Your Perfect Guide to Steamboat Springs in the Summer

Are you planning a trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the summer? 

When I moved from New Jersey to Colorado and I wanted to live in an authentic ski town, I chose Steamboat Springs. Steamboat, Colorado is a charming ski town that has not lost its western mountain town vibe over the years. 

It’s one of my favorite places that I’ve lived in Colorado to live and I’ll always have wonderful memories! 

I love going back to visit Steamboat and will be back this summer for the Steamboat Springs Half Marathon on June 4th! 

Steamboat Springs is a special mountain town nestled in Northwest Colorado in the Yampa Valley with an abundance of summer activities, gorgeous views, no humidity, and plenty of sunshine! 

From cute locally owned shops on Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln Avenue is Steamboat’s “main street”) to hiking up stunning trails with views of Fish Creek Falls, there are so many summer activities in Steamboat Springs! 

How to Get to Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) 

The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is located in Routt County and is just 22 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs(a 30-minute drive). During the summer months, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have non-flight flights from Denver. This makes Steamboat convenient from many cities across the US but taking a quick stop in Denver. 

You can fly into Denver from your major city and then hop on a short flight to Yampa Valley Regional Airport (Hayden). To learn more about the Yampa Valley Airport schedules, check out the Yampa Valley Airport website. You’ll find the air schedules and seasonality listed along with additional information about the winter season, too. 

Denver International Airport (DEN) 

Another great option in the summer especially is to fly into Denver International Airport. Fly into Denver and make the beautiful drive up to Steamboat Springs, Colorado! This drive will take you about 3 hours and 15 minutes in the summertime without traffic delays. 

Ground Transportation Options 

If you’re interested in booking an easy shuttle from Hayden Airport or Denver, Go West is the premier transportation company in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

From Yampa Valley Regional Airport, you can rent a car from Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, or Hertz. All three are on-site at Yampa Valley Regional Airport. More information about airport parking and car rental information can be found on the Ground Transporation link here. 

Getting Around Once You’re in Steamboat

Steamboat is a very walkable town, especially in the downtown area. The drive from Steamboat Ski Resort to downtown Steamboat Springs is about 10 minutes and approximately 3.5 miles. Getting around Steamboat is easy, even if you don’t have a car!

There’s a free city bus that will take you around town and from the base area to town. Check the schedule here for the Steamboat free city bus.

There are also taxi services available and the Yampa River Core Trail that runs from the Steamboat Springs ski resort down into town.

Best Time to Visit Steamboat 

The summer season in Steamboat really gets going in mid-June. This is when the snow melts away and the hiking trails are not soft anymore.

Here’s the Steamboat Ski Resort ski lift schedule for the 2023 season: 

May 26 – June 16: Christie Peak Lift and Steamboat Gondola will operate on weekends only.

June 16 – Sept 4: Christie Peak Lift and Steamboat Gondola will operate daily.

Sept 8 – Oct 1: Christie Peak Lift and Steamboat Gondola will operate on weekends only.

Weather in the Summer in Steamboat 

The weather in Steamboat Springs in the summertime is very pleasant! You’ll experience average temperatures will range from 70 degrees F to 75 degrees F during the afternoons with much cooler temperatures in the evenings.

Sometimes it can get down to the 40s in the evening so make sure to bring some warm clothes. Just because it’s July or August doesn’t mean it’s always warm. The higher elevation can be chilly at night!

It’s best to bring a sweater or light jacket with you when traveling to Steamboat in the summer. This is true even for the warmest months of July and August! Grab this great packing guide for traveling to Colorado in the summer.

Things to do in Summer in Steamboat Springs

Hiking in Steamboat Springs 

There are so many options when it comes to hiking in Steamboat!

The Steamboat Ski Resort offers a full trail map of hiking trails that will accommodate all levels of hiking ability. Explore the hiking trails here on this summer hiking trail map of Steamboat Ski Resort.

Steamboat Ski Resort also offers amazing guided hikes on the mountain that take about 2 hours to complete. When booking a guide, you’ll learn about the region and explore areas that you may not have found on your own! 

Interested in booking a guided hike in Steamboat? Check out all the details here.

If hiking off the beaten path is more your style, check out these hikes that are not at the Steamboat Ski Resort.

This post is all about Steamboat Springs summer.

Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs is home to incredible hot springs including Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs. These natural hot springs offer a fun and relaxing way to recover after a day of hiking or exploring the Yampa Valley. 

Strawberry Hot Park Hot Springs is located just a short 25-minute drive from Steamboat Ski Resort. You’ll find a very natural unique stone setting at Strawberry Park Hot Springs when you visit. It’s a beautiful location with plenty of space and options for soaking. Restrooms, changing rooms, and picnic areas are all available.

Shuttles are available and provided by Sweet Pea Tours. Check out all of their details here!

Old Town Hot Springs is in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs. Old Town Hot Springs is very convenient to Steamboat Ski Resort and the downtown area. The facilities at Old Town Hot Springs include all-natural mineral hot springs, a fitness facility, a rock climbing wall, and locker rooms for changing and storing belongings.

Whitewater Rafting 

Whitewater Rafting is a true Colorado experience in the summer! Near Steamboat Springs, the best whitewater rafting will be found on the Colorado River and Clear Creek.

The top recommendation for whitewater rafting is Mad Adventures located in Kremmling, Colorado. These whitewater rafting trips are perfect for experiencing rafting for the first time with your family and children. Perfect for groups too!

The professionally trained whitewater rafting guides will provide instruction and safety to all of their guests. They love to have fun and share their expertise with those coming to Steamboat for whitewater rafting!

Hot Air Ballooning

Riding in a hot air balloon in Steamboat is a very popular and once-in-a-lifetime activity! You’ll ride with a certified hot air balloon pilot and most rides are about 45 minutes, over the gorgeous Steamboat landscape.

Wild West Balloon Adventures is located just about a 5-minute drive from Steamboat Ski Resort and will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Ride the Steamboat Gondola 

Steamboat Ski Resort is currently going through a transformation which includes the Steamboat Gondola! Before planning your trip, check out this website for the latest and greatest updates about the new Wild Blue Gondola and the “Full Steam Ahead” project in Steamboat, Colorado.

Riding up the Steamboat Gondola in the summertime is one of my favorite things to do! Steamboat Ski Resort offers Scenic Gondola rides that provide sprawling views of the Yampa Valley and Mt. Werner. You can purchase tickets online ahead of your visit to Steamboat. Check out the options here and purchase your tickets.

Kayaking and Tubing in Steamboat 

The Yampa River flows through the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs. Kayaking and tubing on the Yampa River is an activity that many people love! If you’re new to playing on the river, tubing is a really great way to experience it without needing experience. It’s easy!

The tubing season is June through August and tube rentals are conveniently available in downtown Steamboat.

The Yampa River Festival is a fun event that takes place in Steamboat Springs annually, in June. Check the Friends of the Yampa website for more details as they become available.

Backdoor Sports is located on the Yampa River and is our top recommendation for rentals! You’ll find pricing and more information here on Backdoor Sports’ website. You’ll start your tubing adventure right there near their shop and end up 2 miles down the river at the James Brown Soul Center Of The Universe bridge. Transportation back to Backdoor Sports is provided and runs continuously!

Backdoor Sports also rents kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, and camping gear.

Fishing in Steamboat

Steamboat Springs is known locally for their excellent fly fishing on the Yampa River. You’ll enjoy several miles of the beautiful peaceful river and access to rainbow and brown trout! There are also several areas to visit nearby for more fishing options! Places like Steamboat Lake State Park, Stagecoach, and Pearl Lake are three spots that provide excellent fishing opportunities. 

Check out Steamboat Flyfisher for guided float trips, gear and equipment, and wading trips in the local area! When you’re looking for what to do in Steamboat Springs in summer, fishing could definitely be at the top of the list!

Horseback Riding in Steamboat

Horseback riding is a unique and different way to experience the beautiful scenery of Steamboat Springs! You’ll ride through the beautiful valley and get to really enjoy the surrounding mountains on a horseback ride excursion.

It’s an easy way to spend time together as a family, a couple, or a group of friends and be outside. All levels of riding skills can be accommodated by the local horseback riding outfitters. 

For horseback riding in Steamboat, I highly recommended these companies:  Saddleback Ranch and Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. You’ll love the true ranch experience at these locations and they’ll set you up for a very memorable trip!

This post is all about Steamboat Springs summer.

Golf in Steamboat

Steamboat Springs is home to several gorgeous golf courses! Haymaker Golf Course has been ranked “#4 Golf Course You Can Play in Colorado, 2019” by Golfweek Magazine. It’s owned by the city of Steamboat Springs and is one of the most beautiful courses in the Yampa Valley. It’s always been one of my favorites! Sometimes, I’ll just go to hit some balls and get practice. 

Haymaker Golf Course also offers golf instruction and adult golf clinics for those golfers who wish to improve their golf game. 

Steamboat Golf Club is another stunning golf course in Steamboat Springs, located about 6 miles just west of town. This course is a lovely walking course and a 9-hole rounds can usually be completed in two hours.

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club is part of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. This course is an 18-hole course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, II, with spectacular views of the Yampa Valley and Fish Creek. Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club offers golf package offers when booking the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. It’s received awards such as “Best Places to Play in Colorado” from Golf Digest.

Steamboat Springs Farmers Market 

The Steamboat Springs Farmer’s Market is something you should plan on visiting while in Steamboat in the summer! It’s located on Yampa Street between 5th and 8th and occurs every Saturday from mid-June until September. You’ll find local vegetable, fruit, and meat vendors from Steamboat and nearby towns offering their best produce and products of the season!

Shopping in Steamboat 

Strolling Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat Springs is a perfect opportunity to shop at local boutiques, outdoor specialty shops, and western wear stores. You’ll also find locally made artwork, kitchenwares, coffee shops, and a fun candy store during your shopping excursion!

Shopping in Steamboat can be really fun, especially when you find something special at a local boutique! When you’re looking for things to do in Steamboat Springs in summer, shopping can easily be one of my most fun ways to spend an afternoon with family.

While you’re in Steamboat, a stop into the Ski Haus, an independently owned ski shop in Steamboat! This ski shop is my all-time favorite ski shop in the mountains. When I visit Steamboat, I always make it a point to shop at Ski Haus! They have all the latest mountain fashions, equipment, footwear, and seasonal gear. Their super friendly staff is so helpful and you’ll fall in love with it too!

Art Galleries in Steamboat

In downtown Steamboat Springs,  you’ll find several art galleries featuring local and national artists. The First Friday Artwalk in Steamboat is a great way to experience these artistic centers and truly appreciate the local crafts.

The Steamboat Art Walk is an event that takes place on the first Friday of every month. You’ll discover incredible artists and enjoy some lights snacks and beverages along the way. If you’re in town for a first Friday, definitely check out the Art Walk!

Dining in Steamboat

Steamboat Springs is home to some of my all-time favorite mountain town breakfast spots! Every time I’m in Steamboat, Winona’s is my go-to breakfast restaurant. Other favorite restaurants in Steamboat are Carl’s Tavern, Creekside Cafe, and Mambo Italiano. Order up some artichokes or Mushroom Toast from Mambo if you’re a veggie lover like I am.

Take a look at this Perfect Guide to Steamboat Restaurants for a wide array of suggestions and to plan your dining!

Outdoor Music in Steamboat 

Outdoor music in Steamboat Springs during the summer is a tradition! The Steamboat Free Summer Concerts is a perfect way to spend a summer evening on Howelson Hill, meeting up with friends and family to enjoy some outdoor evening relaxation. 

The Steamboat Strings Music Festival is another wonderful venue in Steamboat that hosts various bands and acts through the summer months. They’ll also host the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. Check out the Strings Music Festival schedule here.

Steamboat Marathon Weekend

If you’re a runner or an aspiring runner, consider visiting Steamboat during the first weekend in June for the 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon. The weekend is filled with energy and positivity as the community comes together to celebrate the start of summer.

Check out the Steamboat Springs 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon weekend here to enter or simply read about the details!

Camping in Steamboat 

If camping is what you’re looking for in Steamboat Springs, there are so many opportunities! You can stay in the wilderness in one of the designated Wilderness areas dedicated to camping, or a campground that offers more facilities. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery either way and here are a few resources for planning your camping trip to Steamboat.

If you’re traveling with a camper or RV, KOA campground is going to be your best option in Steamboat. Just outside of town, you can check out one of the State Parks for your camping adventure! Stagecoach State Park or Steamboat Lake State Park will be your best options.

Where to Stay in Steamboat 

Steamboat has a large selection of choices when it comes to lodging. The majority of options are condominiums, townhomes, and residences. These accommodations are great options for families and groups who want more space to spread out.

Especially when you’re coming to a mountain town, it’s nice to have extra room for hiking shoes, jackets, extra clothes, and skis in the wintertime. Thus, you’ll find a lot of residential options in Steamboat!

For a thorough list of the best places to stay in Steamboat, check out The Complete Guide to Where to Stay in Steamboat.

In Conclusion

Steamboat Springs is a stunning mountain town in Colorado with so much to offer in the summer. My hope is that this article helps you plan an amazing summer vacation to Steamboat Springs with your family and friends!

If you need help knowing what to pack for a summer trip to Colorado, check out the Ultimate Colorado Packing List for Summer here!

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