Planning a trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado? We have visited this fun mountain town twice with my extended family, and there are lots of fun things to do in Steamboat Springs in the summer.
Steamboat Springs is located in northwest Colorado, about 3 hours' drive from Denver. It is home to Steamboat Resort – a popular ski resort in the winter.
There is even more to do here in the summer. And cool mountain temperatures make it an outstanding summer destination for families.
Honestly, one of my top priorities on this trip was relaxation, so we spent a lot of time just hanging out at our resort. But we still had time to enjoy most of the activities on this list.
Here are my top things to do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
River Tubing
Tubing the Yampa River was one of the highlights of our Steamboat Springs trip. It is fairly easy and inexpensive.
We bought river tubes and an air pump before our trip. The river runs parallel to downtown Steamboat Springs and there are several convenient places to put in and get out.
We parked upstream and had my dad shuttle us back. Many visitors park downstream and take a bus to the put-in. You can also book with an outfitter who will take care of the equipment and transportation for you.
Learn more about tubing the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs at https://www.steamboatchamber.com/activities/water-activities/tubing/
Biking
The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved trail that runs along the Yampa River and behind downtown Steamboat Springs. It's good for a variety of activities, and it's especially fun with bicycles.
I didn't bike in Steamboat Springs, but my brother-in-law brought his e-bike and rode this trail every day. It was a fun and easy way to get around town and enjoy the scenery.
Steamboat Resort has a bike park too. Ride the scenic chair lift up the mountain with your bike, then ride the trails down.
Hiking
Steamboat Springs is an outstanding hiking destination. For starters, you can hike the Yampa River Core Trail, Fish Creek Falls, or Steamboat Resort.
Avid hikers can find many trails in this beautiful and mountainous region.
My husband, kids, and others in our group hiked up the hill at Steamboat Resort one morning and then rode the scenic chairlift back down. It costs money to ride the lift up the mountain, but it's free to ride down. Hike halfway to the chairlift or all the way to the gondola.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Steamboat Springs is named for the whistling sound that the natural hot springs made here in the 1800s. Today, there are several good ways to enjoy hot springs year-round in Steamboat Springs.
Old Town Hot Springs is located downtown. It features several spring-fed pools and waterslides, as well as other fun activities.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is another popular hot springs resort in Steamboat Springs. It is located outside the city and has on-site lodging and other amenities.
There are smaller, free springs in the area too. We stopped to soak in “Hippie Hot Springs” at Dr. Rich Weiss Park on our tubing excursion.
Adventure Rides
Steamboat Springs has an Alpine Coaster, Zip Line, two scenic chairlifts, and a scenic gondola. Learn more about these and other summer activities at Steamboat.com.
We enjoyed the Outlaw Mountain Coaster (no longer in operation) on our first trip to Steamboat Springs and we've done alpine slides, zip lines, and scenic chairlifts in Utah. They are all a lot of fun and they are all close to downtown Steamboat.
Reservations are recommended for most of these activities. Plan ahead if they are a high priority for your family.
Related: Tips for Visiting Park City Mountain Resort in Summer
Fish Creek Falls
Fish Creek Falls is a gorgeous waterfall just a few minutes drive from downtown Steamboat Springs. There are two short, easy trails to the Lower Falls and two longer trails to the Upper Falls and Long Lake. We hiked the paved, accessible trail up to the overlook and then the shorter unpaved trail down to the bridge at the bottom of the falls.
It currently costs $5 to visit Fish Creek Falls This is a federal site, so you won't need to pay if you have a national parks annual pass. It may be difficult to find a parking space on summer weekends and holidays, so go early or late to beat the crowds.
Related: 4 Ways to Save on National Park Fees
Fishing
Fly fishing in the Yampa River is a popular activity in Steamboat Springs. Bring your own equipment, rent equipment in town, or let a local outfitter take care of everything for you.
There are several good fishing spots in town, or you can head to a nearby state park. Learn more about fishing in Steamboat Springs at https://www.steamboatchamber.com/activities/water-activities/fishing/
Yampa River Botanic Park
Yampa River Botanic Park is a free public park near downtown Steamboat Springs and the Yampa River Core Trail. It's 6-acres of landscaped gardens and sculptures.
Learn more at https://yampariverbotanicpark.org/
Shopping
Downtown Steamboat Springs is filled with fun shops and restaurants. I had a lot of fun browsing the boutiques and bookstores with my teen daughter.
One shop you won't want to miss is F.M. Light and Sons. It's filled with authentic western apparel and it's easy to be tempted by the big selection of boots, even if you're not an aspiring cowboy.
Lyon Drug is another good stop for families. It's a real drug store with a real old-fashioned soda fountain – for old-fashioned prices. Get ice cream scoops for as little as $2 each. I recommend the fresh cherry-lime ricky made with fresh-squeezed limes and soda water.
Seasonal Events
We were in Steamboat for the 4th of July on our second trip. There were a lot of fun special events that week, including a parade, ski jump competition, and rodeo.
Steamboat Springs hosts a Hot Air Baloon Rodeo in July, and you can book a hot air balloon ride anytime you come to town. There are several companies to choose from.
Check the Events Calendar at Steamboat.com to find out what seasonal events will be happening during your visit.
Related: Tips for Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride
Conclusion
Steamboat Springs is an outstanding summer destination for families. And it's fun for family reunions and multi-family trips too.
I hope that this list helps jump-start your Steamboat Springs trip.
Happy travels!
Paul DeCrette
Try visiting The Crooked Key next time. Top ranked in the country and great for families!