A playful roundup of the best ways to enjoy summer in Steamboat Springs — trail days, lake time, scenic drives, hot springs, festivals, and sky-high adventures with those laid-back Rocky Mountain vibes.
Summer in Steamboat Springs feels like the whole valley takes a deep breath and stretches out under the sun. The mountains trade their winter coat for wildflowers, the rivers run high and bright, and suddenly the town is buzzing agai, but in that relaxed, Colorado sort of way.
It's the season for big mountain views, long trail days, cool lakes, warm nights, and a calendar packed with festivals, rodeos, markets, concerts, and every kind of outdoor adventure you can think of. Some people come for the hiking and biking, others come for the paddling and fishing, and plenty show up to kick back with good food, good company, and a breezy summertime atmosphere that just...works.
Here's a quick peek before we jump in:
- Hike or bike the local trails: 500+ miles of wildflower-filled paths, waterfalls, and mellow riverside rides.
- Paddleboard on alpine lakes: Calm waters, big mountain views, and peaceful summer mornings.
- Take a scenic summer drive: Wildflowers, wide-open views, and breezy high-elevation pull-offs.
- Visit a farmer's market: Saturday mornings packed with local produce, crafts, food stalls, and music.
- Soak in Steamboat's hot springs: Natural stone pools, warm water, cool mountain air, and dreamy views.
- Attend a summer event or music festival: Outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations, and marathons.
- Ride the alpine slide: A 2,400-foot downhill run with fast turns, mountain views, and guaranteed smiles.
- Go horseback riding: Guided rides through meadows, forests, and open terrain with plenty of Western charm.
- See Steamboat from a hot air balloon: Sunrise flights over valleys, ranches, peaks, and rivers.
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!
In this blog post, I've rounded up nine of the best summer experiences in Steamboat Springs to help you make the most of your time in this Colorado favorite.
Ready? Let's jump in!
1. Hike or Bike on Steamboat Springs Trails
Steamboat Springs has over 500 miles of trails that wind through mountains, forests, and meadows. Hiking or biking on these trails is a great way to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Some popular trails include:
- Fish Creek Falls Trail: A local classic. Short but dramatic, with a roaring waterfall fueled by snowmelt in early summer. Great for a quick hike with big payoff views.
- Emerald Mountain (via Blackmer Drive): A steady climb with wide-open views over town and the ski resort. Perfect for sunrise hikes, mellow mountain biking, and breezy ridge walks.
- Yampa River Core Trail: A flat, paved path following the river for miles. Ideal for relaxed bike rides, morning jogs, and spotting tubers drifting along the water.
- Spring Creek Trail: Shaded, lush, and cool even on hot days. Popular with hikers and cyclists. Expect wildflowers, gentle switchbacks, and a peaceful forest setting.
- Mad Creek Trail: A local favorite for early-summer greenery and long, golden-grass meadows. The historic barn at the top makes a great turnaround point.
- Flash of Gold Trail: Flowing, golden, and beautiful, especially in late summer. A go-to for mountain bikers who want smooth climbs and dreamy descents.
- Rabbit Ears Peak Trail: A unique hike to an oddball volcanic rock formation. Cooler temps at altitude and wide-ranging views make it a standout summer option.
- Devil's Causeway (Flat Tops Wilderness): A day-trip favorite. Narrow ridgelines, alpine lakes, and dramatic drops on both sides. Summer brings clear skies and breathtaking, clear views.
- Grouse Creek / Zirkel Circle: A classic high-country loop with rushing streams, wildflowers, and cooler air thanks to the elevation. At its best, June–September.
2. PADDLEBOARD ON ONE OF THE MANY LAKES IN THE AREA
Glide across glassy alpine water and let the mountain calm sink in. Paddleboarding in Steamboat is pure summer joy, especially at spots like Stagecoach Reservoir, Steamboat Lake, and Pearl Lake. Each one has its own personality: big open views, quiet coves, and plenty of space to drift and take it all in.
Hahn's Peak Lake is the tucked-away option, a little more low-key and framed by that striking volcano-shaped peak. Expect wide skies, picture-perfect reflections, and an easygoing vibe.
3. Take a Scenic Steamboat Springs Summer Drive
There are several scenic drives in the area, including the Mount Werner and the Buffalo Pass Scenic Byway. In summer, these routes really shine, with clear skies, long daylight hours, and endless layers of green as the mountains wake up for the season. Expect wildflowers along the roadside, cool breezes as you climb in elevation, and pull-offs with sweeping valley views that make you stop the car "just for a second." It's an easy way to soak in Steamboat's mountain scenery without breaking a sweat.
4. Visit a Farmer's Market
The Steamboat Springs Farmer's Market runs every Saturday from June through September, and it always feels like the unofficial weekly meetup of the whole town. Stalls line the street with fresh Colorado produce, homemade goodies, local crafts, and plenty of grab-and-go food that smells way too tempting to walk past. Summer mornings are especially lively: live music drifting through the air, dogs trotting happily beside their humans, and everyone moving at that relaxed weekend pace. It's an easy place to spend an hour or two, snack your way through the vendors, and soak up a little local flavor.
5. Soak the Summer Away in the Hot Springs
All year round, soaking in Steamboat's famous hot springs is unmissable! With more than 150 hot springs in the area, the town is known as a natural spa for anyone seeking relaxation and a bit of nature immersion.
The most popular hot springs are at Strawberry Park, tucked into a quiet, forested pocket just outside of town. In summer, the whole place feels especially dreamy, with warm sunshine, cool mountain air, and natural stone pools surrounded by aspen and pine. The water stays deliciously hot, so you get that relaxing contrast of hot springs plus breezy mountain weather.
6. Attend a summer Event or Music Festival
Steamboat Springs is home to several music festivals and events throughout the summer. From the Strings Music Festival to the Steamboat Marathon, the Fourth of July Celebration, and everything in between, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music or attend an event in a beautiful outdoor setting.
7. Ride the Alpine Slide
The Howler Alpine Slide at Steamboat Ski Resort is one of those summer thrills you can't help grinning through. You hop on the chairlift, get that breezy ride up the mountain, and then launch into a 2,400-foot track that snakes its way downhill with just the right mix of speed and control. You can take it slow and scenic... or lean into it and hit up to 25 miles per hour. The views are big, the turns are surprisingly fun, and the whole thing feels like tapping into your inner kid for a few minutes, in the best possible way.
8. Go Horseback Riding this Summer
Horseback riding is one of the most laid-back (and honestly, underrated) ways to roam the mountains and valleys around Steamboat Springs. Local stables offer guided rides that take you through wildflower meadows, cool forests, and big open vistas that feel straight out of an old Western. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy it; the horses are calm, the guides know the trails by heart, and the pace is easy enough to really take in the scenery.
9. See Steamboat Springs from a Hot Air Balloon
Take to the skies and see Steamboat Springs the way the mountains do. Hot air balloon rides are pure magic up here, floating quietly above the valley, watching the sun spill over the peaks, and spotting the town waking up far below. It's slow, smooth, and surreal. One moment you're on the ground holding a coffee, the next you're drifting over ranches, rivers, and wide-open fields with 360° views that hit totally differently from above. It's easily one of the most memorable things you can do on a summer morning in Steamboat.
Other Must-Try Summer Experiences in Steamboat Springs
If you still have room on your itinerary, Steamboat has plenty of bonus summer fun that's perfect for those in-between hours:
- Float the Yampa River: Grab a tube, a hat, and a healthy respect for sunscreen. The Yampa in summer is basically nature's lazy river: cool water, easy currents, and plenty of spots to hop out for snacks.
- Ride the Gondola for Sunset: Even when the ski runs are grassy, the gondola ride is gorgeous. The mountaintop views hit especially well right as the sky turns pink and gold.
- Sip Through Steamboat's Breweries: Mountain towns do craft beer very well, and Steamboat's breweries keep that streak alive. Perfect after a hike, bike ride, or when you want something cold with a view.
- Go Wildlife Spotting in the Zirkels: Early mornings in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness can bring elk sightings, soaring hawks, and the occasional deer sneaking across the trail.
- Visit the Botanic Park: A calm, colorful garden tucked right into town. Great for a slow walk, a quiet bench break, or a midday cooldown after hitting the trails.
- Tee Off at a Mountain Golf Course: The ball really does fly farther at altitude, and the backdrops don't hurt either.
- Catch a Rodeo Night: It's lively, fun, and very Steamboat. Think bucking broncs, cheering crowds, and that classic Western summer energy.
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.