One Of Colorado's Best Ski Towns Is An Overlooked Gem For A Scenic Summer Getaway

Colorado is a paradise for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and nature lovers. During the winter, the snow-covered Rocky Mountains provide ideal winter sports destinations. Throughout the state you'll find multiple ski-resort towns, each with its own unique vibe. Steamboat Springs, located in the beautiful Yampa Valley of northwestern Colorado, is the second-largest ski resort in the state and one of the most popular ski resorts in the West. 

Nicknamed Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs is a winter wonderland during ski season, with a base elevation of 6,900 feet, and summits that reach over 10,500 feet. It is most well known for the "Champagne Powder" snow and for excellent tree skiing. While tourists from around the world flock to Steamboat Springs as soon as ski season begins, it's an equally fantastic place to visit during the summer months, with plenty of thrilling recreational activities to entertain all types of travelers. You can soak in the healing waters of natural hot springs, swim in pristine mountain lakes, try out mountain biking, or simply relax and enjoy the views. If you're looking for a summer vacation that's full of adventures, relaxation, and natural beauty, then it's time to plan a trip to Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat Springs is about 156 miles from the bustling metropolis of Denver. Driving there from the city takes about three hours, and you'll get to soak up plenty of epic mountain views along the way. It's off the beaten path, and you may begin to feel as though you're on a long road to the wilderness, right up until the picturesque mountain town comes into view. 

Steamboat in the summer is a sight to behold. Lush green valleys give way to towering rugged peaks. Summer temperatures remain mild, due to the elevation. Expect plenty of sunshine during the day, with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms commonly roll through in the late-afternoon and evening, but they typically don't last long. Nighttime temps can be chilly, even in the summer, so be sure to pack layers — especially if you're planning on camping.

Colorful wildflowers in various shades of yellow, pink, purple, and white cover the ground starting in early July, and a river meanders right through the center of the adorable base town with its Western-inspired aesthetic. During my visit in late June and early July, the area seemed much less crowded than the popular hiking trails at Rocky Mountain National Park, which is also one of the most expensive national parks to visit. At Steamboat, we were able to enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery without the chaotic crowds and had some hiking trails all to ourselves.

Accommodations in Steamboat Springs are plentiful. You'll find that many of the same luxurious options skiers and snowboarders enjoy during the winter are available for affordable rates all summer long. It's easy to find rooms in 3-star hotels for under $150 dollars. Private vacation rentals like condos, apartments, cabins, and luxurious houses can be found on Airbnb with rates starting under $200 per night.

Camping is another excellent and budget-friendly option during the summer. There's a large KOA with riverfront sites for tents and RVs. Camping is also available at several state parks nearby. Stagecoach State Park, Steamboat Lake State Park, and Pearl Lake State Park are all wonderful choices with convenient car camping opportunities. You can even book a unique stay in a yurt if you don't have your own tent. State park campsites start at $28 per night, and yurts that sleep six start at $90.

In town, you'll find plenty of dining options to satiate every palette. Start your day with a hot coffee, an iced chai latte, and a locally-made bakery treat at one of the cute cafes, like Dusky Grouse Coffee or Beard & Braid. If you're in need of a heartier breakfast, head to the charming diner Freshies. Craft beer fanatics will love the Steamboat Brew Trail, which includes local breweries and distilleries. Dinner choices are endless. Head to Back Door Grill for a casual meal, or Table 79 Foodbar for elevated American cuisine.

Steamboat is jam-packed with fun things to do in the summertime. Mountain biking is super popular. When the snow melts on the slopes, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails are revealed, with options for all levels of experience. You can bring your own gear or rent some locally. There are even guided mountain biking experiences with lessons for beginners offered in town. Full-day rentals cost about $75 per day, and guided rides start at around $150 for two hours.

On Thursdays and Sundays throughout the summer, there is a unique happy hour experience with live music on the top of a mountain. You can ride the gondola from town up to the top of the mountain, enjoying gorgeous views along the way. Once you reach Thunderhead Lodge, you'll be able to purchase cocktails, wine, and craft beer as well as tasty dinner foods. I loved the mahi-mahi fish tacos. The atmosphere is fun and family friendly. We listened to an incredible bluegrass band, and the sunset views of Yampa Valley from the expansive outdoor patio were unforgettable. Tickets for Sunset Happy Hour cost $30 per person.

Within an hour's drive you can visit three state parks, each with a beautiful lake to enjoy. Explore hiking trails, rent kayaks, canoes, jet skis, and paddleboards, or go fishing in the pristine mountain waters while enjoying panoramic views of stunning alpine lakes.

No visit is complete without a soaking in the hot springs that inspired the mountain town's name. French explorers are believed to have dubbed the area Steamboat Springs in the 1800s when the sound of the mineral springs reminded them of a steam engine. Indigenous people, followed by the first white settlers, have long cherished the mineral-rich waters for their healing properties. Old Town Hot Springs is located right in the middle of town and has a spa-like ambiance with two pools fed by hot springs. There are water slides, a fitness center, and a climbing wall. Daily admission costs $29 per adult.

For an experience that is more wild and natural, head just outside of town to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Here, the natural hot springs gurgle to the earth's surface. Stone masonry was used in conjunction with the existing rocks to create multiple natural pools of varying temperatures. There are super hot pools with temperatures reaching 104 degrees, as well as cooler water fed by Hot Spring Creek. If you are able to score one of the coveted campsites or cabins on the property, you'll have unlimited use during your stay until midnight – just keep in mind that the pools are clothing optional after dark. The lack of light pollution allowed us to see the entire Milky Way during our stay. Watching shooting stars dart through the sky while floating in the warm healing water is an experience I'll never forget.