Day 1: Denver to Steamboat Springs Approximately 156 miles
1. Shop Mile 156
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, condo or camping spot, it’s time to knock around town a bit. Stroll Lincoln Avenue to get a feel for what’s going on. (840 Lincoln Ave.) has an old-fashioned soda fountain so grab a stool and order a chocolate milkshake, egg cream, sundae or burger. Next door (830 Lincoln Ave.) is where Frank Light founded his men’s clothing store in 1905. It continues to be run by the family (now the fifth generation), and is a great place to find everything cowboy — and girl — from hats and boots to jeans and Western shirts. Be sure to get a photo with Lightning, the store’s horse, standing out front.
2. Soak In and outside town
French trappers in the area in the early 1800s heard a chugging sound that they thought was from a steamboat coming down the Yampa River. But they soon learned the noise was from a natural hot spring that shot geysers in the air. The geysers are gone, but the area has many hot springs that call for a dip.
The most convenient and all-encompassing way to enjoy this gift from nature is by visiting , which has hot soaking pools, a large lap pool, an aquatic climbing wall, water slides, a fitness center, tennis courts and more. Be sure to spend time in the Heart Spring, which is 102 degrees and all-natural mineral water.
For a more organic experience, head a few miles outside of town to , where six pools with sandy bottoms are bordered by stones and steps. Go for a few hours or stay the weekend: lodging is available in campsites, cabins, a train caboose or covered wagon. Massages, changing areas and restrooms are available. After dark, clothing is optional and guests must be 18 or older.
3. Eat In town
The Steamboat restaurant scene has grown in the past couple of years, with farm-to-table eateries coming into the limelight, like in the historic Soda Creek building (127 11th St.), which was home to the Steamboat Laundry from 1910 to 1977. Shared plates, seasonal and locally grown produce and craft cocktails are specialties.
Restaurants alongside the Yampa River make summer dining a meal with a view. Check out 701 Yampa Ave.), named for the owners’ E3 Ranch in Kansas, which raises Black Angus cattle free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics. Colorado lamb and pork are also on the menu, as are vegetarian and fish options.
One block over is (811 Yampa Ave.), which features new American cuisine and has an extensive wine list that includes selections from its own, Sutcliffe Vineyards in Cortez.
4. Stay In town
Accommodations range from the funky Rabbit Ears Motel (201 Lincoln Ave.) to amenity-rich hotels like the Sheraton (2200 Village Inn Court). Consider renting a condo if you are visiting with a group. Check out steamboat.com for lodging options.
Day 2: Around Steamboat Springs Up to 72 miles
1. Breakfast South of downtown
Start the morning with a hearty meal at Rex’s American Grill and Bar (maybe a “Yolko Ono” omelette for vegetarians, “Chicken Fried Chicken ‘N Eggs” for the carnivores), located in the Holiday Inn on U.S. 40 (3190 S. Lincoln Ave.), even though the restaurant’s doesn’t tell you that. Portions are plentiful and the food is reasonably priced.
2. Hike Outside town
Once fueled, hop in the car and drive to Rabbit Ears Pass for a Want more of a challenge? Head to the Flat Tops Wilderness 136 miles to the southwest. Traversing the “land bridge” near Stillwater Reservoir is on many an adventurist’s bucket list, but it has been known to reduce people to tears or cause them to drop to their knees when they confront the cliffs on either side of the trail, which is only three feet wide in places and features sheer dropoffs of hundreds of feet.
3. Hit the hill In and around town
Steamboat’s in-town slopes that are great for skiing and snowboarding in winter are fun summer workout spots for hikers and mountain bikers. If everyone in your group wants to do something different, go to Howelsen Hill, which offers trails for cyclists, hikers and horseback riders, an alpine slide and once each summer, a — this year July 3-4.
Cycling is also a great way to the see the area, whether you’re a serious mountain biker who wants to take on to the 50 miles of trails in the , or you just want just ride a cruiser from the mountain village to town. Cycling enthusiasts, take note: the starts its seven-day tour in Steamboat on Aug. 17.
4. Rodeo In town
Unlike some mountain resort areas that can feel faux-Western, Steamboat has a long ranching background, which lends authenticity to its weekly summer (steamboatprorodeo.com). A full schedule of events is held Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, and there’s a barbecue dinner beforehand at the rodeo grounds a couple of blocks from downtown.
Day 3: Around Steamboat Springs Approximately 44-60 miles
1. Water world Outside town
Colorado might be landlocked, but water plays a big role in Steamboat recreation. You can bob in an inner tube down the Yampa River through town, boat or fish on numerous lakes and enjoy waterfalls.
Those with motorboats will head out of town to Steamboat Lake, which is big enough to accommodate water skiing and wakeboarding.
, which features a nearly 300-foot waterfall that’s visible a short walk from the parking area, accessible to everyone in your party. Go early — it gets crowded. If you’re in the mood for a low-key outdoor experience, head to peaceful Pearl Lake State Park to fish with lures or flies, ply the water in canoes and stand-up paddleboards or simply hike. Campsites are available, and two yurts that can be rented.
2. Pit stop Outside town
On the way to either Steamboat Lake or Pearl Lake, be sure to visit the . A general store, diner, post office, liquor store and market, it also has a free library. And back to town, check out the which has tastings daily (closed on most holidays).
3. Zip East of town
A new zip line on Rabbit Ears pass opens is scheduled to open in June, operated by Steamboat Zip Line Tours.
4. Singing Strings
In and around town
This is the 28th year for , June 20 to Aug. 13. The series offers classical- and popular-music concerts as well as family and youth events, most held at its pavilion near the ski mountain. There are also free daytime concerts weekly at the Yampa River Botanic Park (bring a picnic lunch and the kids).
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697, sbrown@denverpost.com or twitter.com/suzannebro
New this summer
A zipline on Rabbit Ears pass opens in June, operated by Steamboat Zip Line Tours.
