A friendly guide to Steamboat Springs' top attractions, blending nature, culture, and mountain adventures for an unforgettable Colorado getaway.
Wherever you choose to vacation, be it a mountain town in Tennessee or Colorado, or a beach getaway in Florida or North Carolina, having a list of can't-miss attractions should always be part of your trip preparation.
Is Steamboat Springs your next destination? Lucky you! This Colorado mountain town packs a punch when it comes to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences that belong on any vacation bucket list. From world-class skiing to soothing hot springs, there's plenty to enjoy, but a few attractions are absolute musts when you're in town.
Here's a little something to get you started:
- Yampa River Botanic Park: Six acres of themed gardens, ponds, and seasonal blooms, plus summer concerts in a peaceful riverside setting.
- Fish Creek Falls: A dramatic 280-foot waterfall with scenic hiking, wildlife spotting, and year-round views that change with every season.
- Steamboat Gondola: A scenic ride soaring above the Yampa Valley with sweeping panoramas, trail access, and memorable sunset trips.
- Steamboat Ski Resort: Nearly 3,000 acres across six peaks, famous Champagne Powder®, winter activities, summer trails, and a lively village.
- Tread of Pioneers Museum: A charming Victorian-era museum filled with local history, pioneer life, ski culture, rotating exhibits, and guided tours.
- Howelsen Ice Complex: An Olympic-sized rink offering skating, hockey, lessons, ice shows, and summer conversions for roller sports and community events.
- Old Town Hot Springs: A century-old hot springs complex with eight mineral pools, water slides, a climbing wall, fitness classes, and a day spa.
- Steamboat Art Museum: Western and contemporary works tied to the Yampa Valley, with rotating exhibits, workshops, talks, and cultural events.
At Retreatia, we have many years of 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 proudly see ourselves as 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 guide, I've rounded up eight unmissable things to do in Steamboat Springs that highlight this Colorado gem's natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant arts scene.
Time to dig into the details!
1. YAMPA RIVER BOTANIC PARK
Over 50 gardens meticulously designed to showcase native and adaptive plants.
This lush oasis spans 6 acres along the Yampa River, offering a serene escape any time of year. The park boasts over 50 gardens, each meticulously designed to showcase native and adaptive plants that thrive in Steamboat's unique climate. You can wander through themed spaces like the Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, and Medicinal Herb Garden. The park's ponds and streams create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation or a peaceful picnic.
Throughout the summer, the Botanic Park hosts free concerts on Thursday evenings, giving guests the chance to enjoy live music surrounded by colorful blooms. Each season brings its own character, with the park changing dramatically throughout the year. Spring bursts with tulips and daffodils, summer fills the gardens with wildflowers, fall adds warm golden tones, and winter turns the landscape into a frosty wonderland. Photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, and artists often set up easels to capture the park's beauty.
2. FISH CREEK FALLS
A 280-foot waterfall cascading dramatically down Fish Creek Canyon.
This stunning 280-foot waterfall cascades dramatically down Fish Creek Canyon, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle just a few miles from downtown Steamboat Springs. The falls are accessible year-round, offering different experiences each season.
In spring and early summer, snowmelt fuels the falls, turning them into a thunderous torrent. The mist often creates rainbows on sunny days, adding to the magical atmosphere. Summer brings lush greenery to the surrounding forest, making it ideal for hiking and picnicking. Fall paints the landscape in vibrant colors, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the falls. Winter transforms the area into an icy wonderland, as the falls partially freeze and form intricate ice structures that attract ice climbers from around the world.
The area around Fish Creek Falls offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, and various bird species. The falls also serve as a gateway to longer backpacking trips into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area.
3. STEAMBOAT GONDOLA
A scenic ride offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Soaring above the Yampa Valley, the Steamboat Gondola offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, a sight you really shouldn't leave without experiencing. This eight-passenger enclosed cabin whisks visitors up to the top of Mount Werner, climbing 2,000 vertical feet in just 8 minutes.
During winter, the gondola serves as the primary access point for Steamboat Ski Resort's upper mountain terrain. Skiers and snowboarders can hop on at the base for quick access to a variety of runs, from gentle groomers to challenging glades. Summer transforms the gondola into a gateway for mountain adventures. Hikers and mountain bikers use it to reach high-altitude trails, enjoying wildflower meadows and aspen groves. The Thunderhead Lodge at the top offers dining with spectacular views.
Local tip: Sunset rides on the gondola are particularly popular, as the fading light paints the valley in golden hues. On clear days, visibility can extend for miles, showcasing the majesty of the surrounding Yampa Valley and Park Range.
4. STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT
Nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across six peaks.
Renowned for its Champagne Powder®, Steamboat Ski Resort spans nearly 3,000 acres across six peaks, with 169 named trails, gladed runs, and dedicated learning areas for every skill level. Winter brings ideal skiing conditions along with snowshoeing, tubing, scenic gondola rides, and the year-round Outlaw Mountain Coaster.
When the snow melts, the mountain shifts into a summer playground with more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic chairlift rides, and vibrant wildflower meadows. The resort village stays active in every season, offering shops, restaurants, après-ski spots, live events, and a highly regarded ski school for all ages.
5. TREAD OF PIONEERS MUSEUM
Exhibits spanning from Native American heritage to the area's skiing legacy.
Housed in a 1901 Queen Anne–style Victorian home, the Tread of Pioneers Museum brings Steamboat Springs' rich history to life, making it a must-visit attraction for history buffs. Exhibits range from Native American heritage to the town's skiing legacy, with recreated period rooms, Western ranching artifacts, and displays that trace Steamboat's rise as a world-class ski destination.
Interactive elements keep it engaging for all ages, with hands-on activities for kids and multimedia stories that deepen the experience. The museum holds more than 6,000 historical photographs, regularly rotates exhibits, and maintains lovely gardens. In summer, guided walking tours add another layer of insight into the town's architecture and colorful past.
6. HOWELSEN ICE COMPLEX
Year-round indoor skating and hockey on an Olympic-sized rink.
The Howelsen Ice Complex is the center of Steamboat Springs' ice sports scene, offering year-round indoor skating and hockey on an Olympic-sized rink. Public skate sessions, rentals, and lessons make it easy for beginners and casual visitors to get on the ice, while hockey leagues, drop-in games, and regular tournaments keep things exciting for players at every level. Figure skating programs range from beginner classes to advanced training, with seasonal ice shows that highlight local and visiting talent.
In summer, the rink transforms for ice-free activities like roller skating and indoor soccer, adding to its role as a lively community hub. A snack bar, pro shop, and comfortable seating make it a convenient stop for both skaters and spectators.
7. OLD TOWN HOT SPRINGS
Historic hot spring featuring eight pools.
This historic hot springs complex has been a Steamboat Springs favorite for more than a century, fed by the Heart Spring's steady flow of mineral-rich water. With eight pools ranging from 80 to 103 degrees, visitors can choose their perfect soak, enjoy lap swimming in the main pool, or relax in quieter corners. Summer brings extra fun with two 230-foot water slides, an aquatic climbing wall, and a kid-friendly pool.
Beyond the pools, the facility offers a full gym, exercise classes, massage services, and a day spa for deeper relaxation. Many guests return for the mineral water's soothing, restorative qualities, making the springs a year-round wellness stop for locals and travelers alike.
8. STEAMBOAT ART MUSEUM
Western and contemporary works with a strong connection to the Yampa Valley.
Set inside a historic downtown building, the Steamboat Art Museum highlights Western and contemporary works with a strong connection to the Yampa Valley. Rotating exhibits feature paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces that reflect the region's landscapes, cultural heritage, and artistic spirit. The beautifully restored interior adds to the experience, and the museum store offers prints and art-inspired gifts.
Education is a major focus, with artist talks, demonstrations, workshops, and school tours that welcome visitors into the creative process. Throughout the year, exhibition openings and special events bring together artists, collectors, and locals, helping sustain a lively cultural community in Steamboat Springs
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.