Steamboat is known as paradise for skiers and boarders. From its trademark Champaign Power and it's world renowned tree skiing, to its maintenance of that "good old mountain town" vibe, Steamboat is the last of the good ones (in our opinion). For us locals and those who come to visit, winter is our jam. We rip, jump, shred, party, take it all in and leave nothing left. For some, the conclusion to the season and the melt out of snow means packing up and moving on. But for the rest of us it's a time to reset, refresh, and reconnect with the places and spaces we call home. "Come here for the winters, stay for the summers," they always say. And I think most of us can agree that we moved to Steamboat for the winters, but fell in love with it in the summer.
Summertime in the Boat is special for so many reasons. Hiking trails in our backyard, biking single track from our driveways. Just a hop and a skip to the Yampa river with brown trout that can throw a punch and whitewater waves set all through town. In the summers, our luck doesn't run out, it just takes a different form. Access to Buffalo Pass and the Zirkel wilderness provide an unlimited number of options for getting outside and sleeping in the dirt. High alpine lakes scattered through national forest and wilderness zones provide things to do and places to see, all within a range that boasts the tallest summit in Routt county.
We could sit here all day, pontificating the beauty of this valley and how so freakin' awesome it is spending time outside in Northwestern Colorado, but that's no meat and potatoes. If you're looking for adventure, we've got the spots.
Hiking doesn't have to mean milage. Fish Creek Falls sits just a few miles from downtown and provides a short .3 mile trail to the falls themselves. Classic Steamboat jaunt and the inspiration for the classic waterfall artwork on the original Coors bottles and cans . Past the short hike down to the falls the trail continues another 2.3 miles up to the second falls. From here you get a beautiful view, a small pool for a quick dip, and it wanders through the infamous Fish Creek Canyon which was recently added as expert inbound terrain to Steamboat Resort. Go for a hike, scope out some beta, and then after head back to town for a Coors to celebrate!
If you're short on time, or have never explored Steamboat, the Blackmere gravel road up Emerald Mountain is maybe the most classic Steamboat hike. You'll see locals running, biking, hiking, dog walking, and even unicycling! This road wanders up Emerald Mountain which sits just behind historic Howelson Hill, the oldest operating ski hill in the US. The trail continues all the way to the summit, but folks generally stop at the Quarry overlook before heading back down. From here, you'll get an amazing panoramic view of Steamboat Springs, as well as Steamboat Resort from afar. While this trail doesn't head miles into the wilderness, it's definitely a must do if you're new to town. This road intertwines with Emerald's free public mountain bike trails. Trails like Highway to Hell and NPR are downhill biking only, so make sure you follow signage and any posted rules. Wildlife is abundant up there, so enjoy from afar but please do not approach.
While we have a ton of options close to town, the real gems of steamboat are Buffalo Pass and the Zirkel Wilderness. Buff pass is a short 30 min drive from town. You can park at the Dry Lake parking area or continue driving up the road (4x4 only, some pretty rough spots require high clearance). From Dry Lake, you can hike the Flash of Gold trail. Named for the Aspen groves the trail goes through, it's an amazing sight in the fall when the leaves change color. This 10 mile out and back trail provides gorgeous views and puts you directly in the middle of some of Steamboat's best backcountry skiing (in the winter, of course). Buff pass also has a number of dispersed camping sites, so if you're looking for an easier, more approachable backpacking experience, this is great for first timers and those with thousands of miles under their altras.
Mt. Zirkel is the tallest peak in Routt county, sitting at 12,185 feet in the middle of it's self named Wilderness. As part of the Colorado Sawtooth range, the jagged mountains and endless space is overwhelming in its beauty. While there are so many trails connecting all across the zone, the gold star must go to the famous Zirkel Circle. This hike can be done in either direction, but locals recommend going counter clockwise, especially your first time. You'll pass Gold Creek Lake, and continue out until you switchback up to a saddle sitting just over 10,000 ft. Looking down you'll see the bright blue of snowmelt water that makes up Gilpin Lake. As cold as it is beautiful, Gilpin is a favorite camp spot for locals and tourists alike. Keep in mind that camping is not allowed within 1/4 mile of the lake. Bring a fishing pole too, those fish love to eat! And keep an eye out for our namesake mountain and it's younger sibling.
This is just a short list, just some of the local favorites. Beyond this list there are so many options for recreating outside in and around Steamboat. So pack up your tent, throw the bike on a rack, and head on up! And if you're looking for something a bit less traveled, grab a map and get to planning. Don't forget you can always swing by BAP or give us a phone call, we'll be happy to point you in the right direction!