Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States

Colorado’s dominance as a ski resort state continues with the vivacious Steamboat Springs. Boasting activities for all the seasons, Steamboat Springs also nods to an extensive western heritage that encompasses ranching traditions. After exploring the city’s historical sites, visitors are elated to partake in world-class skiing, biking, fishing, hunting, relaxing in the natural hot springs, and more. The Springs play host to popular annual events, fine cuisine, and shopping centers as well.

Population:

12.965

Currency:

$1 U.S. Dollar = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Most stores are open seven days a week 10am to 8pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am, while some close at 9pm.

Newspapers:

Steamboat Today & Pilot

The City

The city of Steamboat Springs lies in the Yampa River Valley, located 160 miles from Denver, Colorado's capital city. It is the most populous city and the county seat of Routt County. The area was originally inhabited by the Yampatikas Utes, who were displaced to reservations in Utah by the United States Army.

Summer activities include fishing, tubing, rafting, and kayaking on the Yampa Valley River, biking the Yampa River Core Trail, and hiking the trails at one of the four state parks in the area. But naturally, it is skiing that put Steamboat Springs on the map. Although its mining and ranching heritage are still important, the area has become known as a world-class ski resort town.

Steamboat Springs is also home to several major events every year, including the Winter Carnival, the Steamboat Marathon, the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, and the Mustang Roundup.

Do & See

Spend a day wake-surfing on Steamboat Lake or pan for gemstones at the family-fun park - those are only a couple of pursuits available to visitors. There is much to do in the not-just-a-ski-town of Steamboat Springs - try the family-friendly Alpine slide, a visit to a traditional rodeo show, or even stop by the town's scarce yet present cultural haunts.

Dining

The dining options of Steamboat Springs are vast in scope, mostly on the upscale side. Mostly absent are chain restaurants, which leaves room for many quirky independents and their palpable menu creativity, in both the spirit of competition and the search for gastronomy perfected. Enjoy everything from the simplest freshly baked cookies at The Bakery, to a palate-challenging Carrot and Black Truffle Gnocchi at Harwigs.

Cafes

All across the city one can find a delicious cup of joe, bites for breakfast, or a quiet spot to have a beer with a burrito or sandwich. Try The Shack for a great, no-frills lunch spot, or Off the Beaten Path if perusing literature with your morning coffee sounds like something you'd enjoy.