Steamboat Springs Summer Activities

Mountain Biking & Hiking in Steamboat Springs

Surrounded by National Forest lands, Steamboat Springs is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and road biking enthusiasts. The Gondola allows hikers and bikers access to 30 miles worth of scenic trails on the Steamboat Ski Resort. For a gentle ride with the kids, take the 5-mile Yampa River Trail, which connects the ski area to downtown Steamboat Springs. Adrenaline seekers can then hit the Howelsen Hill loops, Red Dirt at Mad Creek, The Hot Springs Trails, and so many more!

Fly Fishing in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is adored by fly fishing enthusiasts, thanks to its bounty of prime trout fisheries on the Yampa River and the Stagecoach Reservoir. With nearly 150 lakes, reservoirs, and streams in Routt County alone, fishermen find endless opportunities to reel in rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Word to the wise: many areas are catch and release only. Contact our concierge for more information about when and where the fish are biting.

Mountain Golf in Steamboat

Golfing in Steamboat promises not only stunning views of the Yampa Valley, but a major perk of high-altitude play: the high and dry mountain atmosphere creates less air resistance, adding up to 10% to most players’ drives. Both the resort course at the Rolling Stone Ranch Golf Club and Haymaker, the city-run golf course, offer challenging water hazards and fast undulating greens. To make tee time reservations, please contact our concierge.

Steamboat Guided Summer Adventure Tours

Steamboat Springs is surrounded by the Routt National Forest, Medicine Bow National Forest which are home to countless high mountain rivers, lakes, and streams ideal for horseback riding, rafting, ATV off-roading, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures. Numerous local wilderness outfitters offer visitors everything they need to get out and play in Steamboat’s scenic backcountry terrain.

Tubing in Steamboat

As summer heats up, the Yampa River slows down allowing for perfect tubing right through the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat Summer Family Activities and Events

Howler Alpine Slide at Howelsen Hill
Thrill seekers can hop on Steamboat’s hair raising 2,400 foot-long alpine slide, which boasts two parallel tracks with several 180 degree turns and six 90 degree turns. Its 400 foot drop rates as one of the steepest alpine verticals
in North America. Children must be 7 years or older to ride a cart by themselves, and children 2-6 years old must ride with a parent. Children under 2 years old are not permitted on the slide.

Howelsen Hill
Howelsen Hill has an alpine slide, skateboard park, tennis courts, baseball fields, volleyball, and other warm weather activities.

Scenic Gondola Rides/Kids Adventure Club at Steamboat Ski Resort
The Silver Bullet Gondola offers passengers panoramic views of Steamboat Springs and the greater Yampa Valley. Kids will love the Adventure Club featuring a variety of camps for ages 3-12 years old. The Mini Camp features short hikes, outdoor games, arts & crafts, picnics and water activities. The Yampa Campers and Routt Scouts activities include mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, scavenger hunts, bungee jumps, trampolines, and Strings in the Mountains concerts. Activities are provided Monday-Friday.

Miniature Golf
Amazin' Maze offers a mini golf course, located behind the Steamboat Springs Visitor Center.

Ice Skating
Steamboat's indoor ice rink offers skate rentals and music to skate by! Public skate hours are limited, please call ahead for the week's schedule.

Love a Llama Farm for Kids
Kids will enjoy two fun, interactive hours with the "Llama Lady" (Diane White-Crane), author of the children's book "Stop Spitting on Your Brother" and featured on Animal Planet. Kids will feed the llamas, lead them on a short hike, make a llama ornament, become hands-on puppeteers, and sing along to the Llama Lady's toe-tapping songs. They will also hear a story about the Ute Indians in the tepee and play instruments along with Indian music.

Public Tennis
The Tennis Center of Steamboat offers state-of-the-art clay & hard outdoor courts, as well as new, cushioned indoor hard courts - court fees apply. The Steamboat Health & Recreation Center has four outdoor hard courts - court fees apply, open daily. Howelsen Hill has two free courts that are first come, first serve.

The Silver Lining - Make Your Own Jewelry Creations
The original "Make it Yourself" bead shop! At The Silver Lining in Torian Plum Plaza, you can create your own earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more at the custom design counter. A huge selection of gems & beads from around the world. All ages and abilities welcome! ResortQuest guests can receive a discount on jewelry, beads and charms - just request a coupon from the concierge!


Wild West-Style Family Activities in Steamboat

Pro Rodeo Series
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series features a Western BBQ, live entertainment, and a rodeo showcasing the best cowboys in Colorado and Wyoming - kids events too! Every Friday and Saturday evening, June 13th-August 16th, 2008.



Wagon Dinner Rides
Elk River Guest Ranch offers a ride in a wagon around the ranch in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, and return to the "Saloon" for dinner at outside tables. A variety of menu choices are available! Another wagon dinner ride choice is with Saddleback Ranch in Milner. This horse-drawn wagon ride will give you a taste of what a real ranch out west is all about! Dinner in the bunk house includes several menu options.


Activities with Aerial Views of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Get a spectacular, bird's-eye view of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley! Watch as the balloon is inflated, then climb into the basket to float up into the clouds! Enjoy a continental breakfast, glass of champagne and receive a balloon flight certificate for your memorable experience. Flights are bright & early in the morning, allowing for a full day of other summer fun! For ages 6+. Please visit Wild West Balloon Adventures.

Helicopter Rides/Tours
Zoom and hover over breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains in a helicopter! Great for aerial photography or just the thrill of the ride! Helicopter tours are provided by the Zephyr Helicopter Company.


Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate in Steamboat

Steamboat's Best Hot Springs and Downtown Springs Walking Tour
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is an experience to remember! Soak like the Ute Indians did in the river pools of hot and warm mineral water that comes right out of the ground. For an in-town hot springs experience, visit the Old Town Hot Springs featuring 2 brand new 230 foot waterslides, hot mineral pools and lap & kiddie pools.


Day Spas/Massage Therapy
You're on vacation, pamper yourself! Let your stresses melt away while a professional aesthetician cares for your skin through a soothing facial or revitalizing body salt glow rub. Relax those tired, aching muscles or enjoy the soothing effects of the spa's atmosphere with a massage. Then polish your new look with a manicure and pedicure! Day spa experiences are available at Waterside Day Spa, Rocky Mountain Day Spa and the Bear River Spa.


Learn More About the History of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley

Tread of Pioneers Museum
Experience a taste of Steamboat's history at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, a quaint downtown museum in an 1908 Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings. The museum also features History of Skiing and Native American exhibits. Open daily, pre-arranged tours are welcome.




Musical Entertainment in Steamboat

Strings in the Mountains Music Festival
Relax and enjoy live concerts this summer in the brand new music pavilion! Performances range from classical to bluegrass to big band. Don't miss the weekly free concerts at the botanical gardens along the Yampa River bike trail!

Free Steamboat Summer Concert Series

Plan Your Steamboat Springs Summer Vacation:

• Steamboat Lodging
• Steamboat Vacation Planning Guide
• Steamboat Summer Events
• Steamboat Springs Steamboat Blog