Steamboat Springs, Colorado Travel Guide

Colorado has so many mountain towns to choose from so it can be a difficult decision to decide which to visit. If you do choose to visit Steamboat Springs, you will not be let down by their endless activities, great food, and gorgeous mountain views. I would say 2-3 nights is a sufficient amount of time to spend there. I stayed 3 nights total and felt like I was able to enjoy everything Steamboat Springs had to offer!

Where to Stay

We rented this cabin and comfortably stayed here with 6 people. It would sleep more comfortably as well. It also had a hot tub and the house was equip with a full kitchen, and board games! Anywhere in this area would be an ideal location as you have amazing mountain views, even at night with all of the lights! It was a short drive to the town, ski resort, and the hike we went on. It was roughly 25 minutes to the Hot Springs.

What to do in Steamboat Springs

Strawberry Hot Springs: Currently as of 4/21, you have to make a reservation at the Hot Springs online and the max per party is 6. I suggest following them on Twitter as they release booking dates there so you can be the first to snag an opening. It was very difficult to book a reservation for 6 for the same time/date, so we ended up booking our reservation through a shuttle service. Although booking the shuttle service was an extra $30, we were able to go at the same time together and the shuttle picked us up from our cabin and dropped us off after. The dirt road to the hot springs can be very snowy certain months of the year, so the shuttle may be a great option if you did not want to drive yourself. The downside was that our reservation time was only for 1.5 hours since we used the shuttle service. If you are able to make a reservation on their website, it will be for 2 hours. Be sure to bring your own water, and note that clothing is optional after 10:30pm.

Hiking: There are so many trails to hike, but we hiked Fish Creek Falls. In the spring, there is still so much snow in Colorado, but I’m sure the falls would be gorgeous during the summer as well. It is a 4 mile hike total, there & back. Bring $5 for parking and a pen to avoid a possible ticket. There is a lower waterfall, and an upper waterfall. I would suggest to wear spikes if you are hiking during the winter.

Skiing/Tubing: We went skiing at Steamboat Resort. We stopped at T bar for a drink and lunch. I had the wings in their ‘special mixed sauce, and it hit the spot! Four points lodge and Slope Side were two other locations you can check out on the mountain. If skiing isn’t your thing, or if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can check out snowtubing at Howelsen hill.
Click on the photo to shop everything I wear skiing.

What to do in the Summer

If we were to visit Steamboat Springs in the summer, I would love to go tubing on the Yampa River and hike more trails.
Click on the photo to shop my hiking must haves.

Where to Eat

Salt and Lime: They have delicious tacos and margaritas. They take reservations until 5pm and Happy hour is until 5:30pm. During Happy hour we had $35 margarita pitchers and $3.50 tacos. The fish and al pastor were my favorite! There is also a more affordable, more traditional Tex Mex location called Vaqueros across the street. If you’re craving something sweet like ice cream after, go to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory next door.

Backdoor Grill: They are known for their burgers. I had the jalapeño popper burger and a salad. It was the perfect post hiking lunch.

Otto Pint: There are a few locations across Colorado, but it is a great spot for pizza. We went here for dinner one night and they took reservations via phone.

Mambo: Although we did not dine here, this Italian place was recommended by so many people. It is more upscale and you have to make a reservation weeks in advance.

Mountain Tap Brewery: This was brewery had a patio and gondolas outside you can sit in.

Seedz: This brunch spot is off the main strip so there was no wait on a Saturday morning which was amazing! I had the sweet potato hash. We cooked a majority of breakfast at the cabin, but Creekside and Winona’s were also recommended for brunch.

Storm Peak Brewery: This is not on the main strip, but this was the first stop we made before checking into the cabin with time to kill. They served great beer and great views from the patio. There was also a pizza place next door and we were able to order the pizza, then enjoy it at the brewery.

I hope this guide helps plan your next visit to Steamboat Springs! If you’re looking for a beach type of vacation to balance out the mountains , check out my favorite Florida vacation here.

Stay Fearless,

Michelle Foster