Everyone could use a vacation from time to time, but getting out of town doesn’t mean having to break the bank along the way. Travelers who are heading to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the name of fun will love the sheer variety of activities and adventures that await. Making the experience even more inviting is that many of those activities come free of charge to enjoy. When you’re ready to put together a stay that fits your budget, the following are the top 5 free things to do in Steamboat Springs you can add to your to-do list when you’re in town.
Explore Steamboat Springs’s Natural Beauty
A highlight of a getaway to Steamboat Springs for many travelers year-round is taking time to get out and explore the great outdoors. This is one of the most fun things to do in Steamboat Springs that’s inspiring and doesn’t cost a dime! Hiking is a super popular activity among outdoor adventurers in Steamboat Springs thanks to the area’s sweeping valleys, mountain peaks, wildlife, flowers, lakes, creeks, and more. If you’re looking for some easy to access trails to enjoy during your stay, head over to the Spring Creek Trail not far from town, or take time to explore the Fiddlehead trail which takes you up the mountains. In the springtime, these trails are blooming with colorful wildflowers to enjoy while a fall journey is completely free but comes with priceless fall foliage views included!
If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience, head over to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area while you’re in town where you’ll have more than 160,000 acres of lush terrain to check out. The area boasts no less than 150 miles of hiking trails with the Mount Zirkel Loop Trail being a popular choice. Amazing views and alpine lakes dot this trail which can be paired with a budget-friendly picnic lunch too.
Enjoy Time on the Water
When you’re looking to cool off during your Steamboat Springs stay but you don’t want to pay for the pool experience, you can always pack an inner tube and enjoy time on the Yampa River with family and friends. This scenic waterway runs right through town and if you have your own tube in hand, you can easily put in right at the bridge at Mt. Werner Road and float as long as you’d like. Many tubers taking time for this refreshing activity in the summer enjoy the watery route down to the Transit Center past downtown before getting out to dry off.
Spend Time at the Yampa River Botanic Park
A great way to enjoy scenic surroundings in Steamboat Springs without spending anything at all is to set your sights on quality time at the Yampa River Botanic Park. Here, you’ll have access to more than 50 on-site gardens in full bloom to explore paired with benches to relax or enjoy taking photos of the flowers and plants on-site. The park is easy to access in the center of town and sits right next to the river which only enhances the tranquility factor of your stay. There are ponds to check out here as well and if you come in the summertime, Wednesday evenings are dedicated to the annual Music on the Green event while Friday evenings here are set aside for a free story time hosted by the local library.
Check Out the Burgess Creek Beach
The beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Steamboat Springs, but you’ll find the Burgess Creek Beach at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area is a great place to splash and cool off with the entire family! There’s no cost to enjoy time at this shallow creek complete with a sandy shoreline that’s family-friendly and easy to access while you’re in town.
Move Beyond the Resort Ski Slopes This Winter
If your trip to Steamboat Springs is a winter journey and you’re looking for free activities to enjoy, pack your snowshoes and head over to Rabbit Ears while you’re here. Far from the cost of the ski slopes that so many come to Steamboat Springs to enjoy, Rabbit Ears Pass is a great place to explore on your own alongside family and friends when the fresh powder falls that’s completely free to enjoy. There’s convenient off-road parking nearby and you can pair your snowshoeing fun with winter bird watching if you’d like as well this time of year.
Book Your Steamboat Springs Stay Today
The next time travel plans bring you to Steamboat Springs, let Elevated Properties take care of your luxurious vacation rental accommodations. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting property options available that not only meet your travel needs but exceed expectations at every turn! We’re happy to handle the details while you focus on the well-deserved fun and adventure ahead. We can’t wait to see you in Colorado soon!
