A famous ski center, Steamboat Springs in the Yampa Valley is one of North America's largest ski mountains. Steamboat offers 142 trails and 3000 skiable acres. Located 7,000 feet up in the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat is legendary for its six peaks, each contributing tree skiing, bumps, and open meadows that gives Steamboat Springs Ski Resort an international name. However, Steamboat also offers more than winter sports. Fish Creek Falls is a breathtaking 283' waterfall and historic bridge. From the falls you have access to hiking and mountain biking trails that lead to the Continental Divide. From town, drive northeast to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area where the elevation ranges from 7,000' to 13,000' in a 141,000-acre undeveloped area, ideal for hiking, fishing and hunting. The Yampa River Trail System runs adjacent to downtown.

Supposedly named Steamboat Springs in 1865, French trappers thought they heard the chugging of a steamboat while riding through the city. But it was the hot springs that chugged until 1908 when the railroad blasted out the rock chamber over the springs. Northern Utes (the Yampsatika) summered in the area as early as the 1300s. Whites first settled here in 1875 and although they used skis to get around in the winter, it wasn't until 1913 that they started skiing for fun. The rest is history. Be forewarned, however, according to local legend, the "Yampa Valley Curse" means visitors are cast under a spell that compels them to return again and again.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Yampa Valley Regional Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Steamboat Springs is near: Craig