Visiting Steamboat Springs at any time of the year is a great idea, but there is a special kind of wonderful that takes place during the fall. Early in the season it is quiet, the air is crisp and cool, but there is an underlying hum of excitement as ski season inches ever nearer, and in late fall, the hum reaches a crescendo when the slopes are open again. No matter when you visit, the good times will be better than you dreamed, especially when you engage in these top outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs, and the comfortable times in our Grand Adventure Company seasonal sanctuaries will be cozy and warm!
Before the Snow
Steamboat Springs is one of a handful of places in which fall is divided into two seasons, and so we will divide the story we tell into two topics: before the snow, and after the snow falls. When you arrive early in the season, you will notice that nights are already quite chilly and the daylight hours are brisk and cool, but the sun will be shining, the trees will be a mix of vibrant fall colors, and life will move at a little slower pace. Early fall—September and October—is considered the shoulder season, and wait times at restaurants will be shorter, the trails will be less crowded, and smiles will come much easier.
Take a Hike
In just a few short weeks, many of the trails you see today will be blanketed with snow and hordes of colorfully dressed skiers will be schussing their way down, but before the snow, hiking is one of our favorite outdoor activities in Steamboat Springs. There are a lot of amazing trails in the area, including the easy hike that will lead you to Fish Creek Falls. If you want a little more exertion, the Mad Creek Trail stretches out over 8 miles and takes hikers past a really cool historic barn.
Attend a Fall Festival
OktoberWest is our signature beer festival that is actually held in September when the weather is warmer, bringing joy and hops to everyone who attends. This is a two-day festival, and this year it occurs on September 5 and 6. You’ll find a vendor market, a beef cook-off, kids’ games, and a beer stroll. This is our favorite fall event, and we can assure you that it will be yours too. Downtown Steamboat is the site of this fantastic event, and General Admission tickets will give guests entry to the festival, the beer garden, complimentary 4 oz samples, and a branded 16-ounce beer glass. The Beer Stroll has its own tickets, and VIP Tickets include early access to the festival, a judge/taster role, and a branded 19.5-ounce beer stein. Finally, the games package can be added to the VIP Tickets, giving guests the chance to compete in the four different OktoberWest challenges.
Fly Fishing on the Yampa River
The brown trout are really biting in the fall! It seems we aren’t the only species that enjoys our mountain weather this time of year, and Yampa Valley Anglers offer a large number of guided fly fishing trips through October.
After the Snow Falls
Winter comes early in the mountains, and the snow begins to fall in October, changing the vibe of your fall vacation. November is when the heavy snowfalls begin, with Thanksgiving generally being the kick-off to ski season, and the quiet of early fall becomes an electric buzz of activity. Once ski season begins, your days in Steamboat will be filled with time on the mountain and après ski evenings, snowshoe trips and Nordic ski adventures. The temperatures may drop, the snow may fall hard, and spending as much time outside as possible will make this trip one you will never forget.
Come Home to Grand Adventure Company and Get Cozy
Spending cozy nights at home in your Grand Adventure Company seasonal sanctuaries will, of course, be something you look forward to at the end of every day. You can still spend some time outside, soaking in hot tubs, sitting on balconies watching the sun fall behind the mountains, maybe even taking an evening walk on paths that lead throughout the community. But it is the moments you spend inside our spacious and serene retreats that will bring a quiet joy to your heart. And as you cuddle with your favorite person in front of a roaring fire, rewatch Friends on Smart TVs before you fall asleep, or simply sit at the dining table sipping coffee and staring out at the snow falling gently (or not so gently) to the ground during your late fall visit, you may just decide that the mountain life is the only life you want to lead. Reserve your favorite retreat today!
