Explore Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in an RVshare RV Rental
The area that Steamboat Springs occupies was initially a summer Ute hunting ground. The tribe was forcibly removed in 1879 by American troops, leaving the homestead of the James Henry Crawford family as the only structure in the region. Mining and cattle interests quickly followed, ballooning the population and developing an important business center. By 1900, Steamboat Springs was officially incorporated. Today, the city has 13,000 residents, with 2 million visitors taking advantage of their hospitality each year.
Steamboat Springs' name comes from an incident early in its history. Fur trappers heard a familiar sound that reminded them of a steamboat. Hurrying to the point overlooking the Yampa River, the trappers discovered that the sounds emanated from the ground where a series of hot springs bubbled from below. They immediately dubbed the bubbling trickles as Steamboat Spring. Today, two hot spring resorts operate near Steamboat Springs. The largest is Old Town Hot Springs, which boasts multiple pools and two slides. Strawberry Hills Hot Springs, located a few miles outside of Steamboat Springs, offers two pools, campsites, cabins, a spa, and natural rock formations.
Located at an elevation of 6,738 feet, the town depended on skiing as the primary form of transportation during its early years. The use of skis as transportation led to innovations and improvements to increase the speed, flexibility, and durability of skis. In the 1920s, visitors started coming to Steamboat Springs just to ski. Ski jumping and cross-country skiing developed a clientele for the nearby hotels that saw an annual increase in guests, encouraging growth in the hostel, restaurant, and entertainment businesses. By 1963, investors began building a luxury ski resort—Steamboat Ski Resort—on Werner Mountain. The slopes grew in importance and hosted the 1989 and 1990 Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions. Steamboat Springs is the oldest continually operating ski area in North America, drawing skiers globally to enjoy its slopes.
Discover Nearby Towns and Cities
A quick look at Colorado local guides provides a list of towns near Steamboat Springs, the closest of which is Hayden, 26 miles to the west. The city offers several amenities, including:
Craig, Colorado - Craig lies 20 miles west of Hayden. The town of 9,000 people has several amenities, including:
Kremmling, Colorado - Kremmling is a hamlet 52 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs that was settled by silver miners in the 1800s. Today, it is home to many working cattle ranches in the valleys of the nearby mountains. Though there are many outdoor activities that are popular in Kremmling, the amenities are few:
Best National Parks Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a two-hour drive east from Steamboat Springs. The park is open year-round, drawing mountain climbers, hikers, bikers, and anglers during the summer, and skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers during the winter.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is more than a four-hour drive, but still in Colorado. The park features the Gunnison River that cuts through solid granite to form a 12-mile canyon of immense depths with extensive hiking trails providing magnificent views around every turn.
Also located in Colorado is the unique Great Sand Dunes National Park. Situated in the center of Colorado, the park features a series of dunes, one of which is over 750 feet tall.
Popular State Parks Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Located 27 miles northwest of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Lake State Park provides a great backpacking and hiking experience. Hikers and bikers find miles of trails that lead through meadows of wildflowers, across the crest of high ridges, and along crystal blue streams. Nesting bald eagles frequent the area, and the fishing is fantastic.
Located just 18 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach State Park is a year-round recreation area with over 10 miles of trails. During the spring, elk calves and bear cubs can be seen in the surrounding meadows. During the winter, ice fishing draws campers willing to brave the cold.
Pearl Lake State Park is 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs. The lake nestles beneath forests that cover the hillsides. Miles of hiking and biking trails convert to cross-country ski routes during the winter. The lake is full of trout, and wildlife thrives in observable natural habitats everywhere in the park.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
While there are plenty of Colorado landmarks that deserve a visit, there are places inside Steamboat Springs that visitors must see. The Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the most visited globally, with 165 trails open to the public. The Tread of Pioneers Museum features Native American and pioneer artifacts. To see the impressive Yampa River that runs beside Steamboat Springs, visit the Rotary Park Boardwalk that runs the entire length of the park providing magnificent views of the river and the wildlife that live along its banks.
Events Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Experience a blast from the past by taking in the upcoming Steamboat Rodeo. This annual event brings the past to life and receives national acclaim.
Learn about the impact of a warmer climate on Colorado at the upcoming Sustaining Water Workshop Gardens and Landscapes. Begin contributing toward the fight against climate change by attending this event.
Check out the Jauntee at the Old Town Pub, which holds the event 100 nights per year. The Jauntee fosters a musical community that presents original material for the benefit of visitors and guests.
Popular POI Activities Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Fish Creek Falls is a combined 280-foot waterfall. Located 10 miles from Steamboat Springs, the hike to the lower falls is only a quarter-mile, while the hike to the upper falls is a more arduous one-mile hike.
For an outdoor cultural experience, try the Mad Creek Trail. It is a favorite for local hikers and bikers who wander through the fields, across the hillsides, and through the old farms above Steamboat Falls. The trail covers two miles of historic area where sawmills, farms, and homesteads once stood.
For those feeling ambitious, try the six-mile Fishhook, Lost, and Lake Elmo Trail. This pathway moves up and down the hills surrounding Steamboat Springs and visits each lake in turn before switching back to return to the town.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds
KOA members enjoy the top choice of RV Parks in the Steamboat Springs area at the Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday Campground. The campground provides over 40 RV campsites with a mix of pull-throughs and back-ins offering full hookups. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, a mini-golf course, and a robust Wi-Fi system.
Eagle Soaring RV Park lies just west of Steamboat Springs. On its 27 acres, there are 25 RV campsites with pull-through capability. Full hookups are available at all sites with 30- and 50-amp service. The park provides excellent views of the ski runs at Steamboat Ski Resort.
Best RV Dump Stations Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Dump stations are essential on any RV trip. Dump stations facilitate RV waste tank cleaning and provide potable water. Near Steamboat Springs, there are two public dump stations: One is at the Stagecoach State Park and the other at the Steamboat Campground. There are also a number of Colorado dump stations nearby.
Popular RV Storage Facilities Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Aames Storage LLC in Steamboat Springs is five minutes from downtown and has raised floors to protect RVs from rain and snow. Along with Steamboat Springs facilities, there are more RV Storage units 93 miles south in Gypsum, Colorado, where two storage facilities allow for RV storage. The Eagle Airport Car and Mini Storage and the Spring Creek Storage provide outdoor space guarded by fences for temporary RV parking. The costs for RV storage at these sites run from $150 to $200 per month, depending on the amount of space your RV requires.
