Rocky Mountain Rodeos

Giddy up at these Colorado spots that celebrate the wild, wild west

Steamboat Springs Rodeo [Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer]

Fridays and Saturdays, June 15 – August 11, 2018
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Steamboat Springs is best known for its champagne powder, but this ranching region of Northwest Colorado is home to real-life cowboys and has been for more than 100 years. Drive west out of Steamboat and the horses quickly outnumber the people living in this beautiful area of Colorado.

Each summer, men and women from around the country show what they’re made of at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo.

This rodeo is tops for tourists because it treats guests to a lot of different rodeo competitions, and these cowboys and cowgirls are competing for real money. From bull riding to barrel racing, no matter when you go, you’ll see it all. And while the heart-pounding rodeo events are the main attraction, an evening at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo includes live music and homemade barbecue paired with a beer or a margarita from the drinks vendor.

Families with adventurous children can sign their kids up to be part of the show. Lean more information on the calf and ram scrambles.

This rodeo is a super-fun addition to any summer family vacation in Steamboat Springs.

Snowmass Rodeo [Photo by Hal Williams]

Wednesdays, June 13 – August 22, 2018
Snowmass, Colorado
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The Snowmass Rodeo is celebrating its 45th year this summer and is perfect for the entire family. Before the rodeo starts, children are encouraged to visit the petting zoo or try their hand at roping. There is a bouncy house and a mechanical bull ride, as well as catered Cowboy Dinner featuring all the fixin’s, as well as a Cowboy Saloon for the adults.

Rodeo events run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and include bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, Dally Ribbon Roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Kids can participate in a calf scramble and mutton-bustin’. There’s also burro racing that involves crowd participation. Teams of three compete with one person riding the burro, one person pulling on a lead rope and a third person pushing the burro. The first team to get their burro around the barrel and across the finish line wins.

Produced by the Snowmass Western Heritage Association (SWHA), the Snowmass Rodeo preserves and enhances the western heritage, culture and character of Snowmass Village and the Roaring Fork Valley Community. After all, this region was and still is populated with farmers and ranchers.

Stay after the rodeo for a campfire sing-a-long complete with roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

Ranch Rodeo at the Archuleta County Fair in Pagosa Springs [Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer]

Thursdays in the Summer
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Cowboys and cowgirls are plentiful in Southwest Colorado and there’s no better place to see them in action than at the Busted Spur Rodeo (Thursdays) and the Red Ryder Roundup (July 4th Weekend) in Pagosa Springs. In addition, a Kid’s Summer Rodeo Series takes place at the Western Heritage Event Center held every Sunday morning during the summer. 

June – August 2018
Beaver Creek, Colorado
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The Beaver Creek Rodeo Grounds are located in Avon just east of the Chapel Square and City market shopping centers. Parking is complimentary. 

Love rodeos? Check out this list of Colorado rodeos.