Summer in Steamboat Springs comes alive with lakes, trails, hot springs, craft beer, and wide-open mountain views. This list gathers the season's best adventures, from sunrise balloon rides to splashy days on the Yampa.
There's something about Steamboat Springs in summer that just clicks. Warm days roll in, the mountains turn green, and the whole town feels ready for adventure. Lakes sparkle, trails open up, and every corner of the valley offers something fun, active, or delicious. If you want an easygoing mountain escape with plenty to do, this list rounds up the best summer activities to help you plan a trip that's equal parts excitement and relaxation.
Here's a sneak peek just for you:
- Hot air balloon ride: Sunrise views and peaceful floating over the valley.
- Guided UTV tour: Scenic backcountry access through Routt National Forest.
- Bike in "Bike Town USA:" rails for every rider, from mellow riverside routes to big mountain climbs.
- Whitewater rafting: Splashy rapids and canyon scenery perfect for families.
- Arts & entertainment: Concerts, galleries, festivals, and a lively summer calendar.
- Fishing at Stagecoach Reservoir: Calm waters, great trout, and gorgeous surroundings.
- Boating at Steamboat Lake: Pontoon rentals, fishing, and wide-open mountain views.
- Hot springs soaking: Relax in Old Town or unwind in the forest at Strawberry Park.
- Golf at Rollingstone Ranch: Mountain fairways with epic summer scenery.
- Paddleboarding at Pearl Lake: Quiet waters and peaceful shoreline exploring.
- Steamboat Brew Trail: Three breweries plus a distillery in one fun walk or ride.
- Yampa River Botanic Park: Gardens, ponds, and shady summer strolls.
- Kayaking the Upper Colorado: Gentle rapids and canyon views for all skill levels.
- Horseback riding: Classic Western scenery on guided ranch trails.
- Snow Bowl night out: Bowling, music, food, drinks, and a lively patio scene.
- Tubing the Yampa River: The ultimate lazy summer float through town.
- Burgess Creek Beaches: Shallow pools and warm-weather fun for kids.
- Tread of Pioneers Museum: Local history and Steamboat's rich Western past.
- Zipline adventure: High-speed zips above the treetops with big views.
- Local hiking: Waterfalls, meadows, and mountain trails for all levels.
- Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series: Weekly summer rodeo full of energy and tradition.
- Downtown shopping: Boutiques, gear shops, galleries, and local treasures.
- Gondola ride up Mt. Werner: Easy access to panoramic views and mountaintop trails.
- Wagon ride & dinner at Saddleback Ranch: Scenic ranch outing with a hearty meal.
- Emerald Mountain hike: A local favorite with rewarding summit views over town.
At Retreatia, we have extensive local expertise in luxury rental properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodging. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, and all are perfect for any time of the year!
We also consider ourselves local experts, and in our destination blog, we cover everything from hidden gems and indoor attractions to wonderful coffee shops around town. You'll find plenty of tips that will help make your stay in Steamboat Springs a memorable one, no matter the season. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to make memories in this unforgettable corner of the American West!
Below, I'm sharing twenty-five great summer activities in Steamboat Springs to add to your bucket list.
Ready? Let's kick things off!
1. Fly high on a hot air balloon tour.
A hot air balloon ride in Steamboat is summer magic. You take off at sunrise, when the air is calm, and the valley glows gold. Below you, ranchland, forests, and the Yampa River unfold like a giant map. The ride is peaceful, slow, and surprisingly serene, making it one of the most memorable ways to start a day in the mountains. It's especially great for couples or anyone celebrating something special.
2. Take a guided UTV tour through Routt National Forest.
Hop into a fully enclosed UTV and let a local guide lead you deep into the wilderness of Routt National Forest. These tours take you along forest roads, up ridgelines, and through wide-open meadows where the views stretch impossibly far. You'll spot wildlife, roll past towering aspens, and feel that perfect mix of adventure and comfort. It's a great option for families and travelers who want to see remote mountain scenery without hiking or biking miles to get there.
3. Bike your way through "Bike Town USA."
Steamboat's biking culture is a summer highlight all on its own. The town is packed with miles of singletrack, gravel roads, and paved paths, all weaving through stunning mountain scenery. Beginners can cruise the Yampa River Core Trail, while more seasoned riders hit Emerald Mountain or Buffalo Pass for challenging climbs and speedy descents. No matter your level, the biking scene here makes you feel part of something bigger.
4. Take the family whitewater rafting
Whitewater rafting is the kind of summer memory that sticks. The rivers around Steamboat offer a great mix of splashy rapids and calm stretches where you can admire the canyon walls and wildflowers. Guides keep everything safe and spirited, telling stories, steering the raft, and keeping everyone smiling. Kids love the adventure, adults appreciate the views, and the whole crew ends up laughing their way down the river.
5. Explore Steamboat's arts and entertainment scene
Steamboat's creative side shines in summer, with outdoor concerts, art walks, gallery openings, and seasonal festivals filling the calendar. Wander downtown, and you'll stumble upon everything from small performances to vibrant local art studios. Musicians play in parks, artists open their doors, and the whole community feels energized. It's a fun contrast to the quiet trails and lakes waiting just outside town.
6. Catch rainbow trout at Stagecoach Reservoir
Stagecoach is a favorite for anglers thanks to its calm waters and healthy trout population. You can cast from the shore, wade in, or head out in a small boat. The scenery adds to the charm, with rugged hillsides and bright blue water surrounding you. Even on slow fishing days, it's a peaceful, scenic spot to unwind and soak up the summer sun.
7. Rent a boat at Steamboat Lake Marina
Steamboat Lake is one of the most beautiful places to spend a summer afternoon. Rent a pontoon or fishing boat, grab your favorite snacks, and set out across the water. Mountain peaks frame every view, and the air feels crisp and refreshing. You can fish, swim, float, or simply drift for hours without running out of gorgeous scenery to admire.
8. Soak in Steamboat's hot springs
Steamboat's hot springs are part relaxation, part ritual. Old Town Hot Springs is perfect for families, with pools, slides, a climbing wall, and plenty of space to unwind. Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a more rustic, peaceful escape with natural stone pools tucked into the forest. Both spots give you a warm soak, mountain air, and the satisfying feeling of ending your day on a calm note.
9. Play a round at Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club
Rollingstone Ranch gives golfers a stunning mountain course filled with elevation changes, forested fairways, and natural water features. The cool summer temperatures make long rounds comfortable, and the mountain backdrop elevates every tee shot. Even if you're not a golf pro, the scenery alone makes the experience memorable.
10. Paddleboard at Pearl Lake
Pearl Lake is the quieter cousin of Steamboat Lake, which makes it perfect for paddleboarding. The water stays fairly calm, letting you glide across the surface and explore the shoreline. With mountains rising in the distance and plenty of wildlife nearby, it's an easy place to spend a few hours in total relaxation mode.
11. Walk or bike the Steamboat Brew Trail
This mini tasting route connects three breweries and a distillery, all easily reached by foot or bike. Summer afternoons feel made for sipping cold craft beer, chatting with locals, and trying new flavors. Each stop has its own personality, whether you're into IPAs, light summer ales, or small-batch spirits.
12. Stroll the Yampa River Botanic Park
This peaceful garden is full of ponds, sculptures, and beautifully maintained plantings that change throughout the season. It's a quiet place to wander with a coffee, take photos, or enjoy a moment of calm. Kids love the winding paths, and adults enjoy the cool shade and bursts of color.
13. Kayak the Upper Colorado River
The Upper Colorado gives kayakers a fun mix of mild surf waves, calm stretches, and stunning canyon scenery. Inflatable kayaks make the experience approachable for beginners, while still offering enough action for more adventurous paddlers. It's a refreshing way to spend a summer day on the water.
14. Explore rolling hills on horseback
Steamboat's ranching heritage comes alive on horseback. Local ranches guide riders through open pastures, forest trails, and fields filled with bright summer wildflowers. Horses keep a steady, friendly pace, giving you time to look around, relax, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere in a quieter way.
15. Spend an evening at Snow Bowl
Snow Bowl is Steamboat's all-in-one hangout spot with bowling, live music, a huge outdoor patio, and a menu filled with comfort food favorites. It's lively without feeling overwhelming, and it's a great place for families, groups, or anyone wanting an easy night out after an active day.
16. Tube the Yampa River
Tubing the Yampa is a Steamboat summer rite of passage. You sit back, float along the river, and soak up the sunshine as you drift through town. Locals and visitors both love how refreshing, simple, and fun it is. It's the ultimate "go-with-the-flow" activity.
17. Play at Burgess Creek Beaches
At the base of the mountain, Burgess Creek forms shallow pools perfect for kids to splash around in. Parents can relax nearby in the sun, and the area has a cheerful summer energy that makes it an easy daytime outing.
18. Visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum
This museum offers a great look at the town's Western heritage, Olympic history, and early ski culture. Exhibits are thoughtful and engaging, and they paint a vivid picture of how Steamboat became the place it is today. It's a nice indoor break on hotter afternoons.
19. Zip through the treetops on a zipline adventure
Ziplining gives you a rush of speed as you glide from platform to platform with sweeping forest views below. It's an exciting way to spend a few hours, and the guides make the experience feel fun, safe, and full of energy.
20. Hike local trails
Steamboat has trails for every pace and preference. You can trek up Emerald Mountain, wander through flower-filled meadows, or walk to a waterfall like Fish Creek Falls. Summer brings bright green hillsides and cool breezes that make hiking a pleasure.
21. Cheer at the Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series
The weekly summer rodeo is full of personality, with skilled riders, fast-moving events, and a lively crowd. It's an authentic taste of Steamboat's Western roots and a fun night out for families and groups.
22. Shop downtown
Downtown Steamboat is full of locally owned shops where you'll find outdoor clothing, handcrafted gifts, artwork, books, and plenty of unique finds. Summer evenings are great for strolling with an ice cream in hand while hopping between stores.
23. Ride the gondola up Mt. Werner
The gondola gives you an easy ride up the mountain, where panoramic valley views wait at the top. Once you're up there, you can hike, grab a bite, or simply chill and take photos of the sweeping scenery.
24. Enjoy a wagon ride and dinner at Saddleback Ranch
Saddleback Ranch offers wagon rides through rolling pastures followed by a hearty ranch-style dinner. The scenery is beautiful, the atmosphere is friendly, and the whole experience feels warm and memorable for all ages.
25. Hike Emerald Mountain
Emerald Mountain is the go-to hike for anyone wanting quick access to big views. The trail climbs steadily but not too steeply, and once you reach the top, you get a perfect look over downtown Steamboat, the ski resort, and the surrounding valley.
Enjoy every moment of your Steamboat Springs escape
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties and complexes that Steamboat Springs offers?
Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, many of which are pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will definitely enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.