Things to Do
Mary and Liam’s locals-only guide to Steamboat Springs
Our Favorite Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Our favorite is the Fish Creek Falls Trail (bonus points if you make it all the way to Long Lake).
We also love Spring Creek Trail, an in-town out and back.
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.
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 reservations.
Lake Adventures
Stagecoach State Park and Steamboat Lake both offer fishing, swimming, and hiking within a 40-minute drive from town. You can rent stand up paddleboards, pontoon boats, kayaks, etc., to explore the water. Reachable by an all-day, advanced hike, Gilpin Lake is a stunning destination as well.
Yampa River
Tubing down the Yampa is always a summer favorite! If the water conditions are right, fill up your cooler and go rent a tube from Backdoor Sports.
If a world-class guided fishing experience is calling your name, reach out to Steamboat Flyfisher.
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 tacos - family friendly
Lunch / Brunch
Yampa Valley Kitchen ★ Mary’s favorite, and the location of Mary and Liam’s first date
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 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 hosts live music
Mountain Recommendations
Staying at the mountain? Here a few spots we like within walking distance of your accommodations:
Paramount - mountainside cafe serving the best breakfast and lunch on the mountain
Storm Peak Bus Stop - mountain-adjacent outpost of a favorite local brewer
The Range Food Hall - sit upstairs for a great view of Steamboat mountain