Here’s an itinerary for a quick trip to this less crowded mountain town
Photos and story by David Young
If you only have 24 hours to enjoy a slice of Colorado, you would be hard-pressed to find a better place than Steamboat Springs. Nestled in the northwestern portion of the Centennial State, it is off the beaten path, yet still within driving distance of Denver.
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From fly-fishing to skiing in champagne powder, and snowmobiling to mountain biking, Steamboat is home to luxurious hot springs and all-inclusive dude ranches. There is something for everyone - with a bit of an Old West twist.
Steamboat, or simply The Boat, as it is known by some, is along U.S. 40 in the upper valley of the Yampa River, which is home to gold medal fishing waters. Around 150 miles northwest of Denver, just over the scenic Rabbit Ears Pass west of the Continental Divide, the community spreads across the valley floor.
The main street is lined with restaurants and local shops. Surrounding the town is a 360-degree view of mountains that serve as a regular playground for outdoor lovers. Be it world-class golf courses or the famed ski resort, Steamboat Springs is a great place to visit year-round.
Icy or not, Steamboat Lake offers great fishing
What to do
There is no lack of things to do in Steamboat Springs. Depending on the season, there are plenty of attractions, scenic destinations, hikes and shops to explore.
Skiing is what Steamboat is best known for. Whether you opt for downhill skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort, backcountry skiing in the surrounding mountains, or cross-country skiing, Steamboat is world-renowned for its light and fluffy champagne powder.
After a long day on the slopes, Strawberry Hot Springs is a natural hot spring that offers a relaxing retreat for those looking for a restorative getaway. The hot springs are a mix of natural outdoor beauty combined with unique stone masonry in the thermal pools. Pro tip, be sure to make a reservation.
For cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, check out nearby Pearl Lake and Steamboat Lake. Both of the Colorado State Parks offer a peaceful winter wonderland.
Skiing options abound, including Hinman Park.
Where to eat
Steamboat has a ton of great options when it comes to dining. For breakfast, you can never go wrong with the Creekside Cafe. It has a robust menu, including chicken and waffles and great bloody marys and mimosas.
One of our favorites is the Back Door Grill, a popular place with locals that serves great burgers and burritos. For a great bite to eat with a large beer and cocktail menu, consider The Barley Tap and Tavern, they have one of the best-curated beer selections in Colorado.
Some other great dining options in Steamboat include the Corner Slice where you can grab a pizza or calzone. If you are looking for a destination distillery, make sure to stop by Mythology Distillery's new campus that includes distillery tours, cocktail classes and an outdoor whiskey garden. They even have a restaurant onsite, serving Asian soup dumplings and other tasty bites.
Where to stay
There are a variety of places to stay in Steamboat Springs, depending on what type of accommodations you desire. From spas and hot tubs to rustic cabins and campgrounds, Steamboat has a little bit of everything.
Visitors can choose from slope-side options, such as the Steamboat Grand, which has a heated outdoor pool and a year-round hot tub in addition to the adjacent slopes. There is a wide selection of standard hotels such as the Gravity Haus, which is a boutique ski-in/ski-out hotel.
Steamboat also has some great Airbnb options. And if you are there in the summer and want to go with the camping option, Steamboat has plenty of campgrounds available, including the local Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday, and Steamboat Lake State park, both of which are is open year-round. Again, advance reservations are a must.
Vista Verde Ranch
Hidden Gem
If you find yourself with more than 24 hours in Steamboat, a hidden gem is the amazing Vista Verde Ranch located just outside of Steamboat, which delivers unparalleled all-inclusive luxury.
At Vista Verde, someone else does all the hard work so you can kick back and enjoy the pristine Colorado mountains. The Ranch is a full-service dude ranch offering visitors skiing, sledding, horseback riding, tubing, dog sleds, sleigh rides, ice fishing, wine tasting, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. The staff takes care of all the gear and legwork for the activities so visitors can just enjoy.
Spend your hard-earned time in gorgeous private cabins stocked with snacks and drinks that are perfect for the family. The Ranch also has a relaxing great room with a fireplace for kicking back after a long day of skiing or hiking.
Don’t stress about meals because their chefs prepare delicious gourmet food served with fine wines, all while surrounded by Colorado’s expansive National Forest land. Vista Verde offers something for everyone and eliminates all of the stressful planning that comes with a big trip.