Often referred to as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs has a unique history as home to a pioneer in the ski industry and a rejuvenating hot spring that gave the mountain town its name.

History:

The Yampa Valley started out as the summer hunting grounds of the Ute Indians for hundreds of years, according to the City of Steamboat Springs. The Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes traveled to the area for its mineral or “medicine” springs that they considered “sacred places of physical and spiritual healing.”

James Crawford arrived in the Yampa Valley in 1874 looking for a homestead site, and built a cabin near what is now Iron Spring and a log shelter over nearby hot springs. Five other families settled in the area by 1885, and the town began to develop.

The town was incorporated in 1900 with James Crawford as the first mayor. The railroad arrived in Steamboat Springs in 1909, sparking a boom for the commercial industry and allowing cattle ranchers to turn the new railroad depot into one of the largest cattle shipping centers of the West.

Visitors traveled to Steamboat Springs to check out the scenery and mineral springs, including Carl Howelsen in the early 1910s. Howelsen brought ski jumping to the area, eventually creating Howelsen Hill Ski Area and establishing skiing as a sport in the area.

Storm Mountain was developed to be a ski resort in the 1960s (later named Mount Werner in memory of Olympian Buddy Werner who was a local skier).

Today, Steamboat Springs is a world-class skiing and biking destination. Steamboat Springs also claims to have sent more athletes to the U.S. Winter Olympics than any other city in the country.

Outdoor recreation:

Steamboat Ski Resort — with 3,741 acres of skiable terrain, Steamboat Ski Resort features exciting runs and its famous “Champagne powder” snow.

Howelsen Hill Ski Area — started in 1915, this is North America’s oldest operating ski area and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America.

Rabbit Ears Pass — a hot spot for snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Fish Creek Falls — only four miles from Steamboat Springs, visitors can enjoy a hike to this 280-foot waterfall.

Mountain biking — Steamboat Springs is known for its mountain biking on trails on Emerald Mountain and Buffalo Pass.

Yampa River — an excellent spot to cool off by tubing, kayaking and paddleboarding (and it even runs right through the town).

Yampa River Core Trail — a 7.5-mile paved multiuse trail running through Steamboat Springs and along the Yampa River.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs – offers a rugged, rustic natural experience.

Old Town Hot Springs — this spot offers a historic hot spring, family-friendly recreation facility and gym in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Culture:

Steamboat Springs History Museum — located in a Queen Anne-style Victorian home, this museum features the history of Native Americans, skiing, agriculture, mining, pioneer settlement and more.

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo — this rodeo has been operating for over a century, and it features bull riding, barrel racing and much more.

Strings Music Festival — this music festival features over 60 performances during the summer from June through August. It includes orchestra and chamber music, soloists, world, blues, jazz and rock music.

Steamboat Art Museum — this art museum showcases the culture and heritage of Northwest Colorado.

Dining:

Creekside Cafe & Grill — this cozy breakfast and lunch spot serves American fare and has a garden patio that overlooks a creek.

Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails — this restaurant serves charcuterie, creative small plates and craft cocktails.

Back Door Grill — this funky eatery serves up burgers, fries and much more.

Salt & Lime — this Mexican restaurant has a rooftop patio and serves classic Mexican dishes.

Lodging:

Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas — this hotel is located steps away from the main gondolas of Steamboat Ski Resort.

The Steamboat Grand — this resort hotel is also located near Steamboat Ski Resort.

Rabbit Ears Motel — conveniently located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs.

Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs by IHG — provides easy access to Steamboat Ski Resort, Haymaker Golf Course and the Yampa and Elk Rivers.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, it takes about three and a half hours to drive from Denver to Steamboat Springs.

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