A cozy reading lineup inspired by Steamboat Springs, featuring mountain-themed classics, local history, thrillers, and timeless travel tales perfect for unwinding by the fire on your next Colorado getaway.
If you're planning to spend some time in Steamboat Springs, this charming northwest Colorado town offers stunning scenery and plenty of cozy nooks perfect for settling in with a good book.
When you're ready for a break from the outdoors, few things pair better with the Rocky Mountains than relaxing in a warm café or curling up by the fireplace in your rental with a great read. And if you enjoy choosing books connected to the places you visit, you'll find some excellent picks for your Steamboat Springs adventure.
Wondering what book titles go well in this mountain destination? Here's a quick peek before we jump in:
- Memories of a Young Colorado Pioneer: Personal stories and rare photos capturing early life in Steamboat.
- Forty Seasons of Mountain Living: A memoir about solitude, creativity, and life in a rustic Rocky Mountain cabin.
- A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains: Letters from an adventurous Victorian woman exploring Colorado in 1873.
- The Song of the Lark: A Colorado-rooted American classic following a young woman's artistic journey.
- A Walk in the Woods: A humorous, eye-opening trek along the Appalachian Trail with Bill Bryson.
- The Guide: A suspenseful Colorado-based mystery set at a remote, high-end fishing lodge.
- The Shining: Stephen King's iconic Colorado-set horror inside the eerie Overlook Hotel.
- Doctor Sleep: The gripping continuation of Danny Torrance's story as he confronts new supernatural threats.
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'll share 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? Let's get into it!
Great Books to Dive Into on Your Steamboat Springs Getaway
1. 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-fashioned English used at the time.
This book also comes with never-before-published historical photographs, sketches, and maps that, although they 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. A WALK IN THE WOODS by Bill Bryson
Since we find ourselves in mountainous surroundings, this travel memoir is also 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.
6. The Guide by Peter Heller
Now back to Colorado and with a 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 bestseller "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.
7. 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 my 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!
8. 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 of 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!
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.