Visitors to Steamboat Springs tend to think our mountain town is all about winter sports, but we at Grand Adventure Company would like to encourage travelers to rediscover the magic of summer in Steamboat Springs, exploring everything that makes us special during the warmest days of the year. This guide celebrates the wonder of a journey to Steamboat Springs in summer, helping our guests fill in all the blank spots on their vacation itinerary.
Day 1: Hit the Bike Trails in Steamboat
We’re going to start strong with our first suggestion. Steamboat Springs is known as Bike Town USA, and whether you’re tackling mountain trails or enjoying road biking through the town itself, Steamboat Springs is meant to be seen from two wheels. The Emerald Mountain Loops are a great place to start, offering multiple loops of varying difficulty, including kid-friendly options that the whole family will enjoy.
The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7-mile paved multi-use trail winding through Steamboat Springs along the river itself. Along the way, you’ll pass multiple points of interest, including the Yampa River Botanic Park, but even if you don’t make pit stops along the way, the trail itself offers stunning scenery that you’re sure to love.
Day 2: What’s SUP at Stagecoach State Park?
Stand up paddleboarding is just one of the many popular watersports you can participate in with a visit to the reservoir in Stagecoach State Park. Named for the stagecoach route that ran right through where the park is today, it lies just 17 miles outside of Steamboat Springs. The Stagecoach Marina Store rents the boards you need, as well as canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats if any of those activities sound like fun. When your day on the Reservoir has ended, head back to Steamboat Springs for the next brewery on the Brew Trail, Storm Peak Brewing Company (1885 Elk River Drive). Your favorite fur child is welcome on the patio of this cool brewery which sells 20 different beers, and although they don’t serve food at Storm Peak, you can always BYOB, which in this case stands for ‘bring your own barbecue.’ Moe’s BBQ is located right next door, or grab a pizza from How Ya Doin Pizza, which shares the same building.
Day 3: Time to Fly
Although you could try to rent a helicopter sightseeing tour during your Steamboat Springs adventures, the flying we are talking about takes place a lot closer to the ground. Fly fishing is a big deal in this part of the country, and Steamboat FlyFisher or Straightline Sports can take you on a guided tour to spots where the fish are biting! If you’re not a group person, there are multiple rivers in the area where you can take your pole and tackle box, including the Yampa and the Elk River.
Day 4: A Taste of Steamboat
Our favorite part of any vacation, summer or otherwise, is all the delicious food we get to eat, and in Steamboat Springs, there are over 100 opportunities to enjoy a taste of the town. Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, 127 11th Street, is a fantastic restaurant located inside a building that used to be the Steamboat Laundry, offering a sophisticated menu and an extensive list of cocktails. When you want something a little more casual, however, Johnny B Good’s diner, located at 738 Lincoln Avenue, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But your favorite part of the day may be your visit to Mythology Distillery, offering high-quality small-batch spirits that will bring joy to your Steamboat explorations.
Day 5: Take Part in Steamboat’s Top Summer Hits
On the last day of your Colorado journey, it’s time to connect with the town’s favorite summer events: the Steamboat Pro Rodeo and Steamboat Farmers Market!
Held on Friday and Saturday nights all throughout the summer, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo is sure to be a family friendly experience you won’t forget. You’ll see everything from team roping and steer wrestling to bareback riding and even the exciting calf scramble, where kids from the audience will attempt to catch a running calf and pull the pink ribbon off its tail!
For a more mellow experience, you can head to the Steamboat Farmers Market on Saturday mornings throughout the summer to find a large selection of local produce, breads, and meats. Stock up on your favorite items to make a romantic bruschetta board back at your rental, or just grab a few small bites before heading back out for an adventurous day in Steamboat Springs.
Plan Your Summer Journey Today
However you spend your remaining days in Steamboat, you will rest easily every night, knowing our homes have become an integral part of your vacation experience.
Reserve your favorite Grand Adventure Company summer sanctuary today!