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Know Before You Go: Summer & Fall Recreation

Summertime in the mountains is an incredible experience filled with outdoor adventure, long days, and endless fun. We encourage you to enjoy everything the Yampa Valley has to offer by recreating in a safe way this season. Check out the resources below and be sure to find answers to all your questions and know before you go.

Reservations

Many places like the hot springs, shuttles, and restaurants require reservations in the peak summer season. Be sure you learn about your destination before you head out and have a backup plan if reservations are full. Looking for a camp spot? Many in the area are reservation only, so be sure to check your destination in advance.

ADVENTURE AT YOUR ABILITY

While it may be exciting to do everything while here, it’s always best to adventure in your ability and know your limits. This means reading about difficulty levels of hikes or rides and sometimes going with an experienced guide or outfitter for the best time. You never want to put others in danger by having search and rescue called because your group wasn’t prepared.

Regulations

Steamboat Springs has a plastic bag ban in place so you’ll need to bring reusable shopping bags or be ready to pay the paper bag fee. It’s also important to check the regulations of certain businesses or outfitters. If you’re horseback riding, mountain biking, or going on a hot air balloon – you may be required to wear certain clothing or shoes.

Stick to the Trails

Dry Lake Trailhead

Check out our newly installed Dry Lake Trailhead camera!

View Camera

Park Proper

Popular trailheads will fill on weekends and holidays so arrive early or consider heading out in the afternoon or on a weekday. If you can’t find a parking spot, don’t make one. Tickets will be issued for inventive parking and parking illegally on the roads.

Have a Backup Plan

If a parking lot is full, pick another trailhead. Look for other, less popular areas or plan to come back later in the day. Head back into town and grab some coffee while you wait.

Say hello, be helpful

These basic courtesies go a long way in creating a friendly vibe in Steamboat’s outdoor spaces. People play in the mountains differently, respect one another’s modes of travel and help ensure everyone enjoys their nature time.

Packing Essentials:

It’s better to over-pack than be underprepared!

Reusable water bottle or hydration system
Suncreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses
Rain jacket and breathable layers
Maps (cell service is limited in rural areas)

If you are in need of any gear, head over to any of our friendly retailers and they will get you set up for your Steamboat adventure.

Downhill Mountain Biking

Helpful Resources

Medicine Bow/Routt National Forests
Routt County Search & Rescue
National Weather Service
Colorado State Parks
City of Steamboat Springs Interactive Trail Map
COTREX Interactive Trail Map

Sign up For Mobile Alerts

Be the first to know about emergencies and other important community information by signing up to receive alerts sent direct to your phone from the County and City. Sign up for alerts from Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for road closures and weather updates.

City of Steamboat Springs Alerts

Routt County Alerts