Steamboat Springs, nestled in the
northwestern mountains of Colorado in Routt County, offers plenty of summer outdoor
activities. Although known more for its winter sports, there is plenty to do in
the summer. The area is extremely popular with Colorado residents and tourists
for outdoor fun, whether it is hiking, cycling, mountain biking, golfing, fishing,
canoeing, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, off-road exploring or camping at
numerous campgrounds and in the national forest. More...
Steamboat Springs, nestled in the
northwestern mountains of Colorado in Routt County, offers plenty of summer outdoor
activities. Although known more for its winter sports, there is plenty to do in
the summer. The area is extremely popular with Colorado residents and tourists
for outdoor fun, whether it is hiking, cycling, mountain biking, golfing, fishing,
canoeing, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, off-road exploring or camping at
numerous campgrounds and in the national forest.
Because Steamboat Springs is not only a ski resort but also a full self-sustaining
city, you will find plenty of restaurants, shopping, and other activities and
planned events such as the renowned Steamboat Springs Balloon Festival.
For the cycling enthusiasts Steamboat Springs offers paved bike path along the
Yampa River and plenty of mountain bike trails that reach the many mountain summits
surrounding the town. With its expansive river valleys and mountain terrain you
will surely find routes (from easy to challenging) to fit your cycling needs.
For relaxation after hard cycling day Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area
offer natural hot sulphur springs and spa to sooth your tired muscles. Less...
The best time to visit Steamboat Springs for cycling
activity is in late spring through early autumn when temperatures in the mountains
are warmer and more comfortable for cycling. The high summer season is June, July,
and August. Less...
Climate and
Weather
Steamboat Springs has four distinct seasons and
with its 40 degree latitude and 6,695 feet altitude it enjoys pleasant average
daily temperatures throughout the year. July is typically the warmest month for
Steamboat, with an average temperature of 82 degrees while January is usually
the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 29 degrees.
The surrounding mountains rise to 10,500 feet and even higher (12,500 feet) farther
east of Steamboat Springs. With that keep in mind that mountain weather can change
rapidly. A warm and sunny morning can quickly change into torrential thunderstorm
or even a snowstorm. Beware of lightning, especially if you find yourself riding
above timberline (best if you set out to ride early in the morning as most thunderstorms
in the mountains occur in early afternoon). Additionally, it is always wise to
check the weather forecast before setting out on a long ride. With frequent afternoon
mountain thunderstorms and sudden temperature drops, hypothermia can become a
critical issue very fast.
Wear proper UV protection for skin, lips, and eyes. Steamboat Springs, due to
its high altitude, has especially high UV index. Less...
How to Get There
AIR: If you are traveling by air, you will most
likely arrive at DIA (Denver International Airport). The drive from DIA to Steamboat
Springs is about 3.5 hours. Steamboat Springs is located 170 miles northwest of
DIA.
Other option if you traveling by air is to arrive at Hayden airport (small regional
airport) located just a few miles east of Hayden and approximately 22 miles/35
kilometers west of Steamboat Springs off Highway 40. From the airport, take the
access road about 2 miles out to Highway 40 and turn right. Steamboat is about
22 miles east. There is no public bus service from the airport however; taxis
and shuttle services are available.
CAR: If you are driving from Denver, take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel
to Silverthorn, Exit 205 (67 miles). From Silverthorn take CO 9 north to Kremling
(37 miles), then west on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).
If you are traveling eastbound from Grand Junction on I-70 take I-70 through Glenwood
Springs and Eagle to Exit# 157(117 miles), then take CO 131 north (75 miles) to
US 40. Turn left on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (4 miles).
If you are traveling from north (Laramie, Wyoming), take WY 230 West (Snowy
Range exit) through Mountain Home to the Wyoming/Colorado border, the road changes
to CO 127. Stay on CO 127 to Walden, then take CO 14 west to US 40 at Muddy Pass
and Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs.
If you are traveling from south (Colorado Springs, Colorado), take I-25 north
to C-470 (53 miles) then C-470 west to I-70 west (15 miles). Take I-70 west through
the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorn exit 205 (67 miles). Take CO 9 north to Kremling
(37 miles), then west on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).
If you are traveling from Salt Lake City, Utah, take US 40/UT 189 south to Heber
City, UT. Stay on US 40, Steamboat Springs is about 5 1/2 hours from Park City.
Steamboat Springs has plenty of accommodations ranging from fancy hotels and B&Bs
to small, plain, and functional establishments. However, it is recommended you
make reservations ahead of time, especially if you are traveling from out of state
and/or during high summer season (June – August). Less...
Accommodations
Steamboat Springs has plenty of accommodations,
ranging from fancy hotels and B&Bs to small, functional establishments. However,
it is recommended you make reservations ahead, especially if you are traveling
from out of state and/or during high summer season (June – August). Less...
The Roads
The surface of roads around Steamboat Springs
and the surrounding areas is generally very good; however, due to extreme temperature
changes between seasons, roads take a lot of abuse and as a result, especially
on higher mountain roads, you may find occasional road hazard in form of cracked
pavement, pothole, gravel or sand. Less...
What You Need To Know
If you are riding backcountry MTB trails during
Colorado’s hunting season (mid-September through October) make yourself
visible by wearing bright colors and stick to more popular trails that travel
through open spaces.
Mountain bike trails are rarely open before end of May and you should not expect
to ride trails above 10,000 feet before end of June. Less...
