Memorial Day Weekend Staycations in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A Staycation is to be a tourist in your own backyard...
Looking for a weekend getaway close to home in the Rocky Mountains? Plan your perfect Staycation this Memorial Day Weekend in Steamboat Springs. Steamboat may be best known for its epic skiing conditions, but there is so much more to experience in this charming Western mountain town.
Click here for Steamboat Lodging and Memorial Day Weekend Accommodations...
STAYCATION IDEA #1: EXPERIENCE STEAMBOAT'S WHITEWATER
Steamboat has whitewater for everyone, from Class I up to Class V! Pro kayakers will take to the local rivers and creeks on Memorial Day for the Paddling Life Pro Invitational - this is a great, free spectating event! If you're not yet a pro or have never been kayaking before, several local outfitters provide lessons and rental equipment to get you started!
Whitewater rafting is another great way to experience whitewater this time of year! Several rafting trip options are available through local rafting guide companies. Choose from mild to advanced trips!
- Kayak the Yampa River through Downtown Steamboat
Looking for whitewater? Steamboat has it! The Steamboat Springs Whitewater Park is a Class II section of the Yampa River, over 2 miles long through downtown Steamboat. The park begins with a slalom course followed by several excellent rapids that provide great surfing opportunities. This time of year, the Yampa has ideal river boarding levels!
- Paddling Life Pro Invitational - Races at 10am & 1pm - Monday, May 26th
Watch the best men & women kayakers in the world compete in a one-day, two-event competition for a cash purse & year-long bragging rights! The event will be followed by a party at Sunpies Bistro featuring local bands, beer and other surprises.
Click here to view photos from the 2007 Paddling Life Pro Invitational...
Check out this video from the 2007 Paddling Life Pro Invitational...
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
*10am - Creek Race – Middle Fish Creek
One mile of seat-of-the-pants, class V continuous whitewater.
*1pm - Freestyle - Charlie’s Hole, Yampa River
Arguably the best man-made feature in the state.
*6pm - Paddling Life’s Apres Paddle Party at Sunpies
New Belgium Brewery beer, music, food & more!
- Whitewater Rafting Trips
Yampa River at Steamboat, CO
*Rafting available early May through early June
*45-minute trip - starts at Walton Creek Road in Steamboat
Elk River at Clark, CO
*Rafting available mid May through early June
*1-hour trips available
*Daily Double Trip option with a 2-hour horseback ride, lunch at the ranch, and a 45-minute raft trip
North Platte River at Walden, CO
*Rafting available late May through late June
*Full day trips available - transportation and lunch included!
Yampa River at Cross Mountain (Dinosaur, CO)
*Rafting available late May through early July
*Full day trips available - transportation and lunch included!
STAYCATION IDEA #2: EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF STEAMBOAT
Steamboat Springs has a history filled with stories of the Ute tribe, pioneers, ranchers, miners and Olympians! Our historical downtown features many buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Set off on a bike or walking tour of downtown, and step back into time as you explore the history of the Yampa Valley.
When Steamboat Springs founder James Crawford got to the Yampa Valley, one of the first things he did was to dig a hole at a natural hot springs to give his family a place to relax & rejuvenate. Our area features over 150 mineral hot springs! Ask our concierge about the downtown Hot Springs Walking Tour.
FREE! Event: Historic Bike Tour of Steamboat Springs - 10:00am-12:00pm - Saturday, May 24th
*Kick off the Memorial Day weekend with a bicycle tour of historic properties in Steamboat Springs. Join members of the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission as they bring the architectural history of Steamboat to life with colorful stories & bits of trivia regarding Steamboat's past. Meet at Howelsen Hill for the two hour tour.
Tread of Pioneers Museum - Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am-5:00pm
*Visit the museum housed in a 1908 Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings, and exhibits about local ranching, mining, Native American history & pioneer life - plus a comprehensive history of skiing exhibit. Start your walking tour here!
More Useful Steamboat Summer Vacation Planning Links:
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