Welcome to Cowboy Country
When people hear of Steamboat Springs, they usually think of downhill skiing.  After all, they don’t call this Northwestern Colorado destination “Ski Town USA” for nothing.  The signature Champagne Powder snow draws skiers from as far away as Australia, but many soon discover this charming town’s not-so-hidden secret: the summers are as alluring as the winters.  While Vail and Aspen draw both the Hollywood set and the Hamptons crowd from New York City, Steamboat is inviting to those who appreciate the expansive ranches that fill the Yampa Valley, a serene part of the Old West, rich in pioneer history.

Tubing on the Yampa River
When the mountain snow melts away, it gives extra vigor to the local Yampa River, which runs through town.  A long-standing favorite summertime activity is tubing on the Yampa, where you can cool off in fresh Rocky Mountain river water as you drift through the valley, passing bikers and fly fishers along the way.  You can rent tubes, life jackets, and water socks from at least three outfitters in town who also provide shuttle services for drop-off and pick-up.  Our favorite is One Stop Ski Shop, at 35 11th St.

Fly Fishing with a Pro
Even if you’ve never picked up a rod, you can learn from the best how to fly fish: just hire a private guide at Straightline Sports, 744 Lincoln Ave.  Fishing rods, “flies”, wading boots, and all necessary equipment can be rented (with or without a guide), and you can purchase your state required fishing license on the spot.  But for a unique experience, private guides can take you far afield onto private ranch land, due to their negotiated contracts with select local ranchers.  This means you’ll see parts of the Steamboat countryside that you’d otherwise never see; in fact, you’ll likely not see another person the entire time you’re on the private property.  Cast your line in the glistening water, surrounded by rolling hills covered with aspen trees and pines.  With only the sound of the river passing through your feet, you’ll know that this is what you came for: a little piece of heaven.

Giddy up, Cowboy!
The Steamboat Pro Rodeo runs from mid-June to mid-August and it’s not just so local ranchers can show their stuff.  Cowboys and cowgirls come from all over the West to compete in this professional rodeo competition, many of them 2nd or 3rd generation ranchers and rodeo competitors.  At the Romick Arena, just 2 blocks from the center of town, pick your picnic table before the show begins and grab your choice of BBQ dinners: chicken, ribs, burgers, or bratwurst — all served with traditional fixin’s.  Next, head up into the bleachers and get ready to show your appreciation to Steamboat’s impressive competitors.  In this arena clapping is fine, hootin’ and hollerin’ is good, but the best kind of praise is “Yampa Valley Thunder”, formed when the crowd stamps their feet on the aluminum floorboards.  Among the various rodeo challenges are steer wrestling, bareback riding, barrel races, and team roping.  You might find yourself thinking these cowboys are crazy when you see the tough falls they take, but you’ll surely gain a sense of admiration for these ranchers who carry on this time-honored tradition of life in the West, generation after generation.  If you’ve got kids, don’t miss the ever-popular “Calf Scramble” for children 12 years and under and the “Lamb Scramble” for those 5 years and under.  Little tykes in cowboy hats and cowboy boots scamper around the arena chasing a calf (or lamb) to pick a ribbon off his tail for a prize — and the audience loves every minute of it.  Rodeo entry tickets are discounted for advance-sale at F.M. Light & Sons at 830 Lincoln Avenue: $18 Adult, $9 Kids 7-15, Free for kids 6 and under.  For over 100 years, F.M. Light & Sons has been the ultimate western wear outfitter in Steamboat, and is the perfect place to buy an authentic pair of cowboy boots or hat before you head over to the rodeo!

Horseback Riding Through The High Country
Several working ranches near Steamboat offer horseback trail rides.  A popular choice is Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch is located 20 minutes north of town, where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas on this 1,000 acre ranch.  Del’s options include 1-2 hour Trail Rides ($55-$75pp), Half or Full Day Lunch Rides ($150-$250pp), or Overnight Camping Rides (call for pricing, 970-879-3495).  Another option is Saddleback Ranch (970-879-3711), which offers 2-Hour Trail Rides ($65pp), Dinner Rides ($85pp), and a 3-Hour Morning Cattle Drive ($110pp).  The Cattle Drive provides a delightful and unique experience, to be a part of the ranchers’ daily chores as they move the cattle and gather strays.

Bike Town, USA
There’s a reason Steamboat is fast becoming known as “Bike Town USA”, and it’s not just because the USA Pro Cycling Challenge has come through town.  With over half a dozen bike shops, and countless biking events, cyclists flock to Steamboat for road biking and mountain biking alike.  Routt County has hundreds of miles of paved roads that provide both beginner and advanced level cyclists with loops that wind through scenic mountain passes.  Both Emerald Mountain and Steamboat Bike Park on Mt. Werner offers world-class mountain biking with new trails opening every season.  Local bike shop Orange Peel at 1136 Yampa St. specializes in bike rentals and will provide advice and maps for your ride.  Additional suggested rides and maps are available at http://www.steamboatbiketown.com.

Hiking the ‘Boat
An abundance of spectacular hikes await you in Steamboat, from beginner trails to expert challenging hikes.  If you’re interested in self-guided hikes, you can’t do better than to invest in a copy of Hiking the Boat, available at local bookstore Off the Beaten Path at 68 9th St.  Local favorite hiking spots include Hahn’s Peak, Rabbit Ears, and Mad Creek, all of which are within an easy drive and provide breathtaking views amongst the abundant wildflowers.  If guided hikes are more your style, Steamboat’s mountain offers guided Ambassador Hiking Tours during July and August every Tuesday and Thursday, free with your Gondola ticket.  As a more moderate alternative, the Guided Gourmet Hike is led by Steamboat Ambassadors ($39pp, ages 10 and up only) and includes lunch on Mondays, Wednesday, and Sundays.  Both hikes depart the Information Center; reservations required: 970-871-5444.

Yes, There’s Nightlife!
There’s no shortage of evening entertainment in Steamboat, and much of it is free.  Several bars and restaurants host live music by local artists and even an open mic night.  To find out who’s playing just grab a copy of “Today”, the free local daily paper.  Favorite watering holes for live music include Old Town Pub at 600 Lincoln Ave, and Ghost Ranch at 56 7th St. Gondola Square is the home to free music concerts on Friday Nights and free movies on Saturday nights all summer long.  You can also ride the goldola up to Thunderhead (elevation 9,131 feet) for sunset happy hour, where they hold free concerts every Sunday and some Thursday evenings.  Starting at 5pm a $12 round trip gondola ticket gets you a $5 credit towards food or drink, as you relax and watch the sun set over the serene Yampa Valley.  The ever-popular Strings Music Festival runs all summer long, holding over 75 concerts ranging from Jazz to Country and every genre in between; performance schedule and pricing can be found at http://www.stringsmusicfestival.com.

But Wait, There’s More
Annual events include the Steamboat Wine Festival, Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Art in the Park, Cowboys’ Roundup Days, Steamboat Marathon, and the signature Continental Divide Run.  Steamboat offers countless additional activities including: Wagon Dinner Rides, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Hot Springs, Yoga, Tennis, Rafting, Kayaking, and Golf.  Additional information can be found at http://www.Steamboat.com.