Books to Cozy Up By the Fire: A Steamboat Springs Vacation Reading List

Nestled in northwest Colorado, within the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, stunning mountain scenery, and endless outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the Yampa River.

But the city also offers a picturesque backdrop that's perfect for indulging in a good book. Whenever you decide to take a break from the great outdoors, there's no better way to enhance your Steamboat Springs experience than by unwinding in one of the charming cafes or curling up near the fireplace in your short-term rental with a good read in hand.

Wondering what book titles go well in this mountain destination? This blog is here to guide you with a curated vacation reading list, featuring great books to read on a trip to Steamboat Springs and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Are you ready to embark on a literary escape?

Steamboat Springs: Memories of a Young Colorado Pioneer by Marcellus Samuel Merrill

Dive into the colorful history of Steamboat Springs before it became a world-class ski resort with the memories and stories of Marcellus Samuel Merrill, a young pioneer in the early days of the town.

The memories were collected and assorted by his grandson, David Merrill Primus, who edited, organized, and corrected the stories for clarity and accuracy. Still, he has maintained the soul of his grandfather's tales and the colloquial old-day English used at the time.

This book also comes with never-before-published historical photographs, sketches, and maps that, although reflect Steamboat Springs from the past, provide readers with a true picture of early Steamboat and its surrounding area today. A very enjoyable and educational read for anyone heading to Steamboat Springs.

Rough Beauty: Forty Seasons of Mountain Living by Karen Auvinen

This book by Karen Auvinen is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey toward self-discovery and independence as she retreats to a primitive cabin in the Rocky Mountains.

The book spans four decades of Auvinen's life, during which she embraces solitude, nature, and the challenges of living in the wilderness as a writer, offering a personal and introspective account of her experiences in the mountains.

Auvinen is a so-called "poet and mountain woman" who has been published in various literary journals and magazines, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Orion. Published in 2018, this is her first book, but it has already received praise for its powerful writing and captivating descriptions of nature.

A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Lucy Bird

Considered an early classic of American travel literature and a pioneering work of nature writing, "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" is a collection of letters written by Isabella Lucy Bird during her travels through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado way back, in 1873. 

Bird was a renowned Victorian-era English traveler, writer, and photographer. She was one of the first female travelers to explore and document the American West in the late 19th century, and her book offers a unique female perspective on the American West during a time when it was still a largely unexplored frontier.

The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather

This work has been dubbed the quintessential "great American novel" with very deep Colorado roots. Written in 1915, Willa Cather's third novel is set in the fictional mountain town of Moonstone, Colorado, telling the story of an aspiring singer who struggles to escape from the confines of her small town.

Cather, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, had a private and secluded life, which provided her with an abundance of events to write about. This book, her third novel, has been considered her most autobiographical work. She once said, "The end is nothing; the road is all," a quote that is very revealing about this story too.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Since we find ourselves in mountainous surroundings, this travel memoir also comes highly praised as a discovery of the great outdoors. "A Walk in the Woods" recounts Bill Bryson's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.

The book chronicles his misadventures alongside his old friend Katz and their encounters with colorful characters, and the physical and mental challenges they face. It all amounts to an insightful look at the history and ecology of the Appalachian Trail.

Bill Bryson is a renowned author known for his engaging, humorous, and informative travel writing. Even if you're not roaming the Appalachian region, "A Walk in the Woods" will definitely make you want to grab your boots and hit up Colorado's wild side.

The Guide by Peter Heller

Now back to Colorado and with some literary thriller. "The Guide" is a suspenseful novel that follows Jack, a young outdoorsman and fishing guide, as he takes a job at an exclusive, high-end fishing resort in the Colorado Rockies. When Jack begins to notice strange and unsettling occurrences at the resort, he sets out along with other characters to solve the mysteries, putting themselves in danger in the process.

From acclaimed author Peter Heller, "The Guide" is a sequel to the best seller "The River," though it can be read as a standalone work. Both works provide immersive descriptions of the outdoor setting and the art of fly fishing in the stunning Colorado wilderness.

The Shining by Stephen King

What about a proper horror, by none other than the master of terror himself, Stephen King?

The 1977 classic "The Shining" is set in the fictional Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, centering around the Torrance family — Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny — as they become the caretakers of the isolated hotel during the off-season. However, the Overlook Hotel has a dark and violent history that begins to exert its influence over the family.

"The Shining" is widely regarded as one of Stephen King's greatest and most iconic works, praised for its atmospheric tension, complex characters, and exploration of the human psyche.

This one had to make the cut, didn't it? And mark our words, once you dive into the novel, you'll see the 1980 film, with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, in a whole new light! It's like unlocking a secret bonus level of scares and thrills!

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

Want to know what happened to little Danny from the book above? Then you should read "Doctor Sleep," also by King. The story follows Dan Torrance, the son of Jack Torrance, who has spent years trying to come out from the trauma he experienced at the Overlook Hotel. Dan finds sobriety and peace with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, but when he releases one of his locked spirits to kill him, he is drawn into a battle against a sinister cult of vampire-like beings called the True Knot.

Sequels are complicated affairs, but "Doctor Sleep" has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, most of which praise King's vision of the supernatural as rich, creepy, and informed in family relationships all at the same time.

Great Book Ideas to Enjoy on a Trip to Steamboat Springs, CO

Picking one or two titles from the list above is sure to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your mountain vacation in Steamboat Springs, CO. Picture yourself reading a few pages between exploring the town, feeling the cozy ambiance of a local café and the warmth of your favorite drink in hand — it sounds amazing, doesn't it?

Here are some extra tips for reading while traveling on vacation:

• Explore Local Bookstores: Seek out independent bookstores or local shops at your destination. Not only will you find unique reads that offer insight into the culture and history of the area, but you'll also be supporting local writers and businesses. In Steamboat, Off the Beaten Path is a city's beloved independent bookstore featuring a vast selection of titles.

• Research Local Authors: Before your trip, research authors from the region you're visiting. Look for novels, short stories, or poetry collections that capture the essence of the destination. Reading works by local writers can provide a deeper understanding of the culture and landscape.

• Find Inspiring Spots: Seek out scenic spots where you can immerse yourself in a good book. Whether it's a cozy café or a peaceful park, finding the perfect reading spot can enhance your vacation experience.

• Try Audiobooks for Convenience: If you prefer an alternative medium or want to multitask while traveling, audiobooks are a great option. Download audiobooks onto your smartphone or portable device to enjoy while sightseeing, during long journeys, or maybe as you take a long hike up the mountains.

• Embrace Digital Books: You can also opt for digital books while traveling to save space and weight in your luggage. Plus, you'll have a wide selection of titles at your fingertips wherever you go!

Want more tips on Steamboat Springs, CO? Then head to our destination blog, where we cover everything from a full guide on family-friendly outdoor activities and the best places to grab a coffee in town to the top activities to enjoy on a rainy day. And there's much more coming, so keep an eye out for future blogs!

How can you make your trip to Steamboat Springs, CO even better?

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 Steamboat Springs offers?

Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.