Colorado has a lot of gems waiting to be discovered during the summertime. It can be hard to choose which town to run off and escape to next. But for Northern Colorado folk, Steamboat Springs is an easy choice because of its abundant landscape and endless summer activities that get you outside. It can be hard to choose what to do next in this incredibly charming town. So here are 5 activities you do not want to miss. And these are ones you can easily squeeze into a weekend getaway or leisurely enjoy during a longer stay.
1. Visit Strawberry Hot Springs
This hot spring may sound more appealing during the wintertime but trust me you could not be more wrong. If you have never been to Strawberry Park Hot Springs then you will want to go any chance you get. There are several natural pools to enjoy and they all vary in temperature. Which makes it perfect for any season.
The natural atmosphere is what really sets this hot spring apart from any other one in the state. The water is full of enriching minerals that will give your hair and skin life again. Indulge in even more pampering by signing up for a massage or any of their other natural treatments.
Also if you are looking for a place to stay they have some adorable accommodations that are one-of-kind. Like they’ve covered wagon rooms. Get a real taste of western Colorado when staying here and you will have even more opportunities to swim in the pools when all the crowds have gone home.
2. Go To The Saturday Steamboat Springs Farmer’s Market
Get to know the heart of Steamboat at the Farmers Market. A local market is always a great chance to get to know the unique culture of a town by getting to know the people who live, work, and support their local community. The Saturday Farmers Market in Steamboat Springs is booming with a huge variety of exciting local eats and treats. The produce grown in the Yampa Valley has so much love put into it. Any many vendors craft their special products from what is grown on their own farms.
If you are staying in a vacation rental or even camping you will want to stock up on fresh, locally grown food that you can cook up and eat straight away. That way you are properly nourished for all those summer activities. The market runs from June 5th-September 18th from 9 am to 2 pm.
3. Go Hiking
There are trailheads all over Steamboat Springs and they all have something extra special to offer. In town, there are a couple of famous ones like the Fish Creek Falls. You don’t even have to hike far to see the majestic and mystic waterfall. But if you continue on up the trail there is even more beauty you will find including Long Lake at the very top.
If you drive North through Clark into Mount Zerkel Wilderness it is here you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Yampa Valley. Which expands over 160,000 beautiful acres of open space in Routt National Forest. It is home to 70 Lakes and is part of the continental divide. The best place to stay is here under the stars in your tent or in a secluded log cabin.
It is the spot where you will want to hike the most because there are so many alpine lakes to discover. It is worth the hour drive if you are staying closer to downtown Steamboat Springs, I promise. We hiked up to Gilpin Lake, which is 9 miles roundtrip. It was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever wandered through.
The wildflowers blooming in the summertime is an incredible opportunity to see some of Colorado’s rarest wild plants. Test yourself by seeing how many you can name, I recommend keeping a botany book handy whenever hiking in Colorado. Or go on a wild plants hike with a trusted herbalist from Aspen Botanicals to jumpstart your knowledge.
4. Go Tubing Down The River
It isn’t summer in Colorado without tubing down a river. And tubing down the Yampa in Steamboat Springs is the best way to cross that summer must off your checklist. There are so many places you can rent a tube along the river in town. Or you can buy your own tube from Christy Sports so you are ready for the next Colorado river you encounter.
The water conditions where we were at were very mellow. The perfect lazy river feel. And it was such a treat to get in to the icy cold water on a hot summer day.
5. Try A New Restaurant In Downtown Steamboat Springs
Vegan food can be a tricky thing to find here in Colorado but Steamboat Springs has a few options that are worth a try. Especially for those long days of summer activities that make you too tired to cook. We found Seedz last year and ever since then we have been hooked on their Southwestern breakfast tower. We also really enjoyed Bou Jou’s pizza with their vegan cheese! And we always have to check out Yampa Valley Kitchen’s fresh and seasonal menu when we roll through town.
Find more Colorado mountains towns to explore this summer with these summer travel guides that are great for any kind of adventure.
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