Steamboat Springs - Northwest Colorado
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.
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. Europeans 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.
Steamboat Springs Whitewater Park begins with a slalom course on the Yampa River. The course continues with several rapids providing great surfing opportunities. Late May through early July will have ideal river boarding levels and later in the summer, the water levels are lower making it better for tubers and fishermen.
Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Yampa Valley Regional Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.
Steamboat Springs Area is near: Craig & Yampa
Featured Steamboat Springs Businesses
Rent a UTV at C's Offroad in Craig for your Moffat County backcountry adventure. Whether you vacation in Steamboat Springs or Dinosaur, spend a day exploring the 2,000 miles open to all-terrain vehicles!
Vacation condos and townhomes in Steamboat Springs that are privately owned with an array of modern amenities. These rentals are our homes, we invite you to come create your own vacation memories.
West of Steamboat Springs in NW Colorado, Elkhead Reservoir is the only flat-water recreation area in Moffat County: State Park campsites, boat, swim, jet ski, nature trails, birding, wildlife watch, bike, fish.
Discover the hidden treasures of Moffat County, CO. Explore our wild rivers, 2 world class museums, Cowboy & Gunfighter Collection, Dinosaur National Monument, Sand Wash Basin, and wild horse herd!
Family friendly motel! Rabbit Ears is a mountain experience in downtown Steamboat Springs. Quality and Affordable modern rooms, comfy beds. Dreams are sweeter by the Yampa River - private balconies!
NEW RV and CAMPING PARK in HAYDEN at the Routt County Fairgrounds! Big Rig friendly with concrete pads. Near Steamboat Springs, Routt National Forest and the Yampa River. Bring your horse and pets.
Near Steamboat Springs, sits the pearl of state parks, at the base of majestic Hahn's Peak! Stay & Play: campsites, cabins, yurts. Experience premier hiking trails, 2 lakes, fishing, swim beach, boating, marina.
Along trout-filled Yampa River near Steamboat Springs. KOA cabins, some kitchens. SKI SEASON - WINTERIZED RV SITES. Full hookup RV sites. Island tent sites. Outdoor summer heated pool, mini-golf.
Mustangs are a symbol of the American West. The Refuge is a sanctuary for Colorado-born wild horses on 22,500 acres. Take a TOUR with our guide to see wild horses who never surrendered their freedom!
134 mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of this State Park, undeveloped camping, canoe, kayak, and raft near Steamboat Springs. The Visitor Center near Hayden has 70 campsites and nature trails.
Steamboat Springs Activities & Maps
Rafting & Kayaking:
Yampa River Rafting & Kayaking
Jeep & 4WD:
Columbine & Steamboat Springs Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails
Hot Springs:
Steamboat Springs Hot Springs
Ski Areas & Resorts:
Howelsen Hill Ski Resort
Steamboat Ski Resort
Snowmobiling:
Buffalo & Rabbit Ears Pass Snowmobile Trails
Local Area Maps:
Steamboat Springs Area Map