7 Things to Do in Steamboat this Summer
Nothing quite feels as “Colorado” as Steamboat Springs. The mixture of cowboy culture, culinary delights and a laid-back lifestyle make this iconic town a top summer vacation destinations for both Coloradans and visitors alike.
Here are 7 reasons to put Steamboat on your must-visit list this summer.
Photo courtesy Steamboat Springs Chamber
Fish Creek Falls tumbles 280 feet into Fish Creek Canyon and is accessible by people of all ages thanks to a paved, one-quarter mile walking path. This vantage point gives visitors a view of the lower falls, and a moderate trail will take hikers to Upper Fish Creek Falls (5 miles round trip). Avid hikers can tackle the 13-mile round trip Long Lake trail in the Routt National Forest.
Taco Cabo is a cherished Steamboat gem that’s must-stop every time we come to town. Locals love it and every tourist who eats here becomes a lifelong fan.
A husband-and-wife team keep this place running in tip-top and tasty shape. With fresh meat and tortillas, and sides of roasted jalapenos, there are so many reasons to love this taco joint. Come hungry and don’t expect fancy tableware because here it’s all about the food.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
I travel all over Colorado and get to do a lot of cool activities, but one of my most memorable outings was biking the Yampa River Core Trail. We rented bikes at Ski Haus and hit the trail after breakfast at Freshie’s, another food tradition in Steamboat Springs.
The trail is flat and paved, which is perfect because I treat biking as a leisure sport, not an adventure sport. We were headed to the Steamboat Springs Farmers’ Market, but upon finding that the trail ran passed the free Yampa River Botanic Garden, we made a pit stop and were so glad we did.
Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
I’ve previously mentioned this rodeo, but what sets Steamboat’s rodeo apart is that these cowboys and cowgirls are competing for cash which means guests who spend an evening at the Steamboat Pro Rodeo are they are treated to the real thing. This rodeo runs Fridays and Saturday through August 11, and 4th of July.
Steamboat has a surprising number of places to shop at downtown. From interior design stores to clothing boutiques, you’ll find something to love. Famous stops include F.M. Light & Sons, featuring cowboy-and-cowgirl duds since 1905, and Lyon’s Corner Drugstore & Soda Fountain, a throwback where locals pick up their prescriptions and tourists wolf down grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes.
Treat yourself and your family to brunch at Hazie’s this summer. This isn’t any old brunch; it’s one of the best I’ve ever experienced, and the views are simply unbeatable. Served at the top of the gondola, your brunch reservation includes the ride. This is the type of dining experience that will go in your family’s cherished vacation memories.
Photo: Corey Kopishke, Old Town Hot Springs Steamboat
There are two options when it comes to hot springs in Steamboat Springs. In town, families enjoy the convenience and modern amenities of Old Town Hot Springs on Main Street. It is a super fun spot for kids to play water games and partake in waterslides.
About 20-minutes outside of town, Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs is located in a forested-setting. Guests can simply soak or they can soak and stay in one of the park’s cabins. Camping is also an option here as is clothing after dark.
