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Continental Divide Trail 

Steamboat Springs and the surrounding areas are home to hundreds of miles of trails. In fact, one of the world’s best thru hikes passes right through our backyard: The Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. The CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. 

Gateway Community 

In 2018, Steamboat Springs, CO was designated an official CDT Gateway Community. Gateway Communities are recognized for their part in promoting awareness and stewardship of the CDT and creating a welcoming environment for travelers along the Trail. We are happy to take steps to ensure the protection of our natural, cultural, and recreational resources, including the CDT, for generations to come. 

Trail Maps

Facts about the CDT
  • 3,100 miles total
  • It takes the average thru hiker 6 months to finish the CDT – that’s an average of 17 miles per day!
  • Highest elevation on the trail: 14,270ft at Grays Peak in Colorado
  • 76% of the CDT is complete and located on mon-motorized trail
     

Welcome Hikers

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community

If you’re one of the hikers passing through Steamboat Springs, we are thrilled to welcome you and share our community with you. Here are some resources to help you get the most out of your respite from the trail. 

Local Resources

Free Transportation

Getting around town for hikers is incredibly easy in Steamboat Springs with the free, citywide bus service that runs year-round, seven days a week. This convenient service runs early morning to late evening. Rest your feet and legs and let us do the driving and hop aboard the free buses! Check out all the bus schedules here

Food

Freshies: Freshies is a healthy, family-friendly, neighborhood place to eat a delicious breakfast and lunch. 

Creekside:  Incredible outdoor dining on the creek’s edge surrounded by an award-winning garden. The Creekside's extensive breakfast and lunch menu highlight local ingredients. 

Yampa Sandwich CO:  Accessible to locals and visitors alike looking for tasty, healthy food in a down-to-earth, hometown atmosphere. Dine inside or take it to go on your next adventure. 

GEAR SHOPS

BAP: Outdoor gear and clothing shop for every need. Visit them for repairs, gear, and great like-minded company!

Ski Haus; Ski Haus is Steamboat's oldest and most complete mountain shop. They feature outdoor gear and clothing for biking, hiking, camping, climbing, and relaxing. 

Christy Sports: Outdoor gear located in Central Park Plaza  

Hiking along the trail outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Lodging

Steamboat Springs KOA: Located west of Downtown Steamboat, this KOA is on the free bus route, offering a camping experience with proximity to some of Steamboat’s best restaurants and shops

Forest Service in Steamboat Springs + Pearl Lake camping + Stagecoach camping

Holiday Inn: Fun hotel with the spirit of guest service excellence & great rates year-round which features Rex's American Grill & Bar, one of Steamboat premier eateries.

Rabbit Ears Motel: Located in the heart of downtown Steamboat Springs, offers all the comforts of a modern lodge facility without the fancy pretense or big price tag. 

Resort Group for Condos: Resort Group is a unique collection of companies that together offer a variety of rental options from condos to homes.

LIBATIONS

Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, Coffeehouse & Bakery Cafe: Off The Beaten Path is a bookstore, a coffeehouse and a bakery cafe. They have a full espresso bar and wine in the evenings.

Mountain Brew: Mountain Brew is a local espresso cafe and bakery. Serving the finest quality coffee and espresso, fresh baked pastries, breakfast, soup and sandwiches.

Mountain Tap Brewery: A socially responsible brewery serving fresh, innovative beers and artisanal wood-fired cuisine served up in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

BARley: This concept is focused on offering the best draft beers and craft spirits that Colorado has to offer.

Storm Peak Brewery: Aside from their staple brews, Storm Peak offers a range of seasonal styles that explore the beautiful and ever-changing seasons of the Yampa Valley.

LAUNDRY & SHOWERS

Ski Town Cleaners: For all your laundry needs, visit one of their two locations in Steamboat.

Old Town Hot Springs: If you’re in need of a shower, stop by Old Town Hot Springs and for the daily admission you can get a shower. While you’re there, you can soak those tired muscles in the historic hot springs.

INTERNET

Bud Werner Memorial Library: Aside from the local coffee shops, visitors can use free internet at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. The library is conveniently located in downtown Steamboat Springs, along the free bus route and on the Yampa River. 

Big Agnes Border to Backyard

In 2018, local outdoor brand Big Agnes adopted 75 miles of the Continental Divide Trail near Steamboat Springs as part of their support of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. To celebrate the adoption, the CDT's 40th Anniversary, and the 50th Anniversary of the National Scenic Trails Act, Big Agnes decided to hike all 740 miles of the Colorado section of the trail. Three months, 70 employees, 146,000 vertical feet up and down. Read up on their experience on the trail, photos, and a few tips to get out and enjoy the Continental Divide Trail.