Things to Do
Mary and Liam’s locals-only guide to Steamboat Springs
Our Favorite Outdoor Activities
Hiking
AllTrails has a great list of the best Steamboat hikes - choose what works best for you and yours. Our favorite is the Fish Creek Falls Trail (bonus points if you make it all the way to Long Lake). To explore Steamboat mountain, you can hike Thunderhead Hiking Trail or ride the gondola up and explore trails around the top.
Hot Springs
We recommend a visit out to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. You can either a book a shuttle that will pick you up at your lodging and bring you out to the springs ($50pp), or make a direct reservation and drive ($20pp). If you choose the latter, please note that the road out is rough and the entry fee must be paid in cash. Pack towels, water, and swimsuits. No alcohol permitted.
Biking
Steamboat (aka Bike Town USA) is famed for its endless rides. Rolling roads and gravel trails extend throughout the Yampa Valley, while Emerald Mountain in town provides endless mountain biking thrills.
Mention the Hickok-Sorensen wedding at Wheels Bike Shop downtown for 10% off any bike rental or at One Stop Ski and Cycle for 20% off biking / tubing reservations.
Lake Adventures
A 40-minute drive from town, Steamboat Lake offers fishing, swimming, and hiking around the park. Visit the Marina to rent a pontoon boat, stand up paddleboard, or kayak to explore for the afternoon. Reachable by an all-day, advanced hike, Gilpin Lake is a stunning destination as well.
River Adventures
Tubing down the Yampa is always a summer favorite! If the water conditions are right, fill up your cooler and reserve a tube with Backdoor Sports or One Stop Ski and Cycle.
Reach out to Steamboat Flyfisher if a world-class guided fishing experience is calling your name.
Other Activities
Haymaker Golf Course - Liam holds the course record at 102
Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball
Saddleback Ranch - giddy up!
Downtown Steamboat
Restaurants
Dinner
Besame - tapas style Latin-fusion
Aurum Food and Wine - request the outdoor patio for some of the best river dining in town
Tahk Omakase - sushi flown in from the Toyosu fish market in Japan
Cypress - American classics with a Southern twist
Taco Cabo - laid-back, riverside bliss - family friendly
Lunch / Brunch
Yampa Valley Kitchen ★ Mary’s favorite, and the location of Mary and Liam’s first date - also an option for dinner
Winona’s ★ Liam’s favorite - order a cinnamon roll for the table, reminds him of George’s in Oak Park
Creekside Cafe - tucked away brunch spot downtown
Culture / Shopping
Steamboat Farmers Market - our favorite Saturday morning activity in the summer! Stop by to peruse local arts and crafts or to grab lunch after a hike or bike on Emerald Mountain
Pine Moon Art Gallery - check out Sandy Grave’s bronze work (our ★ favorite!) along with other local artists
Steamboat Hatter - custom made hats
Overland Sheepskin - leather goods and outerwear
FM Light and Sons - iconic retailer of western gear, great for gearing up the kiddos for the rodeo
Lucchese Bootmaker - luxury western boots and apparel
Little Treats
Mountain Tap Brewery - local beer and wood fired pizza
Sunpie’s Bistro - Liam’s favorite for a riverside Miller High Life
O’Neils - good place to split the g
Smell that Bread Bakery - the best pastries in Steamboat
Beard and Braid - cute coffee shop roasting Colorado beans and serving house-made breakfast / lunch
Mythology - located on the west end of town and accessible by car, they host distillery tours and tastings, and the whiskey garden offers cocktails and often hosts live musicians
Mountain Recommendations
If you are staying near the mountain or at the Steamboat Grand, we recommend heading downtown Friday for a bite to eat ahead of the rodeo. That being said, here are a few spots we like for food & bev within walking distance of your accommodations:
Paramount - best breakfast option on the mountain
Café Diva - fine dining, reservations recommended
Wild Plum Market - eatery and grocer
The Range Food Hall - sit upstairs for a great view of Steamboat mountain
Storm Peak Bus Stop - mountain-adjacent outpost of a favorite local brewer
Apres Burger Bistro - breakfast lunch and dinner