9 Best Steamboat Springs Hikes with nearby Hot Springs
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Hiking in Steamboat Springs Capped Off by Hot Springs in 2024
This internationally known Olympic town churns out winter ski athletes left and right and is also famous for stellar outdoor summer adventures.
Hit the trail hiking in Steamboat Springs, head out mountain biking, then soak in geothermal hot springs. Relax on your inflatable paddleboard, grab your fishing poles, or go tubing in the Yampa River.
There are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs in Colorado in addition to excellent hikes with views and trying fabulous brews. This town is one of the best Rocky Mountain vacation destinations in summer.
Related Reading: Escape to the Rocky Mountains to one of these 13 destinations on the Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation — Summer 2025.
The perfect day in our books?
Hop on one of the many nearby hiking trails, then head for a relaxing soak in one of the natural hot springs in Steamboat Springs.
Cap off the day with a local beer near the Yampa River.
Steamboat Springs is one of our top romantic getaways in Colorado and you’ll soon see why.
Here are some of our favorite Colorado trails (spoiler alert: wildflower paradise awaits!) in the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests, followed by hot springs and campsites your crew are sure to love.
PRO TIP: Be sure to drive Rabbits Ears Pass on the way to or from your Steamboat hiking getaway, a scenic byway in the Rocky Mountains that can’t be missed.
Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
If you’re not into camping or glamping in an RV, go for a mountain vacation home in Steamboat.
Check out these these three we love for bigger families or groups:
Beautiful, cozy townhome that sleeps seven
River condos with views of the Yampa River and historic Howelsen Hill ski mountain
Steamboat Springs in Colorado
Table of Contents
Hikes in Steamboat Springs and nearby
Hiking Gear for the Trip
Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
Hiking Steamboat Springs
Hiking Steamboat and the surrounding area puts you in gorgeous sprawling playgrounds in the adjacent Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests.
WYOMING TRAIL LOOP FROM Dumont Lake
A gorgeous 35 minute drive southeast from Steamboat Springs along Rabbit Ears Pass takes you to a wildflower haven around Dumont Lake in the Routt National Forest.
Dumont Lake is a gorgeous alpine stretch of water popular for day trips and overnight campers as well. The end of June and early July appear to be peak times for wildflower enjoyment. The adjacent Dumont Lake Campground is icing on the cake.
The 6.8 mile long moderate hike along the Wyoming Trail Loop only climbs 784 feet and takes you on past the lake. Since you’ll start hiking at over 9,500 feet, this is perfect for summer hiking around the first of July.
You’ll take in great views of Rabbit Ears along the second half of the hike. By then, be aware you’ll also be on an access road with SUV traffic. Many prefer to start this hike counter-clockwise to up the road first.
PRO TIP: Dumont Lake is also popular for fishing, mountain biking, and multi-backpacking trips.
How to reach the trailhead: Drive 21 miles southeast on US-40. Turn left on Buffalo Park Trail and after 900 feet, turn right onto County Road 199. In 1.3 miles, prepare to park your car near the trailhead for the Wyoming Trail Loop.
Rabbit Ears Peak Trail
Also departing near Dumont Lake, begin your hike to Rabbit Ears Peak early in the day since you may have little or no shade. This out and back trail is less than 6 miles and climbs about 1,000’ in elevation up to 10,388’.
In winter, this is a snowshoeing wonderland, and in summer, wildflowers abound. Hike to Rabbit Ears Peak during the week to avoid a crowded trail.
How to reach the trailhead: Drive 21 miles southeast on US-40, Rabbits Ears Pass. Turn left on Buffalo Park Trail and after 900 feet, turn right onto County Road 199. In 1.3 miles, prepare to park your car near the trailhead for the Wyoming Trail Loop.
Windy Ridge Trail
This Steamboat Springs hike is also found just off Rabbits Ears Pass and is a good first hike to acclimate to Colorado altitude.
You’ll hike 5.5 miles out and back on this easy hike with 738’ in elevation change.
The first half of the trail meanders through forest and crosses over a creek multiple times. The second half follows a ridge and yes it can be windy.
But the sweeping vistas along Windy Ridge Trail are worth it, especially in fall when the Aspens turn to gold.
Near the end, the trail enters a small forest again and ends at a rock outcropping/Indian quartzite quarry. Climb up safely for another great view.
In the fall during hunting season, you’d be wise to wear hunter’s orange or other bright colors.
This is a well maintained trail, great for any level hiker. You may encounter horseback riders or mountain bikers.
Pro Tip: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closures.
How to reach the trailhead: From Steamboat, head out on US-40 East, turn right on Forest Road 19, then left on Forest Road 238 in Grand County.
FLash of Gold
This moderate hike in Steamboat Springs has something for everyone. You can hike this out and back for a total of 10.5 miles and 1250 feet elevation gain.
Or, join up with Bear Tree Ridge Trail and make it a shorter 7.7 mile loop.
This meandering trail through the forest showcases aspen groves, stunning far-off views, and pine forests. Carry your bear spray just in case.
This trail is popular for bikers and horseback riding too, so keep your ears peeled and give way as needed. If you don’t care for sharing trails with mountain bikers, we suggest not choosing this trail.
Since many of the trails in this neck of the woods are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, it's essential to know right of way etiquette for each user. In general, horses always have the right of way, followed by hikers, then by bikers.*
*But if a biker is careening downhill, while inconvenient, kindly step aside for them so they don’t fly over their handlebars stopping for you.
How to reach the trailhead: From Steamboat Springs: Travel 4 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road #36 (Strawberry Park Rd), then 3.6 miles east on Routt County Road #38 (Buffalo Pass Rd).
CoHH Tip: Dry Lake Campground is also right here near the trailhead.
Fish Creek Falls
You’ll love this waterfall hike in Steamboat Springs just five miles from town. Heads up, it’s a popular one is summer, so go during mid-week if you can. Snowshoeing is good here too.
NOTE: $5 parking fee
A more challenging hike, due to steep elevation gain of 1450 feet in 2.35 miles, the hike to Fish Creek Falls is a workout.
While the lower falls are more impressive, the crowds will thin a bit headed to the Upper Falls and you’ll love the switchbacks through the forest and aspen groves, as well as Mule Ears flowers in summer.
In fall, the changing colors are a treat, and in winter enjoy an iced over waterfall. Wear spikes and take poles.
The climbing really begins after the lower falls.
Pro Tip: The trail thins at the last bit and you will scramble for a second.
Beware this trail has a lot of trip hazards due to tree roots androcks. Watch your step and and it’s wise to wear hiking boots and hiking shoes. My husband rolled his ankle coming back down the switchbacks.
COHH TIP: The impressive Lower Fish Creek Falls can be viewed from a stroller / wheelchair-friendly path as well. Then for those wanting to see the waterfall up close and personal, continue to the base of Lower Fish Creek Falls. Cross the bridge and dip your feet in the creek. Great spot for a picnic.
How to reach the trailhead: From Steamboat Springs, head north on third street, then right on Fish Creek Falls Rd for 4 miles to the Trailhead. Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closures.
Mad Creek Trail
This moderate Steamboat hiking trail offers deep canyons, old mining cabins, aspen groves and great views all around.
Enjoy hiking 8.9 miles out and back while gaining 1354 feet in elevation. You will find the historic barn 2 miles in to the hike.
Dip your feet into the cold Mad Creek, but keep your eyes peeled for Moose.
Great fall Aspen hike too.
This multi-use trail provides access Mount Zirkel Wilderness area.
Heads Up: Mad Creek Trail is closed annually between Dec 1 - Apr 15 to protect winter range areas for elk populations.
How to reach the trailhead: From Steamboat Springs, go west on US Hwy 40 to County Road 129. Trailhead is just off 129 to the east. Just 12 minutes from town.
Hahns Peak Trail
A hard hike, but it’s a short hike in Steamboat Springs.
You’ll hike about 3.6 miles out and back, BUT count on steep elevation gain in short amount of time (1410’).
Hahn’s Peak Trail is a local favorite and a top favorite of ours as well.
You’ll start climbing at 9392 feet and enjoy switchbacks through the forest before spying Hahn’s Peak again.
Going to Steamboat Springs in Fall? Beautiful colors await, especially atop the old fire lookout watch tower at the peak.
Hahns Peak Lookout was constructed by the Forest Service between 1908 – 1912, after the gold and silver mines had already busted.
Hahns Peak Lookout was one of the first officially funded lookouts constructed in Colorado and was part of a network of fire lookouts that worked together to precisely locate wildfires in the area.
This is a fabulous hike in the Routt National Forest with breathtaking views.
In summer, head up early for your best bet of rewarding panoramic shots, and less worrying about incoming weather.
You’re sure to see Colorado wildflowers in summer and you might meet mountain bikers.
Again, one of the best hikes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
PRO TIP: Once you are above the treeline, you will be exposed, so pay attention to the weather. Brush up on Colorado hiking tips if you’re visiting from out-of-state.
How to reach the Hahns Peak trailhead: From Steamboat Springs, go west on US-40 to County Rd 129. Drive north for 29 miles to Columbine. Passing the General Store on your left, turn right onto the dirt jeep road called FDR 490. Respect private property! Drive 1.8 miles and turn left at the fork. At the next fork, turn left again and park. It will take you about 50 minutes or more from Steamboat.
Mount Zirkel Loop Trail
Now this is our all time favorite hike in Steamboat Springs.
You’ll log 10.6 miles on the challenging Mount Zirkel Loop Trail while gaining 2,444 feet in elevation. This hike is hard, so know what you are signing up for.
Starting at 8,393 feet high, give yourself four or five hours for this stunning loop hike that takes you by two lakes: Gold Creek Lake and Gilpin Lake.
The Zirkel Wilderness is one of the best areas for enjoying hikes in Steamboat Springs. Enjoy all the wildflowers along the Mount Zirkel Loop Trail, as well as river crossings, waterfalls, and stunning sections through pine forests and Aspens.
PRO TIPS: Hike the Mount Zirkel Loop Trail in counter clockwise fashion for the most enjoyable hike that showcases the mountain vistas. Pack snacks and at least 3L of water per person. Bring bug spray. Keep an eye out for wildlife.
Be prepared for your hike with our Colorado Day Hike Tips.
Don’t forget a rain jacket so you are ready for Colorado’s quickly changing weather.
We wore our rain jackets in a downpour the last two miles of the hike.
How to reach the trailhead: From Steamboat Springs, go west on US-40 to County Rd 129. Travel 20 mils north on County Rd 129 to Seedhouse Road, just beyond the small town of Clark. Go northeast on Forest Rd 400 for 15 miles, passing Seedhouse Campground on your way. Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closures.
Pearl Lake Connector Trail
Accessible from The Pearl Lake State Park, the Pearl Lake connector trail is a meandering trail that accesses thousands of acres of National Forest.
The trail starts near the new boat ramp. Learn more about camping and paddle boarding at Pearl Lake State Park below.
Waterfall Hikes in Colorado
We rounded up 27 Waterfall Hiking Trails that cover a lot of our favorite Colorado hiking trails.
Hiking Steamboat in Fall
We cover more spectacular Steamboat hikes that are especially great in Fall for seeing Colorado’s Aspens turning to gold
Download our FREE 5 Day Itinerary for Hiking in Steamboat Springs!
We are excited to share more of our favorite Colorado Trails, best views, and local brews with you!
Just sign up below and you’ll immediately see a link to download our PDF covering 5 Days in Steamboat.
Hiking Gear For the Trip
For many of the hikes mentioned above, you’ll be glad you show up to the hiking trail prepared for an awesome day.
In addition to knowing what to wear hiking in Colorado, we think it’s important to choose the right daypack for you hiking and outdoor escapades.
Here are some of our favorite tried and true pieces of outdoor gear that keep us going on our adventures in Steamboat Springs and all around Colorado in 2024:
We love the Osprey Sirrus Hiking Daypack for women, or the Stratos version for men, for carrying water, layers, and snacks on Colorado day hikes
Lightweight, versatile Hiking Poles built for a full day’s send on the trail — hike longer and stronger
2L or 3L Water Reservoir — This affordable reservoir is easy to fill
Patagonia Torrentshell - a true waterproof rain jacket and fantastic layering piece
Nano Puff Jacket - our favorite for 3 seasons in Colorado
Sun hoodie - a must have in Colorado
Med kit
What should you pack inside your pack for a successful day hike? We’ve got your checklist of daypack essentials here.
PRO TIP: Don’t own a good hiking daypack? We love Osprey’s Packfinder Tool. Osprey makes some of the world’s best daypacks and overnight backpacks, in our combined 50+ years of experience hiking and backpacking. And they have great customer service.
Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs
Strawberry hot springs
Drive up a dirt road to treat yourself to Strawberry Hot Springs. This idyllic hot springs experience is family-friendly by day, bathing-suit-optional by night.
This is our very favorite hot springs in Steamboat.
PRO TIP: To soak at Strawberry, you’ll want to go online and reserve a two hour time slot ahead of time. Walk-ups are discouraged in summer. This classic hot springs is just 7 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs. 44200 Co Rd 36
Old Town Hot Springs
Head to Old Town Hot Springs Steamboat Springs after your hike. Plan to stay a few hours to truly soak, relax, and get your money’s worth.
You’ll discover eight naturally fed hot spring pools at the Old Town Hot Springs, plus numerous fitness and aquatic programs.
PRO TIP: This is a great place to shower off if you’re camping and taking hikes around Steamboat Springs. 36 S Lincoln Ave
Hippie hot springs along yampa river
Just across the way from Old Town Hot Springs, this grouping of pools along the Yampa River banks receives their warmth from the runoff of the geothermal waters from Old Town.
And YES! You can soak here for free. But don’t expect the water to be much warmer than 100 degrees.
Opt for a two-for-one experience and tube down the Yampa from Rotary Park, stop in these Hippie Hot Springs, then continue on your way.
You’ll find Hippie Hot Springs at 125 Lincoln Ave. Look for signs for Dr. Rich Weiss Park and you’ll see the naturally heated pools ringed by rocks.
Radium Hot Springs
This natural hot springs is NOT in Steamboat Springs but totally worth the road trip. You’ll hop off the beaten path just outside of Kremmling, south of Steamboat.
Sitting right on the Colorado River, the all-natural Radium Hot Springs is worth the short, sometimes steep, hiking adventure when you have time for a detour on your way to another adventure in Colorado.
Obviously, the fastest way to reach Radium Hot Springs is by raft or kayak. This is a popular stop for rafters on the Colorado.
PRO TIP: A sunrise hike during the week offers a much better chance at having the small pool all to yourselves. Prepare yourself for the possibility of nude bathers or crowds in the middle of the day, especially on the weekend. Download a map ahead of your trip as there is no cell service in the area.
How to reach the trailhead to Radium Hot Springs: From CO-9 in Kremmling, head southwest on County Rd 1 / Trough Rd. Travel on Trough Rd. for 14.4 miles and then make a sharp right turn onto County Hwy 11. After about 1.5 miles you will come upon a closed campground on your left; soon after you will see an electrical box on the right by a trail going steeply up the hill. Hike 0.7 miles following this map in All Trails. Download a map ahead of your trip as there is no cell service once you park.
RELATED READING:
More Things to Do in Steamboat Springs
While we’ve talked mostly about hiking to waterfalls and lakes and dipping into hot springs, there are many more noteworthy fun things to do in Steamboat Springs. Yampa River tubing, watching the Rodeo, cruising downhill on your mountain bike on Steamboat’s famous ski runs, and fishing spots will galore will keep you coming back for more in this charming Rocky mountain town.
Yampa River Tubing
In the summer, good old fashioned tubing down the river shouldn’t be missed.
You can rent tubes, or save a bunch of money by bringing your own, if you think you’ll use them again for future floating adventures.
Independent tubers who can figure out their own transportation using two cars should plan to park one vehicle at the put-in and one at the pull out spot. Pay attention to parking limits, reading signage to make sure your vehicles are legally parked long enough for your shuttle trip to return.
Fletcher Park is a popular put in spot for Yampa River tubing. You’ll end at the 13th Street Bridge or at Howelsen Hill. Wear sunscreen, hats, and water shoes to protect your feet while floating down the river. Bring cold beverages in an attached floating cooler.
Pro Rodeo Series
Visiting Steamboat over a Friday, Saturday or July 4th? Don’t miss the Pro Rodeo in summer.
The rodeo starts with BBQ and music at 6:00 PM followed by the performance at 7:30 PM. Witness competitive roping and barrel racing and encourage your kids to get in on the Calf and Ram Scrambles.
The rodeo clown may even wow you with stunts of his own.
Mountain Biking
If you love downhill mountain biking then the Steamboat Bike Park is the best place to be. The Christie Peak Express Chairlift will carry you and your bike up the mountain for some high altitude adrenaline runs down the hill.
Paddleboarding
Our favorite spot for paddleboarding was Pearl Lake State Park. Learn more camping there down below.
CoHH Tip: Bring your own SUP. ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with — so you can get on the lake when you want from sunup to sundown.
Don’t care for your own paddleboard that you can use sunrise to sunset? The Paddleboard Adventure Company runs a kiosk at the old boat ramp on Pearl Lake. Rent paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and the humongous SUPSquatch on their time. Cash preferred but cc taken with a small fee. Learn more about camping at Pearl Lake below.
RELATED READING: Paddleboarding in Colorado: The Best Lakes in the Rocky Mountains
Fishing
The Yampa River in Steamboat Springs provides miles of public access fishing for rainbows and browns. The Yampa weaves through downtown with sweet views of Howelsen and the Steamboat ski hills.
Head to Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake, just north of Steamboat in Clark, Colorado. Here you can fish for cutthroats and graylings. For walleye, head to Stagecoach Reservoir.
Excellent fly and lure fishing for native cutthroat trout can be found in Pearl Lake's wakeless waters. More about camping and paddle boarding at Pearl Lake State Park below.
Steamboat Springs Restaurants & Brews
For our fellow outdoor adventurers, we always like to suggest some local favorite hops after the hike:
Steamboat Coffee House
Head here for breakfast burritos, frittatas, and hand-pulled lattes and iced cappuccinos. 635 Lincoln Ave.
STORM PEAK BREWERY
Named after a ski lift, this brew house is always trying something new while serving up old favorites. A wide range of beers in their 20 barrel brewery. Eateries on either side of Storm Peak help soak up the beer. 1885 Elk River Plaza
Steamboat Smokehouse
This fun family-friendly BBQ joint offers seating both inside and outside, plus backyard games. 912 Lincoln Ave.
THE LAUNDRY RESTAURANT
Perfect spot when you’re craving charcuterie & small sides with craft cocktails. Try the Butcher Block Family Meal with a side of Brussels Sprouts Hash and Shrimp Pow Pow. 127 11th Street
SUNPIE’S BISTRO
Wonderfully crafted salads, sandwiches and more. We love a good Reuben or a yummy salad like this one: Arugula with Goat Cheese and Toasted Pepita with Watermelon and Balsamic Dressing. 735 Yampa Street
WINONA’S RESTAURANT
Go here for a special baked indulgence, like a giant cinnamon roll, pre or post-hike. This Steamboat Springs cafe and bakery pours a good cuppa and fresh squeezed OJ. 617 Lincoln Ave.
STEAMBOAT WHISKEY COMPANY
Go for Happy Hour daily from 4-6pm on the patio at Steamboat Whiskey Company. The best moonshine around. 1103 Lincoln Ave.
LYON'S CORNER DRUG & SODA FOUNTAIN
Ice cream, floats, and sodas are our fam’s go-to recovery treat after a long hike. 840 Lincoln Ave.
TACO CABO
The best way to please a crowd after a fun day playing outside? Taco Cabo! This fun joint offers indoor and outdoor seating. 729 Yampa Street
Steamboat Springs Campsites
Camping in Steamboat Springs and the surrounding wilderness area should be a bucket-list item for any outdoor enthusiast headed to this dreamy part of the Colorado Rockies.
Options for camping include state parks, as well as gorgeous campsites in the Medicine Bow National Forest - Routt National Forests. Rabbits Ears Pass is popular for dispersed camping, which is easy to find on most dirt roads on the pass.
Dumont Lake
Sitting at 9,500’ off Rabbit Ears Pass, bordering the Continental Divide, the Dumont Lake campground offers quiet, spacious camp sites with access to hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and fishing in both lakes and streams.
Head off on the Rabbit Ears Trail, the Continental Divid National Scenic Trail, or the Wyoming Trail Loop from here.
This is some of the best camping in Steamboat Springs, steeped in wildflowers. Dumont Lake is paradise for bird watchers too. Open typically July 1 through late October, you may have access in June first-come, first served. In fact, in 2021, it was open as of June 18. Three vaulted restrooms and hand pumps for water. Book at recreation.gov.
Pearl Lake State Park
Sitting in the wilderness at the base of Hahn's Peak, Pearl Lake State Park offers a sweet campground in Routt County, near the town of Hahn's Peak, 40 minutes north of Steamboat Springs.
Waking up to a quiet, wakeless lake, campers who love to hop on their paddleboard aim for a shoreline campsite. If those are all reserved, camp on the ridge above, enjoy the views, and put in at the newer boat ramp.
CoHH Tip: Bring your own SUP. ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with — so you can get on the lake when you want from sunup to sundown.
Don’t care to own a paddleboard? The Paddleboard Adventure Company runs a kiosk at the old boat ramp on Pearl Lake; there you can rent paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and the humongous SUPSquatch. Cash preferred but cc taken with a small fee.
Steamboat Lake State Park
At Steamboat Lake, you’ll find nearly 200 campsites with outstanding views or offer shade from Aspens or Evergreens. Some sites are near the shoreline.
This is also a great lake for SUP paddle boards.
We peeked in on Steamboat Lake State Park and discovered this is a great place to do your laundry, take showers in the new bathhouse, and rent motorized and non-motorized watercraft at the marina for a spin on a bigger lake.
Seedhouse Campground
Temporarily closed at time of writing, due to a wildfire, keep this campground on your list. Your gateway to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness along the Elk River corridor, Seedhouse Campground is a picturesque 25 mile drive north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Roomy, treed sites with a campfire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets, trash services and two hand pump water systems available at the campground. There are 15 reservable sites and 9 first-come, first-served.
Ideal for longer stays for outdoors adventurists away from crowds, Seedhouse Campground provides loads of nearby opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing - including trout, river rafting and more.
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