Steamboat Springs Summer Activities: Where Adventure Awaits

Originally a summer resort destination only, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has grown into a year-round hot spot for Rocky Mountain fun. In addition to offering some of the top skiing in the U.S., families can also plan a vacation packed full of summer activities. From biking to swimming and signature events, Steamboat welcomes guests to plan their own adventure. Here are some of the most popular Steamboat Springs summer activities to get the group pumped.

Fun-filled Steamboat Springs Summer Activities

Grab a Helmet and Ride

One of the most popular Steamboat Springs summer activities is mountain biking. In fact, mountain biking is so big, it’s a culture of its own.

Named Bike Town USA, Steamboat Springs has hundreds of miles of single track, and Steamboat Springs Bike Park has more than 50 miles of downhill and freeride terrain. The park caters to riders of all ages and abilities. Trails include dirt and wood berms, banked turns, wooden ladders and bridges, and more.

Visitors can purchase a season pass that also grants free three-day access at Winter Park Trestle Bike Park, Snowshoe Bike Park in West Virginia, and Blue Mountain Bike Park in Canada.

Relax, Play in the Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs houses two hot springs attractions for relaxing or playing. Located downtown, Old Town Hot Springs has eight spring-fed pools for swimming and soaking, including a kiddie pool, lap pool, and adults-only spring. Families have a blast riding water slides and testing their skills at the rock-climbing wall. For a full day of things to do, take a class at the fitness center and schedule a massage.

Strawberry Park’s hot springs offer a different experience. Nestled in an aspen mountain grove, visitors can unwind in natural settings. Several hot pools — temperatures vary — are fed by natural spring water and Hot Spring Creek. Enhance the relaxation by getting a massage or trying watsu, a form of aquatic therapy. In summertime, families can have a rustic camping experience at the campsites, and the park is also a great place for scenic drives. Visitor tip: Four-wheel drive is recommended. Shuttles are available as well.

Amp Up the Adventure

Another local favorite among our list of Steamboat Springs summer activities is tubing Yampa River. Hop in an innertube and ride down the river through downtown Steamboat. Easy stop points provide access to restaurants, parks and bars, or tubers can ride the entire time.

Depending on start-and-stop points and the river’s flow, rides last from one to three hours. Due to popularity, guests should reserve spots with a tubing outfitter such as Bucking Rainbow, Backdoor Sports Ltd., and One Stop Ski Shop.

Those who want to ramp up the action should plan a whitewater adventure. Beginners and intermediate rafters can book a trip down the Yampa and Colorado rivers. Yampa River trips usually last an hour, while half-day to full-day options are available on the Colorado River. More experienced rafters can book half-day to three-day camping and whitewater trips on Arkansas River.

Hiking Trails in Steamboat Springs

Hiking Steamboat Springs is another way to see mountain areas and add adventure. Options range from the paved Yampa Core Trail, a popular spot for an easy walk, to challenging trails deep in the mountains.

For more remote options, check out Thunderhead Hiking Trail, which measures nearly 4 miles through aspen groves and vistas. Discover other hiking trails at Fish Creek Falls, home to a popular waterfall, Rabbit Ears Peak, Stagecoach State Park, and Emerald Mountain Quarry, to name a few. View a list of Steamboat Springs hiking trails.

Steamboat Springs Summer Activities: The Events

Part of Steamboat Springs’ charm lies in its laid-back lifestyle and culture. There’s no better way to celebrate than to attend the town’s signature summer events.

June features Steamboat Marathon, one of the most scenic marathons in the U.S., according to Runners World. Additionally, car lovers see more than 400 Mustangs at Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup, where these American beauties line Main Street in downtown Steamboat.

July events draw visitors to the Fourth of July Celebration, which honors the area’s rich western heritage. Guests should also take photos of hot-air balloons at the famous Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. As one of Steamboat Springs’ most attended events, guests watch experts compete and see balloons light up the night sky.

Two signature festivals are held in August: Steamboat Wine Festival and Steamboat Arts Festival. The wine festival showcases more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries and local producers, celebrating culinary excellence. The four-day arts festival spotlights the best in art. Guests enjoy dance, musicians, visual art and literature at this cultural event.

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