must-visit spot for starters, to experience and capture the natural beauty of Steamboat Springs. It is one of the prominent things to do in Steamboat Springs while enjoying the city's comfort.

2. Dine By The River On Yampa Street

Yampa Street offers a unique dining experience with its variety of restaurants alongside scenic views of the Yampa River. Also known as the home of The Boat Yard, the street has a peaceful environment to enjoy a meal while listening to the gentle sound of the river. It has multiple options of casual cafes, and fine dining restaurants, serving visitors with local as well as international cuisine.

While enjoying your meal, you can also explore the nearby area housing various antique shops and playgrounds for kids. The restaurants along the Yampa River not only offer a great meal but also an opportunity to relax in a scenic setting.

These restaurants are an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends and family to create a memorable experience in Steamboat Springs.

3. Attend The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo

The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is fun for the whole family. It is a major highlight of the summer season that is held weekly from June to August every year at the Howelsen Hill sports complex. The rodeo showcases events like bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and many more, with a fun environment for visitors of all ages.

The atmosphere is electric with cheering crowds, and skilled cowboys and cowgirls competing to win the events. It is a prominent event venue with plenty of entertainment, including live music and delicious food.

The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the town while providing a fun evening for visitors.

4. Cruise The Yampa River Core Trail On A Bike

Spanning over 7.5 miles, the Yampa River Core Trail is a beautiful and perfectly paved trail that runs alongside the Yampa River. It is an ideal spot for biking alongside scenic views of the river and mountains. The path is an easy way around with a flat trail, making it ridable for bikers of all skill levels.

The path goes through parks, open spaces, and downtown Steamboat Springs, offering a complete tour of the area in a short ride. Along the way, you can also spend time resting and spotting local wildlife, staying close to nature.

Biking the Yampa River Core Trail is a wonderful way to explore Steamboat Springs while staying close to nature and improving your bike riding skills.

5. Soak In The Historic Old Town Hot Springs

The Old Town Hot Springs is an all-natural historic landmark housing eight different pools for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. The place has been around for over 100 years serving as a family-friendly place for visitors and locals. Located at an elevation of 6700 feet, this place offers different facilities including a water slide, fitness center, and massage services.

Spending time in the hot spring is not only relaxing but also a therapeutic experience in the mineral-rich thermal waters. With historical significance, a visit to the Old Town Hot Springs is a perfect way to experience the town's history.

6. Ride A Hot Air Balloon

Watching the entire Yampa Valley from above the surface is a magnificent experience. This activity offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, mountains, and rivers below. As you float high, the gentle ride offers a unique perspective of the town. For a perfect sunrise view with calm winds and clear skies, the rides are typically scheduled early morning.

Throughout the ride, an experienced pilot is assigned to maintain a smooth flight and offer insights into the city's most popular attractions visible from the sky.

For more adventure, you can also attend the balloon rodeo hosted by the town every weekend with local experienced pilots competing in a highly anticipated event for the top position.

7. Go Horse Riding Through The Aspen Trees

Exploring Steamboat Springs on horseback is a wonderful way to connect with nature. The town has multiple trails that go through the beautiful aspen groves, offering a peaceful and scenic ride. Visitors can choose from a self-guided or instructor-guided tour to experience the ride.

As you ride along, you'll enjoy the fresh mountain air with stunning views of the landscape. A guided tour offers a comprehensive knowledge of the cultural and historic background of the town throughout the ride.

However, a guided tour is not necessary for everyone and is based on personal preferences and the riding experience of the visitors

8. Plan A Game At Steamboat's Many Golf Courses

With a landscape covered in lush greenery, Steamboat Springs is home to several excellent golf courses with unique challenges and stunning views. With multiple options all around the town, beginners, as well as professional golfers, can start out and find the one that suits them accordingly.

The courses are surrounded by beautiful mountains offering a peaceful environment along the picturesque setting. For inexperienced golfers, many courses also offer amenities and practice facilities to learn a new skill.

After a tiring match, you can also stop by different restaurants and cafes lined across the entrance to enjoy the local cuisine along with friends and family.

9. Explore The Steamboat Brew Trail

The Steamboat Brew Trail is a unique experience that combines hiking and craft beers. The trail starts from the downtown Steamboat and ends at the West end of the town combining three different breweries and a distillery along the way. Each one of these breweries offers different styles of beer and a cozy atmosphere.

While traveling 2.7 miles, you can enjoy some of the best craft beers in the area at these breweries. It is a great way to spend a day while sampling the local beer flavors. The combination of outdoor adventure and beer tasting makes the Steamboat Brew Trail a prominent one on the list of things to do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

10. Float The Yampa River

Another must-do thing during the summers in Steamboat Springs is floating the Yampa River. It is a relaxing and fun activity for visitors from around the world. You can choose from boat floating or tube floating to enjoy the experience. No matter what you choose, the river takes you on a scenic journey along with beautiful views of the mountains and wildlife.

The float through the river is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day while exploring the town's landscape filled with nature. It is a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family in the beautiful Yampa River.

11. Discover The Trails At Emerald Mountain And Buffalo Pass

Covered with lush green forests and beautiful mountains, Steamboat Springs houses some of the best hiking and biking trails in the United States. Popular among them all are the trails in the Emerald Mountains and the Buffalo Pass. These trails provide stunning views, diverse terrain, and often a closer look at the wildlife.

The Emerald Mountains is known for its accessible trails while the Buffalo Pass is much on the challenging side with routes suitable for experienced hikers and bikers. Both of these areas are well-maintained and have multiple trail options to choose from. 

The trails in the Emerald Mountain and Buffalo Pass are a great way to experience the natural beauty of Steamboat Springs along with some adventure.

12. Explore The Vast Network Of Trails In North Routt

North Routt County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering a vast network of trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding. It houses trails like South Fork Loop, Hinman Creek, Hahn's Peak, and many more. All these trails go through diverse landscapes, providing you with stunning views and a peaceful environment.

The Routt has multiple options for the visitors to choose from challenging and easy ones based on their preferences. The area is mostly popular for its natural beauty and less crowded trails.

So, it is a perfect destination for those seeking alone and family time in nature while exploring the beauty of the region.

13. Go Fishing On The Stagecoach Tail Waters

The Stagecoach Tail Waters is a famous spot among fishers with excellent fishing opportunities. This particular section of the Yampa River, below Stagecoach reservoir, is a hidden gen housing large trout and other fish species. Stretched about 0.6 miles, the cold water of this region is ideal for fish flying and other techniques.

Visitors of all skill levels can enjoy a day of fishing in this beautiful environment with plenty of spots to cast your line, accessible through an easy and well-maintained route.

Despite its easy accessibility, the place remains less crowded, offering you a relaxing time in nature while collecting some fish for an outdoor picnic along the riverbank.

14. Shop Fresh Produce At The Steamboat Farmers Market

Held every Saturday, the Steamboat Farmers Market is a vibrant, busy marketplace to spend your day shopping for local items. It offers a variety of produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, unique crafts, and bakery items. Operating from June through September, the market is a great place to support local businesses and artists.

Local farmers and artists showcase their best products made up of high-quality ingredients and locally sourced items. While in the market you can also enjoy live music and tasty meal at local food vendors around the corner.

15. Take A Scenic Drive To Steamboat Lake

Steamboat Lake is a stunning place located a short drive away from Steamboat Springs. The drive to the lake is covered with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The drive is suitable to enjoy the landscape during both the summer and winter seasons. Once at the lake, visitors can find an empty spot to relax in nature.

The lake area also has a few picnic spots and campgrounds for those planning to stay for multiple days. While you stay around you can explore the local history and culture along with the inviting people of the local community.

The drive to Steamboat Lake is a short trip to explore the natural beauty and learn more about the culture and history of the area.

16. Catch A Performance At The Steamboat Springs Arts Council's Young Artists Series

The Steamboat Spring Arts Council's Young Artists Series is a fantastic opportunity to see talented young performers in action. The series features various performances, including music, dance, and theater from local youths. These events are held at different venues at different time intervals every year.

All these events are a great way to support young artists and enjoy engaging entertainment offered by these talented ones. The performances are family-friendly and interactive with a suitable environment for people of all age groups.

However, you will have to check the event timing before planning a trip to attend them during your visit.

17. Go Stargazing At Night

For night sky lovers, Steamboat Springs has some of the best spots such as Hahns Peak, and Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs with perfect stargazing opportunities. These places offer visitors some of the best night skies in the country resulting from minimal light pollution.

During the night, stars are seen shining brightly enhancing the view of the dark sky. A telescope or binoculars can enhance the overall experience with a clearer view. But even with the naked eye, the night sky in Steamboat Springs is mesmerizing.

18. Visit The Yampa River Botanic Park

Established in 1995, the Yampa River Botanic Park is a 6-acre area covered with nature from all the way around. The park is a beautiful place to visit featuring multiple ponds, berms, and over 60 gardens. Each of these gardens offers you a unique theme and plant collection to explore around.

Visitors can stroll through the park and enjoy colorful flowers, lush greenery, and peaceful water features. Besides that, you can also attend the events and education programs hosted by the park throughout the year.

With free admission and an open learning environment, the park stays open from morning to evening, making it a suitable escape from the daily life hustle.

19. Take A Ghost Tour Of Steamboat Springs

A ghost tour of Steamboat Springs is a fun and spooky way to learn about the town's history. Guided tours from knowledgeable guides take you to various historic sites and buildings. Along the way, they share insights into these places and stories of the legends. Visitors are educated about the paranormal activities reported by the locals in the area.

For adventurers and ghost story lovers, it is an exciting activity to learn about the horror past of the town. Although you might need a friend or partner to walk along during the nights after this tour.

20. Shop For A Unique Gift Downtown

While on a trip to any place, shopping is one of the essential parts of the bucket list. For a great shopping experience, downtown Steamboat Springs is a great place. You can find unique gifts and souvenirs to remember your journey in the town. The downtown has multiple shops lined along the street to shop around.

The friendly shop owners and the pleasant atmosphere enhance the overall shopping experience. No matter what you're looking for, the downtown shops have something for everyone.

While shopping, you'll discover plenty of treasures to take home from your visit to Steamboat Springs.