Steamboat Springs in 5 days

Champagne powder, hot springs, and a real Colorado ranch town Best time to visit: December to March and June to September. Average daily budget: $180 to $320.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Town, Lincoln Avenue and the historic grid, with independent shops, bars, and the Yampa River running behind it.

Morning: Ski the champagne powder. Steamboat's aspen glades and 3,500 feet of vertical hold light, dry snow better than most Colorado mountains, and the tree skiing is the signature experience.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town, Lincoln Avenue and the historic grid, with independent shops, bars, and the Yampa River running behind it.

Evening: Soak at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Stone pools in a forested canyon seven miles from town, best after dark when the steam rises under the stars. Book ahead and bring cash.

Eat: Aurum on Yampa Street for riverside fine dining

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Mountain Village, Ski in ski out lodging and restaurants at the base of the gondola, busiest in winter.

Morning: Tube the Yampa River. A gentle two hour summer float straight through town, with shuttles and rentals on Yampa Street.

Afternoon: Explore The Mountain Village, Ski in ski out lodging and restaurants at the base of the gondola, busiest in winter.

Evening: Catch the Steamboat Pro Rodeo. Friday and Saturday nights through the summer, a genuine working rodeo that has run for over a century.

Eat: Salt and Lime for tacos and a big tequila list

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Yampa Street, The riverside strip of patios, breweries, and galleries, the best place to eat in summer.

Morning: Hike to Fish Creek Falls. A 280 foot waterfall reachable in ten minutes from the parking area, with a longer trail continuing to an upper falls and alpine lake.

Afternoon: Explore Yampa Street, The riverside strip of patios, breweries, and galleries, the best place to eat in summer.

Evening: Old Town Hot Springs right in the centre, open late and cheaper than Strawberry Park. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Freshies for the town's favourite breakfast

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Strawberry Park, A rural valley north of town, home to the natural hot springs and quiet cabin stays.

Morning: Rabbit Ears Pass for cross country skiing and wildflowers. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Strawberry Park, A rural valley north of town, home to the natural hot springs and quiet cabin stays.

Evening: Steamboat Lake State Park for paddling with Hahn's Peak behind you. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Storm Peak Brewing for the local après beer

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Old Town, Lincoln Avenue and the historic grid, with independent shops, bars, and the Yampa River running behind it.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Old Town, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town, Lincoln Avenue and the historic grid, with independent shops, bars, and the Yampa River running behind it.

Evening: Dinner at Aurum on Yampa Street for riverside fine dining, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Old Town.

Eat: Aurum on Yampa Street for riverside fine dining

Hidden gems

Old Town Hot Springs right in the centre, open late and cheaper than Strawberry Park
Rabbit Ears Pass for cross country skiing and wildflowers
Steamboat Lake State Park for paddling with Hahn's Peak behind you

Getting around

A free town bus connects Old Town and the mountain village frequently, so a car is optional in winter. Hayden Airport is 25 minutes away with winter direct flights, and Denver is a three hour drive over the Continental Divide.

Safety

Altitude here is 6,900 feet in town and over 10,000 on the mountain, so hydrate and take the first day easy. Winter mountain passes can close in storms, and summer afternoons bring lightning above treeline, so start hikes early.

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