Whether your journey to scenic Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a solo adventure, a romantic getaway for two, or a family outing, spending time in the great outdoors is a priority here. The beautiful mountain scenery beckons visitors to come and explore and you’ll be delighted to find there’s no shortage of options for excursions to choose from. When fresh air, sunshine, and inspiring landscapes are your style, the following top 5 outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado are must-adds to your itinerary.
1. Hiking Your Way to Fish Creek Falls
You’ll want to set aside anywhere from two hours to four hours to enjoy a scenic and exciting trek to Fish Creek Falls the next time you’re adventuring in Steamboat Springs. Towering 280 feet in the air, Fish Creek Falls is a hiker’s dream come true with four trails to choose from that lead the way to the cascades. You can access the shortest of the bunch from right downtown making the experience extra convenient if you’re taking this hike with the family in tow. Other trails provide more of a challenge for experienced hikers looking to elevate the outing and put their skills to work. Either way, you’ll end up at Fish Creek Falls where the legendary cascades await. The water rushes most swiftly in the spring when the snow has just melted making for an even more spectacular view. Fish Creek Falls is a fantastic outdoor destination for nature photographers to enjoy while the hike to the waterfall is an opportunity to pair your outing with wildlife watching too. Fish Creek Falls is open daily from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm with peak crowds heading this way in the summertime.
2. Savoring the Great Outdoors at Strawberry Park Hot Springs
There’s no rule saying your Steamboat Springs outdoor activities have to be strenuous. In fact, there are options to enjoy activities in the sunshine and fresh air that are downright relaxing. That’s especially true when you make your way to Strawberry Park Hot Springs the next time you’re in town. The appeal of the natural hot springs in this region is found right in the name of the city and Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a prime example of opportunities to balance out recreation and restoration when you spend time in Steamboat Springs. You’ll only have to travel seven miles outside of the city’s center to access the hot springs here and much to the delight of guests, the pools linger at around 104 degrees year-round. A soak in the springs is a chance to unwind and relax at your own pace but this outdoor activity can also be paired up with a spring-side picnic or even a massage on-site! The hot springs are open all year long and are just as suitable for children as they are for adults.
3. Skiing at the Iconic Steamboat Ski Resort
Winter travelers making their way to Steamboat Springs when the fresh powder falls won’t be able to say their getaway is complete without setting aside time to enjoy downhill fun on the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort. Located at 2305 Mt. Werner Circle, this resort calls to skiers and snowboarders from across the map looking for outdoor fun and recreation that comes with a side of adrenaline-pumping adventure included. This ski resort has earned a reputation as a family-friendly location thanks to the varying levels of difficulty found across the runs and the comprehensive lessons and rental gear available upon arrival. In total, there are around 165 trails to explore as well as more than 3,000 skiable acres to discover at your own pace. There’s also a large terrain park and easy access to après ski stops and lodges to enjoy when you’re looking to warm up and savor some delicious flavors too. Even if you were to just ride the lifts and admire the mountain views, this would remain a top outdoor activity in the area for anyone enjoying a winter experience in Steamboat Springs.
4. Visiting the Yampa River Botanic Park
When you’re ready to spend time outdoors in Steamboat Springs, but you want to slow down and really take time to smell the flowers, the experience is best achieved at the Yampa River Botanic Park. Head over to 1000 Pamela Lane to enjoy a sunny afternoon exploring the park’s 6 acres that are brimming over with beautiful gardens, ponds, towering trees, and berms. There are no less than 50 gardens on-site to enjoy that sit alongside a kids’ garden complete with an amphitheater and a playhouse. You can bike to this riverside botanic park along the Yampa River Core Trail to enjoy a place that’s equal parts alluring and peaceful. Throughout the year, the Yampa River Botanic Park hosts a variety of educational programs on-site to check out as well as free yoga classes.
5. River Rafting
While the land-based outdoor fun abounds in Steamboat Springs, there’s just as much adventure waiting to be had on the water when you travel this way. Be sure to team up with local outfitters Bucking Rainbow when you’re ready to plan your river rafting excursion alongside the pros. They offer five different river runs ranging from mild for families with young children to wild for those who are more experienced and looking for a thrill and a challenge. There are options to book float trips or opt for outings with a focus on Class IV rapids instead. Either way, you’ll find a river rafting adventure while you’re here could just be the highlight of your visit.
Book Today and Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Steamboat Springs
When travel plans bring you to Steamboat Springs, booking your accommodations through Elevated Properties infuses style, comfort, and luxury into every moment. Coming with an electric car? Conveniently charge your vehicle at our luxury vacation rentals in Steamboat Springs with on-site EV chargers. Reach out to learn more about our beautiful Steamboat Springs rentals today.
