One Perfect Weekend Getaway Itinerary

It’s time to hit the road, and Steamboat Springs is the perfect destination for a 3-day escape. Bypass the crowds and experience our wide-open spaces, tasty dining scene, and endless adventure.

DAY ONE

ACTIVITY: Explore Rabbit Ears Pass

When you turn from Colorado Highway 14 onto U.S. Highway 40, you will start the ascent of Rabbit Ears Pass. The pass is known for its false summit, a crossing of the Continental Divide, and the distinctive “rabbit ears” rock formation that creates one of the nearby peaks. Rabbit Ears Peak Trail, located in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, is a moderate out-and-back trail featuring gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months, and exceptional views.

Hiking on Rabbit Ears Pass outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado

LUNCH: Dine at Cruisers

Cruisers sub shop is a great stop for lunch on your way into town. They not only serve up mouthwatering subs, but also have a breakfast menu, acai bowls, and smoothies. They focus on healthy ingredients and hearty meals for a great price. Eat there or outside on the patio or take your sub on the go! Their extensive menu offers plenty of fare that is sure to please health nuts and comfort foodies alike.

Music on the Green at the Yampa River Botanic Park

ACTIVITY: Yampa River Botanic Park

Check out this six-acre gem home to 50 gardens, ponds, benches, and sculptures. It is one of the jewels of Northwest Colorado and one of several public gardens in the state. The Park is free and open to the public from May to October. It serves as a place of serenity for visitors, a venue for a summer music and theater festivals, and a natural resource to residents.

DINNER: Feast Italian Style

Have dinner at Mazzola’s, a Steamboat tradition. They offer a from-scratch kitchen and offer quality all-natural ingredients, an extensive wine list & full bar and late-night food. Famous for their award-winning pizza, hearty pasta dishes and cozy atmosphere, you won't want to miss this piece of Steamboat's history.

LODGING: Stay at the Rabbit Ears Motel

With an ideal location on the south end of town, adjacent to the Yampa River, the Rabbit Ears is an affordable, comfortable, family-friendly option and a beloved local favorite.

Rabbit Ears Pass

DAY TWO

BREAKFAST: Grab a Hearty Breakfast

Creekside Café is located in downtown Steamboat Springs in the historic Soda Creek building. The setting on the patio beside the creek is serene in the summertime, and warm and cozy inside during the winter months. Locally famous for their egg’s benedict and bloody mary’s, they use locally sourced ingredients in their dishes sure to leave you both satisfied and wanting more.

ACTIVITY: Hike the Morning Away

Gas up the car for a scenic drive out towards the Zirkel Wilderness Area and North Routt. Choose from many of the trail options for all levels and spend your day winding through trails with aspen groves, wide-open meadows filled with wildflowers, steep canyons, and lush fern forests.

North Routt Hiking Trails

Gilpin Lake Zirkel Wilderness

[INSIDER’S TIP: Stay off the beaten path]

The Zirkel Wilderness Area offers spectacular sights of our beloved valley! Find some space by opting to hike here instead of in town.

LUNCH: Small Town Lunch

The Clark Store is a proud general store, eatery, coffee house, and community hub. The Clark Store deli, with a menu designed by celebrated Colorado chef Clyde Nelson, is the jewel in the Clark Store's crown. In summer months ice cream is served on the newly remodeled deck with tables facing a spectacular view of Sand Mountain to the west.

[INSIDER’S TIP: Take Your Lunch To-Go]

Stop at the Clark store in the morning before your hike and order your mouth-watering sandwiches to-go to eat on the trail like a local. Remember to pack out all your trash!

Steamboat Lake

ACTIVITY: Enjoy the Lake

North Routt is home to many lakes you can access by hiking to them or hopping in the car for a drive. Steamboat Lake is a great place to relax under the blue sky. Bring a paddle board or your fishing gear for more fun!

DINNER: Splurge, You Deserve It

Aurum Food and Wine offers a new element in Steamboat dining. Featuring seasonal, new American cuisine, this refined yet relaxed space features a bar, dining room and spacious deck seating. Nestled along the Yampa River, this watershed has historically provided the lifeline for farming and ranching in the Yampa Valley.

Steamboat Lake

DAY THREE

BREAKFAST: Coffee Shop Treats & Eats

Visit Off the Beaten Path for a cozy bookstore and coffeehouse in one experience. They have a full espresso bar, soups, paninis, and a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

ACTIVITY: Soak in the Hot Springs

After all the hiking the day before, there’s no better way to relax your muscles and recover than by soaking in our historic hot springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers a rustic setting in the mountains. Or opt for an in-town dip at Old Town Hot Springs.

[INSIDER’S TIP: Beat the Crowds]

The early bird gets the worm. If you want to experience the hot springs without the crowds, we recommend waking up early and being there right when they open.

Brewery Tours

ACTIVITY: Experience the Steamboat Brew Trail

The Steamboat Brew Trail will take you from downtown Steamboat to the West end of town. The Brew Trail is made up of four local breweries serving some of the finest beers around Colorado and one distillery offering up small-batch whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine. Getting around the Steamboat Brew Trail has never been easier. Pick your adventure and walk or bike the Brew Trail on the Core Trail.

[INSIDER’S TIP: Bike Like a Local]

Steamboat locals are all about getting outside and being active. Opt for biking the Brew Trail. Don’t have a bike? Check out these local gear shops in town that will rent you a cruiser or an e-bike.

LUNCH: Specialty Pizza

How Ya Doin’ Pizza is located next to Storm Peak Brewery and is along the Brew Trail, making it the perfect lunch stop. They have a passion for fresh, natural ingredients and an extensive menu of pizza, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.

ACTIVITY: Tour the Trails

Enjoy miles of seamlessly connected multi-use trails in and around town. Bike the G.E.M. trail, accessed from Flash of Gold, dubbed an “aspen-peeper’s and single-track-lover’s dream” by the Steamboat Pilot & Today. Is gravel more your style? Check out the Emerald Circuit ride instead.

[INSIDER’S TIP: Don't Let Gear Stop You]

Several Steamboat shops and outfitters offer curbside gear pick up, as well as repairs and tune-ups. Check out the Shop Local page for details.

LODGING: Camp on Buff Pass

For an alternative lodging choice, opt to camp on Buff Pass. You can see spectacular views and access some of the best trails Steamboat has to offer. Camping is free and a great option for you to experience our wide-open spaces. Check out additional camping options in Steamboat Springs.

Camping under the starts in Routt County

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