The Best Summer Activities in STEAMBOAT & THE YAMPA VALLEY
Steamboat, Colorado is known for its breadth of summer outdoor activities – the champion destination of multi-sport days, you could say. With Gravity Haus Steamboat as your basecamp, you can explore by land and water – making summer memories to last a lifetime.
Here’s where we recommend exploring in and around Steamboat Springs, Colorado – and what gear to use while doing so!
LIFT ACCESS BIKE PARKS
- June 16 – September 4 | Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
- September 8 – October 1 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM
- Pedal on cross-country and multi-use trails that stretch across the ski resort, or explore the many trails of the Steamboat Bike Park. Wind through aspen trees, rock formations and secluded singletrack. Head up, speed down, and explore the mountain top to bottom. There are 30 miles of cross-country mountain bike and multi-use trails on Mt. Werner.
- Be aware, there are numerous construction projects on the mountain and trails may be closed at times, take extreme caution while riding and please obey all signage and stay out of the way of heavy machinery while crews are working. Download the Steamboat Resort mobile app for up-to-date lift and trail status.
- Bike Park Pass ($299) or Single Day Passes ($59) required for lift access
- Lessons available at Ticket Office
TAKE THESE BIKES OUT TO THE LIFT BIKE PARKS:
- Specialized Status 160
- Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy
TRAIL RIDING
- Easy to Difficult trails
- Trail head located off of 13th st Downtown Steamboat
- Views of downtown Steamboat and Yampa Valley
- Aspen groves
- Spring Creek [Intermediate]: This trail has it all, and you can ride it right from town! Because it’s easy to get to and beautiful, you’re likely to see other riders, hikers, dogs, etc. on the way down. It’s a fast and flowy descent, so it’s easy to get a ton of speed. Be careful and be courteous.
- Spring Roll [Intermediate/Difficult] : start off Buff Pass and head downhill through Aspen groves into downtown. This trail is directional.
[Intermediate]: Immediately start grinding up a wide singletrack high above the creek. It can be tough since you’ve had no warm-up and it’s pretty consistent for over a mile and fully exposed to the sun. You’ll pass a gate on the left (which heads over to Red Dirt Trail), and shortly thereafter to a historic (and photogenic) barn. Pass that, head downhill to a bridge which connects to the Madhouse Trail, which would take you back to the trailhead. For maximum fun though, continue up the Mad Creek Trail on the left side of the creek for another mile or so through superb aspens and meadows. There are a couple pullovers next to the creek which are great for a snack. It’s a smooth, skinny singletrack in this area, and ends all too quickly at the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary. Bikes are not allowed in any wilderness zone in the USA. Turn around and enjoy the descent!
[Difficult]: The most commonly ridden section of this trail runs from the intersection with Saddle Trail down to the Red Dirt trailhead. Ridden this way, the trail climbs slightly more steeply than Saddle Trail, before descending all the way down to the trailhead. This trail is more technical than other trails in the area, with a few rocks breaking up generally smooth terrain up too, a rooty section through thick tree cover after that, then a steeper, rocky descent leading to a consistent grade with switchbacks and some loose soil to contend with, and finally a bench cut down to the trailhead. Just after the trail starts to descend after leaving the Saddle Trail behind, you can take a right to follow this trail up towards the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary. This is a consistent and challenging climb, with plenty of Aspens, Pine trees, wildflowers, and thick green vegetation along the trail to keep things interesting. Parts of the trail are a bit chewed up from horses and rains, making it a little less pleasant than it could be, but overall, it’s a nice challenging end to the larger Mad Creek / Red Dirt Loop. FYI: popular hunting trail in the fall.
TAKE THESE BIKES OUT ON THE TRAILS:
- Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy | Not allowed at bike parks
PADDLEBOARDING
- The standup paddleboard craze gets its own unique Steamboat twist here in the Rocky Mountains, where the wild and free flowing Yampa River makes for exciting whitewater paddle boarding.
- Located in the middle of town behind Walgreens
- Yoga on the pond: Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of paddle boarding or brush up on your basic skills. There are many chances this summer! We’ll start with some land skills, followed by a short paddle. Then a bit of movement with a yoga practice and a floating meditation to connect deeply to ourselves and the nature that surrounds us. Yoga Center of Steamboat
- 3 Lakes located North of Steamboat. Follow US 40 West for 2 miles to County Road 129 (turn right on Elk River Rd) drive 26 miles to Steamboat Lake
- Steamboat Lake is the largest of the 3 lakes. Hahn’s Peak frames the breathtaking scenery of this premier park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boating recreational opportunities. A full-service Marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play. Great spot for wake surfing/boarding.
- Hahn’s Peak Lake is a small, quiet lake, especially compared to nearby Steamboat Lake. It’s tucked away in the northern part of Routt County, close to the Wyoming border. Fishing, camping, and hiking are the main attractions.
- Pearl Lake: Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a serene lakeside setting. Overlooking Farwell Mountain, visitors camp along the shoreline and on a ridge with amazing views. Excellent fly and lure fishing for native cutthroat trout can be found in Pearl Lake’s wakeless waters. Paddleboarders clamor for a chance to launch on Pearl’s expansive and still waters. A trail takes visitors along the shoreline and leads them deep into the Routt National Forest. Picnicking is picture perfect. This is a true escape from the day-to-day routine.
- Located south of Steamboat down HWY 131 towards Oak Creek. An array of activities awaits with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. State Park season pass required. Day passes available for purchase at entrance. Full Marina and Pontoon rentals. Wake surfing/boarding a popular activity on the reservoir.
TAKE THESE SUPS OUT FOR A PADDLE:
For the Yampa –
Hala Rado
The Hala Rado SUP Kit is the right inflatable stand-up paddleboard for a larger or expedition paddler who may want to use their SUP on whitewater and flatwater. The Rado blends whitewater SUP features, like a Progressive-River Rocker SUP profile and retractable 9” StompBox 2 fin system with a long waterline to hold speed and drive in the Yampa’s rapids. This SUP Kit includes an industry-leading Lever-Lock Adjustable Carbon Paddle, a rolling backpack, hand pump, fins and a repair kit, so you can grab your PFD, leash and sunscreen and head directly to your next adventure.
For Steamboat Area Lakes and Stagecoach Reservoir –
Hala Straight Up Carbon
The Hala Gear Carbon Straight Up is a wildly popular board that combines All-Water SUP shape dimensions with carbon glide performance and a rigidity that is unequaled by its competition. This board shares the same design as the Carbon Hoss but smaller. The Straight Up has been redesigned to be even faster and more rigid with more narrow shoulders (to enhance glide performance) and a lengthened carbon stringer (to add even more rigidity). This SUP kit includes an industry-leading Carbon Paddle, hand pump, fins, rolling backpack and repair kit.
HIKING
FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS
Located about 1 hour South of Steamboat. Drive down hwy 131 through Oak Creek Phipsburg. Enter the Flat Tops Wilderness in Yampa. There’s lots of camping, hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding spots. Can get buggy in the late summer.
- Devil’s Causeway Loop [10.5 loop or 5.6 to Causeway and back]: Access the appropriate parking lot by turning down Routt County Road 7 in downtown Yampa, and follow the road until it ends. It will go nearly 17 miles, switch to a dirt surface and become Forest Service Road 900. Go around one lake and pass another before ending at a parking lot on the north end of Stillwater Reservoir.
HAHN’S PEAK [3.7 miles]: Located North of Steamboat. Views from Hahn’s Peak’s 10,839ft summit make a drive to the Steamboat Lake area rewarding. The summit is an easier hike than it would first appear. You’ll be treated to spectacular 360-degree views of the Routt National Forest and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, as well as north all the way into Wyoming. You can also explore boulder fields and discover a great variety of wildflowers/berries
RABBIT EARS PEAK [5.5 miles out & back]: Rabbit Ears Peak has been used as a landmark since the first pioneers entered the area. The peak has guided many to the Yampa River valley over the years. From Steamboat Springs, CO head east on US 40 and begin the long grade up to Rabbit Ears Pass Summit (9,426’). Once at the pass, continue on US 40 through the high, rolling terrain to Dumont Lake where you turn left onto the old Rabbit Ears Pass Road. Drive for approximately 1 mile to a large stone marker on the left. Turn left at this marker and park. Moderate difficulty hike
FISH CREEK FALLS [0.5 to falls]: Clear and fresh high alpine water roars down Fish Creek Canyon, spilling over the magnificent 280-ft Fish Creek Falls, one of the most popular destinations around Steamboat Springs. Just minutes from downtown Steamboat, wilderness comes to life with a splash at the legendary falls, easily accessible for the entire family. A short 1/4-mile walk down a gravel path is a pristine view of the lower falls, while a moderate hike with picturesque views will take the more adventurous to Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake, deep in the Routt National Forest. In the springtime, Fish Creek Falls is at its roaring peak with snowmelt, while in late summer clear water cascades down the smooth rocks. In winter, ice-climbers take to the famous face and hikers snowshoe the trail. There’s no off-season at Fish Creek Falls. $5 day use fee.
MAD CREEK [0.5 to falls]: Go west on US Hwy 40 to County Road 129. Trailhead is just off 129 to the east. Non-motorized, multi-use trail that access Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. Immediately start hiking up a wide singletrack high above the creek. It can be tough since you’ve had no warm-up and it’s pretty consistent for over a mile and fully exposed to the sun. You’ll pass a gate on the left (which heads over to Red Dirt Trail), and shortly thereafter to a historic (and photogenic) barn. For maximum fun though, continue up the Mad Creek Trail on the left side of the creek for another mile or so through superb aspens and meadows. There are a couple stopping points next to the creek which are great for a snack. It’s a smooth, skinny singletrack in this area.
MT. ZIRKEL WILDERNESS
ZIRKEL CIRCLE [10.4-mile loop]: for runners, new backpackers, families, or anyone looking for a weekend backpacking adventure, this loop is an ideal option with access to water, views, and side scrambles to tack on more miles. The majority of visitors approach the loop from the west at the trailhead for the Gilpin Trail with ample parking and campgrounds along the road leading to the trailhead, but longer and more remote options lie to the east as well. The high point for this loop is almost exactly at the midway point, so it doesn’t really matter which direction you choose to go. Generally speaking, going clockwise is a higher sustained grade overall but with fewer steep sections, while going counterclockwise is generally lower grade but with at least a couple steep sections. There is water on either side of the pass above Gilpin Lake.
GEAR UP FOR YOUR HIKE IN STEAMBOAT, COLORADO
Backpacks from Haus Quiver Gear Rental for your next Hike –
Deuter Freerider
Deuter’s Freerider pack has clever details like access to the main compartment via a fully opening back panel. This gives you good oversight of the contents and it also means the carry system stays dry. It features a separate, easy-to-access front compartment keeping you dialed and moving forward on the trail.
Mountain Hardwear Powabunga 32 Pack
The Powabunga™ Pack is Mountain Hardwear’s versatile, purpose-driven carrying system for those looking for the next adventure on the skin track or hiking trail.
CAMPING
RABBIT EAR’S PASS
- Dumont Lake Campground [$12/night]
- Dumont Lake Campground has 22 handicap accessible campsites, with a good combination of pull-through and back-in sites. Campsites are private and roomy, and most have clear views of the alpine meadow around the lake. Campers also have the convenience of three restrooms and hand pumps for drinking water. Visitors can reach the two-mile Rabbit Ears Trail from the facility, and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail nearby.
- Great location for hiking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking
- Meadow’s Campground [$10/night]
- Meadow’s campground is located on Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat Springs, CO and is surrounded by tall evergreens. It has 30 campsites, with a combination of pull-through, back-in and walk-in tent sites, each site having a table and fire ring
BUFF PASS
- Summit Lake Campground
- Summit Lake Campground generally does not open until Mid-July and is located on Buffalo Pass in the Steamboat Springs Area. It provides 9 back-in campsites and 6 walk-in tent sites. Each site has a table and a fire grate, and vault toilets and trash service are offered.
- 4 Wheel Drive vehicle access
- Dispersed camping sites
- This approximately 15-mile stretch of scenic dirt road crosses the diverse habitats within the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains. It rises from sagebrush and gamble oak habitat to lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, and spruce-fir dominated forests. The elevation ranges from 6,700 feet in Steamboat Springs to 10,400 feet at Summit Lake Camp Ground. This road offers spectacular views of the Yampa and North Park valleys below, multiple alpine lakes within walking distance, access to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, multiple disperse camping sites and
- Summit Lake Campground with restroom facilities. Additionally, there are numerous hiking, horseback and motorized vehicle trails to suite a range of outdoor activity needs
FLAT TOPS WILDERNESS
- Chapman Reservoir Campground: This small lightly used campground features great views of the neighboring mountains and scenic Chapman Reservoir below the camping area. Wakeless boating, including electric trolling motors, are allowed on the reservoir, but it’s a short walk down to the lake. Hiking and all-terrain vehicle trails are nearby but ATVs are not allowed in camp
MOUNTAIN ZIRKEL WILDERNESS
- Seedhouse Campground: located 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and is the gateway to the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness along the Elk River Corridor. Vault toilets, trash services and potable water are available at the campground. There are 24 campsites, 15 of which may be reserved. Remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Each site is spacious and equipped with a campfire ring and picnic table. There are two hand pump water systems throughout the campground. Seedhouse Campground has plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, river rafting and more. There is a good combination of pull-through, and back-in sites. Trout fishing is accessible on the river as well as several mountain streams
DON’T GO WITHOUT THIS CAMPING GEAR FROM GRAVITY HAUS!
Mountain Hardwear Lamina R Sleeping Bag
Unique Lamina™ construction maximizes the loft of your insulation; eliminates cold spots; and thermally maps insulation to areas you need the most warmth. By strategically placing insulation, we are able to concentrate warmth where you need it. The proprietary, welded Lamina™ construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots. Mountain Hardwear’s Thermal.Q insulation (80% recycled) insulates when wet and reduces impact on the planet. The standard mummy cut is efficient, warm, and comfortable.
Nemo Equipment Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
With Switchback, NEMO has redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. This pad features hexagonal nodes molded with our dual-density Axiotomic™ foam to create Hypnoelastic™ zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support.
DISC GOLF
HILLSIDE AT CMC
- Accuracy course with lots of elevation changes. Ask a local for alt layouts – see course map. From Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat, go west to a right on 12th St. Take first left on Bob Adams Dr., go up the hill and follow the signs to Hill Hall on Colorado Mountain College Campus. 1st tee at back left corner of parking lot.
HAYBRO RED TAIL
- Every hole will challenge players to consider their options. We are not multi-use or a theme park in any way. You will find a physically and technically challenging, private, backcountry mountain course with steep uphill, high precision, long bombs, and cross mountain shots (bring hiking gear and water). Accuracy wins out over a strong arm on a number of holes, but there are also challenges for a good strong arm. There is also a 1 – 2 acre Putting Park with 9 Marksman baskets. It’s a great way to work on your putting and, for people who are new to the sport, to have a good time without the intimidation of driving off of a tee. Remote, peaceful and quiet with impressive alpine views and abundant wildlife. PLAY at YOUR OWN RISK COURSE. From approximately mile marker 56 on CO Highway 131, head North on Routt County Road 179 for 3.2 miles. Park on the road or in the lot by the fence.
SILVER SPUR
- Neighborhood course that plays throughout the open valley and wetland. Head West out of Steamboat Springs on 40, take a right on County Road 42 then your first left onto Silver Spur St. Drive about a 1/2 a mile to the break in the houses and park on the side of the road. Take the trail on the left side of the road for about a 1/8 of a mile and the first tee is at the top of the hill on the left side of the trail.
GET OUT AND DISC GOLF WITH RENTALS FROM GRAVITY HAUS!
Custom Gravity Haus Dynamic Discs Cadet Disc Golf Set
Dynamic Discs Disc Golf Starter Set with Cadet Backpack Disc Golf Bag. This beginner-friendly, maximum value set features the all-new Dynamic Discs Cadet Backpack. Boasting an ability to hold 17+ discs in the main compartment coupled with two additional zippered pockets for accessory and valuables storage, the Cadet Backpack is the perfect lightweight and compact solution to your most demanding disc golf needs. This set also includes the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Judge, Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Truth, and Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Escape.
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Dynamic Discs Cadet Disc Golf Set
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Burst Escape – Driver
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Burst Emac Truth – Mid
- Dynamic Discs Custom Gravity Haus Prime Judge – Putter
