Summer Day Trips from Denver: Steamboat
Yampa River in Steamboat Springs - Photo by Matthew Hernandez on Unsplash
This one requires a little more windshield time, but Steamboat Springs rewards the effort.
About three hours from Denver, Steamboat is best known as a ski town, but summer might be when it really shines. Think waterfalls, river tubing, hot springs, hiking, mountain views, and a lively downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and patios.
Leave early, stay late, and consider this the big adventure edition of our Summer Day Trips from Denver series.
Why We Love It
Steamboat has all the perks of a Colorado resort town without feeling quite as polished around the edges. There's still plenty of genuine Western character here, mixed with great restaurants, outdoor adventure, and enough activities to easily fill a weekend.
But we're calling this a day trip, so set the alarm, grab the coffee, and hit the road.
What to Do
Hike to Fish Creek Falls
Just minutes from downtown, Fish Creek Falls is one of Steamboat's must-see attractions.
The 280-foot waterfall is impressive even if you don't want to commit to a major hike. A short paved trail leads to an overlook, while another trail takes you down toward the base of the falls.
Want more of a workout? Continue farther along the trail toward Upper Fish Creek Falls and Long Lake.
Float the Yampa River
Few things say summer in Steamboat quite like floating down the Yampa River on an inner tube.
When water levels and conditions allow, you can rent a tube in town and enjoy a leisurely float right through Steamboat. Several parks and access points along the river make it easy to turn tubing into part of a larger afternoon downtown.
River conditions vary throughout the summer, so always check current conditions and restrictions before getting in the water.
Soak at Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Tucked into the mountains outside town, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the area's most memorable stops.
Natural mineral water fills a series of stone-lined pools surrounded by forest, creating a setting that feels far removed from...well, pretty much everything.
Reservations are required, and the road can be rough depending on conditions, so plan this part of your day in advance.
Explore Downtown Steamboat Springs
Save some time to wander downtown, where you'll find locally owned boutiques, Western shops, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of patios.
Lincoln Avenue is the main stretch, but don't forget to wander toward the Yampa River and the side streets nearby.
A few fun stops include:
Take a Walk or Bike Ride Along the Yampa
Not interested in tubing? You can still enjoy the river without getting wet.
The Yampa River Core Trail runs for several miles through Steamboat, connecting parks, downtown, restaurants, and recreation areas along the way.
It's an easy option for walking or biking and a great way to see more of town without constantly getting back in the car.
Pro Tips
Leave Denver early. Really early. This is one of the longest drives in our day-trip series.
Make reservations for Strawberry Park Hot Springs before you go.
Check Yampa River conditions before planning to tube.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, and layers.
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so tackle longer hikes earlier in the day.
Wildlife is common along the drive and around Steamboat. Enjoy the view from a safe distance.
If three hours each way sounds like a lot, you're correct. Steamboat also makes an excellent overnight trip.
Drive Time from Denver
Approximately 3 to 3½ hours each way, depending on traffic and your route.
This is definitely a full-day commitment. But the drive itself is beautiful, and once you're there, you can pack a surprising amount into one summer day.
Perfect For:
Adventure seekers
Couples
Families with older kids
Hot springs fans
Hikers
River lovers
Anyone willing to get up early for a really good Colorado day
One More Thing...
Don't try to do everything.
Fish Creek Falls, tubing, downtown Steamboat, and Strawberry Park Hot Springs can quickly turn a relaxing day into an Olympic event. Pick two or three priorities and leave yourself time to actually enjoy them.
And if you decide somewhere around Strawberry Park that driving three hours back to Denver sounds terrible? Well, Steamboat has hotels. We're just saying…
Want to learn more about things to do in Denver? Book a Discovery Meeting with us today.
