Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, located in the Rocky Mountains, is home to not one, but two excellent skiing areas. There are two ski areas in the area: the much smaller Howelsen Hill Ski Area, which is named after the man who introduced ski-jumping to Steamboat Springs in 1913, and the well-known Steamboat Ski Resort, which is located on Mount Werner just outside of town. You can go white-water kayaking on the challenging Yampa River for more aquatic fun. And if you enjoy cycling, you're in luck because the League of American Bicyclists recognized the region surrounding Steamboat Springs as a top location for cycling in 2011.
Steamboat Springs is the ideal location for just about any summer adventure you can think of thanks to its distinctive combination of mountains and valleys, three different lakes, and a river that runs directly through town. Steamboat changes its name from Ski Town, USA® to Bike Town, USA® during the summer. There are many other trails for cross-country mountain biking, as well as trails around the town for easy cruising with the family. Take to one of the many hiking and backpacking trails by swapping your wheels for hiking boots. The breathtaking views are present on all types of hikes, from easy family strolls to strenuous backcountry treks.
Both on land and in the water, Steamboat is a lot of fun. Tubing down the Yampa River is a must-do Steamboat activity because the river runs directly through the town. Of course, anglers from all over Colorado and beyond come to fish in its gold Medal waters. You can fish, boat, canoe, and sail at the breathtakingly beautiful Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, and Stagecoach Reservoir. Two geothermal hot springs, one in the center of town and the other, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a short drive up the mountain, are ready to revitalize you when it's time to slow down and unwind. Not all adventures take place in the wild. There are many new restaurants and brewpubs in the area that are open and provide a variety of comfortable dining options.