Beyond fantastic skiing and other winter activities, Steamboat Springs, located in the upper valley of the Yampa River in Colorado, is brimming with outdoor playgrounds that are great for families to enjoy all year round.
From national parks offering amazing hikes and lakes for water-based activities to scenic drives where you and your family can have a more intimate experience with Colorado's gorgeous nature, there's no shortage of outdoor fun or enjoyment. in Steamboat Springs. The best part? Every season brings unique sceneries and different experiences for all.
Wondering where to head for some family-friendly outdoor adventures? We have curated a list of the best outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs for you and your clan to have a great time in this American jewel.
Let's explore the outdoors!
Fish Creek Falls
Conveniently located near downtown, Fish Creek Falls is a captivating 280-foot waterfall nestled within a lush forest that beacons visitors year-round.
Each season offers distinct experiences. In summer, visitors can relish the refreshing mist emanating from the cascading waters and cautiously explore the rocky formations surrounding the tranquil pool beneath the falls. Autumn and winter, however, showcase the most visually stunning aspects of Fish Creek. During autumn, the surrounding vegetation is adorned with warm hues, while winter transforms this Colorado gem into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
Several trails lead to the falls. If you have kids in tow, opt for the easier ones that boast informative signboards and explanations about the vibrant local flora and fauna. Along the way, marvel at the fragrant pine trees and keep your eyes open for the exuberant wildlife — deer, elk, foxes, magnificent birds, and, if you're lucky, even black bears may make an appearance.
Near the parking lot, you and your family will find amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables if you'd like to grab a snack before hiking. The park is pet friendly, meaning your furry companion is also welcome to join in on this family adventure at Fish Creek Falls.
Yampa River Botanic Park
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Rockies, the Yampa River Botanic Park offers stunning natural spaces for you and your family to explore together.
The park's expansive area along the Yampa River features several manicured gardens showcasing a variety of plants and flowers — from medicinal herbs and native species to roses, tulips, and flora from around the globe. Families particularly enjoy spending time together at the Children's Garden and the Fairy's Garden. Charming sculptures enhance the park's beauty, as do the ponds where adorable ducks leisurely float.
A great idea is to join one of the free tours where passionate guides will provide you with valuable information about the many plants and share secrets about the park. If you're visiting during summer, Yampa River Botanic Park transforms into a hotspot for cultural events such as live concerts, kids' workshops, and even morning yoga classes.
Heads up: The park is closed for the entire winter season.
Stagecoach State Park
Centered around the vast Stagecoach Reservoir, Stagecoach State Park is the full package when it comes to outdoor fun. Whether you're traveling with young children, older kids, or furry companions, the park has something for everyone.
Activities include scenic hikes, biking, and wildlife viewing, among others. Water activities are highly popular with families. The reservoir is ideal for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. During the summer months, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water since swimming is permitted in certain areas. Top-notch fishing opportunities add to the fun, and you don't need to bring equipment since fishing equipment rentals and bait shops are available within the park
If you need a break between activities, the park offers picnic tables and barbecue facilities where you and your group can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning landscape. We understand if you feel like staying in this incredible natural gem. In that case, campground facilities are available for an unforgettable night of star-gazing with your loved ones.
Steamboat Lake State Park
Just a short drive from downtown, Steamboat Lake State Park is one of the best in the region to embrace nature and engage in outdoor activities.
The idyllic scenario is the perfect stage for families to unplug and have fun together. The heart of the park is a dazzling lake surrounded by beautiful pine trees, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking mountain views. There's nothing like renting a motorboat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and exploring the tranquil waters while soaking in the incredible natural surroundings. For an extra dose of adrenaline, water skiing is a must.
In terra firma, small sand beaches can also be found around the lake for a refreshing dip, sunbathing, and building sandcastles during summer. The family-friendly hikings are highly recommended since you can explore the park's stunning meadows, and have the opportunity to see fascinating creatures such as deer, mooses, elks, bald eagles, and, with luck, mountain lions.
Some trails are also open for horseback riding for an extra fun experience. During winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are unbeatable activities at the park.
Buffalo Pass
This is an off-the-beaten-path activity in Steamboat Springs that you should definitely include in your bucket list next time you visit Colorado. Buffalo Pass is a scenic drive showcasing all the best Steamboat and its natural surroundings have to offer.
Beginning just a few minutes from downtown, the road meanders through various terrains, but the recurrent attraction is the postcard-worthy views and amazing outdoor activities you'll find along the way. Throughout the drive, there are several easy hikes where you can explore dense pine forests, aspen groves, lakes, streams, and vast meadows adorned with wildflowers.
What about finding a secluded spot for a picnic amidst the wilderness? Count on that delightful mountain breeze to make it even more special. Needless to say, wildlife viewing is a must since you'll be stepping into the homes of elk, deer, and foxes.
During autumn, you'll be treated to kaleidoscopic hues of oranges, reds, and yellows coloring the landscape, while winter transforms Buffalo Pass into a playground for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
The Winter Carnival (Event in February)
Steamboat Springs' most famous festival is a winter extravaganza featuring endless opportunities to enjoy the beautiful snowy outdoors. The centenary Winter Carnival is a mix of winter sports, street performances, and lively parades transforming the streets of Steamboat into a huge party for all ages.
There’s no end to the array of thrilling activities during this five-day party, including a parade where kids and adults on skis are towed by horses down the snow-covered Main Street, and dating performances with skiers leaping through fiery hoops.
Among the many highlights of the Steamboat Winter Carnival, the Night Extravaganza stands out as one of the most eagerly expected events. At Howelsen Hill, skiers and snowboarders adorned with LED lights, glowing sticks, and road flares create a mesmerizing spectacle. The highlight of the night arrives with the Night Extravaganza's iconic Lighted Man — a skier adorned in a suit lit by an impressive LED lighting system boasting over 250 colors. The skier's backpack shoots fireworks into the night sky - a truly unique display of fireworks!
Historically, the event is held every year in the second week of February, regardless of the weather conditions. This is a true celebration of winter and a great opportunity to experience the traditions of an American ski town.
Old Town Hot Springs
For over a century, Old Town Hot Springs has been one of the most beloved spots in Steamboat for outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of downtown, locals and visitors are just a few steps away from enjoying outdoor activities.
You can choose to recharge your energy in one of eight hot spring-fed pools, while your kids can have fun on waterslides or challenge themselves at the climbing wall. The community pool is where everyone comes together to spend quality time with family and chat with friendly locals. If you feel like getting active, you can even join fitness, Zumba, and yoga classes.
Picnic tables are available for meals, and Old Town Hot Springs gains extra points with locals and tourists for offering reasonable prices. This is indeed the most convenient way to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of Steamboat Spring.
Ski and other Winter outdoor activities
This is what Steamboat Springs is best known for — a winter wonderland where you and your family can engage in various winter outdoor activities. World-famous for its trademark Champagne Powder Snow, the resort town is one of the best places in the country to have fun while embracing the stunning natural surroundings.
Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the top family-friendly resorts in North America providing top-notch skiing opportunities (including night skiing — a must-try activity) as well as other activities like snow tubing, ice rinks, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, and snowmobile and snow buggy tours. The ski area is usually open from the end of November to the beginning of April.
Other great places nearby Steamboat Springs where you and your pack can enjoy the best of winter outdoor activities are Howelsen Hill Ski Area and Bluebird Backcountry.
Wondering where to stay during your visit to Steamboat Springs, CO?
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.