Steamboat Travel News: Voted in Top 20 Places to Live Western Dream
Steamboat Springs locals and loyalists have long been proud of Steamboat’s genuine western charm and ranching roots. This spring, American Cowboy, America's most widely read Western lifestyle magazine, officially recognized Steamboat Springs as one of the top 20 places to live the Western Dream. In fact, Steamboat ranked number 4!
Its reputation as Ski Town USA is certainly a draw, but few know that Steamboat Spring’s ranching roots run deeper than any amount of champagne powder. Cradled by a fertile valley of the Yampa River, the area was once the largest exporter of cattle in the West. Today you’ll find that history alive and well at events such as Cowboy Roundup Days and the annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, both in July. (Excerpt from American Cowboy magazine)
"The places we chose embody the magic and spirit that is the great American West, and we're thrilled to recognize each town for its commitment to honoring, celebrating, and preserving their Western history and heritage," said Bill Garrels, publisher of American Cowboy. "Whether you're looking for a new place to settle or the perfect place to vacation, these communities deliver top value in the form of adventure, culture, charm, natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness, and frontier history and tradition."
ResortQuest Recommends: Top 10 Ways to Live the Western Dream In Steamboat Springs
Book your Steamboat Spring lodging with ResortQuest Steamboat and our concierge can help you arrange any of the following activities (and many more!) for you and your family!
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Horesback riding with local rancher (and Ski Legend!)
Saddle-up and take a horseback ride with longtime local Steamboat Springs rancher and ski legend, Ray Heid. Ray and his family will guide you up through their glorious ranch to look-out’s with expansive views of the area’s famous mountains: Saddle Mountain, Sleeping Giant and Sand Mountain. |
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Be a cowboy for a day at Saddleback Ranch (home of the Filthy Rich reality tv series!)
This is not your average nose-to-tail horseback ride. Ride out on this real working ranch and do what the real ranchers do: roam around the 6,500 acres of rolling hills and valleys and check on the cattle--maybe even help move them. |
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Discover the Mt Zirkel wilderness on horseback, before dinner at the Saloon!
Ride through aspens groves and pine forests up to a mountain top, along the way savoring views of the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness and Continental Divide. After your ride, return to the Elk River Ranch Saloon for a cocktail and dinner fit for a rodeo king! |
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Yee haw! Raft AND Ride at Elk River Ranch
Start your western adventure with a two-hour horseback ride, followed by lunch at the Elk River Guest Ranch's Silhouette Saloon. End your day with an exhilarating raft trip down the Elk River. |
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Fly Fishing Trips: Soak up the scenery and perhaps catch dinner!
Even cowboys and cowgirls take time out to enjoy their magnificent surroundings, and what better way than to take a walk-and-wade fly fishing trip throughout Steamboat’s picturesque rivers, lakes and creeks. |
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Get a Taste of a Real Working Ranch: Wagon Ride and Western Dinner
The Saddleback horse-drawn wagon ride will give you a taste of what a real ranch out west is all about: rolling hills, panoramic views, genuine western hospitality and scrumptious food (including Mile High Ranch Biscuits and Homemade Apple Crisp. Mmm)! |
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Cowboy Hat? Boots? Chaps? Look no further than F.M. Light & Sons
F.M. Light & Sons is Steamboat Springs’ historic clothing store in downtown Steamboat Springs. Enjoy a step back into the old west while browsing among many original fixtures from one hundred years ago. Isn’t it time you bought some authentic cowboy boots and a cowboy hat? |
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Do you have the pioneering spirit? Take a scenic road trip to explore the wilderness
The 82-mile-long Flat Tops Trail, a National Forest Scenic Byway, traverses deep canyons; valleys excavated by swift rivers; and winds though plateaus created by Ancient lava flows. The road crosses the ancestral homeland of the Ute Indians, the second oldest national forest in the United States, and some of Colorado’s most dramatic scenic views. |
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Steamboat Springs Summer Pro Rodeo, every Friday and Saturday
Local cowboys from our own Yampa Valley and from across the nation compete in team roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding and bull riding in this fast-paced and entertaining professional rodeo held in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs. Kids even get in on the fun during the Ram Scramble and Peewee Barrel Racing events. |
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Explore Steamboat’s Tread of Pioneers History Museum
This excellent museum combines two beautifully restored Victorian homes and a separate gallery. Exhibits focus on the area's pioneer ranch life, including an extensive firearm collection and a Southwest American Indian collection. Be sure to check out the "History of Skiing" and the "History of Steamboat Springs" exhibits. |
ResortQuest Also Recommends: Top 10 Steamboat Summer Western and Agriculture Events
More Useful Steamboat Spring & Summer Vacation Planning Links:
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