Steamboat Springs Travel Guide:

A trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the fall season is beautiful! Aspen trees showcase the brightest fall colors, there are plenty of sunny days with crisp weather, natural hot springs are inviting and the crowds are low enough to enjoy wonderful activities.

Known as a Colorado resort town where Western heritage meets outdoor adventure, Steamboat Springs is not only a summer town but also known for its ski resort trails. However, this small mountain city truly thrives in the fall months.

The highest elevation in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is over 12,000 feet and the town lies on the western ridge of the Continental Divide. There are two ski mountains, three State Parks, over 150 natural springs, lakes, rivers and more. During a fall getaway, you can also discover some of the best hiking trails in Steamboat Springs.

I come alive in the fall and truly enjoy every trip I take during the months of September, October and November. In this article, discover all the best things to do in Steamboat Springs in the fall.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Traveling to Steamboat Springs, Colorado During the Fall:

Steamboat Springs is around two hours and 45 minutes Northwest of Denver. It’s not far from the Wyoming border. Even though Steamboat Springs, Colorado has an airport called Steamboat Springs Airport, it is tiny.

Unless you’re traveling from somewhere else in Colorado or within the nearby states, you’ll likely have to fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!

Whether you fly into Steamboat Springs or Denver, you must rent a car to get around. If you don’t have a car and plan to only stay in town, you could get from the airport to the heart of the city through Go Airport Shuttle.

In addition to private taxis and limos, you could get around by taking a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. There is also a free transportation system, called the Steamboat Springs Transit, between the downtown area, the ski resort, most hotels, condo/apartment complexes, grocery stores and entertainment spots.

Overall, once you’re in downtown Steamboat Springs, walking everywhere is accessible. With the crisp weather and scenic views, this mountain town is ideal for renting a bike to get around. Plus, there are many breathtaking trails to enjoy bike rides nearby.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado makes for a great stop on a USA road trip! Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs in the Fall:

Whether it be a hotel or rental property, from staying downtown to off the ski slopes, there are many great places to stay in Steamboat Springs.

During our trip to Steamboat Springs in the fall, I stayed at one of the best condo rentals! It was only five minutes by car from the Steamboat Springs ski resort and is located along the free SST bus route.

The following hotels are also great places to stay in Steamboat Springs in the fall, based on budget:

Luxury Accommodation: Highmark Steamboat Springs by Mountain Resorts

Boutique Accommodation: The Bristol by Magnuson Worldwide

Mid-Budget Accommodation: The Steamboat Grand

Budget Accommodation: Steamboat Mountain Lodge

Weather in Steamboat Springs in the Fall:

The weather in Steamboat Springs in fall ranges from mild temperatures at the beginning of the season to cooler temperatures in October.

Fall foliage usually peaks from mid-September through mid-October. Unlike fall foliage in New England, where the leaves turn orange, red and purple, the aspen leaves in the American West turn a bright golden-yellow color. The best times to visit are the end of September into the first week of October, which is when I traveled to Steamboat in 2020.

Average temperatures in September range from highs in the lower 70s°F to lows in the mid 30s°F with about six days of rain. In October, there are average highs in the upper 50s°F to lows in the mid 20s°F with an estimated seven rainy days. Lastly, November brings an average temperature of daytime highs in the lower 40s°F to average lows in the upper teens with eight days of precipitation.

Due to its higher elevations, you may even experience a snowstorm during fall in Colorado.

Where to Eat in Steamboat Springs:

Not only is fall the best time of year to visit Steamboat Springs to see all the beautiful fall foliage among the aspen groves, but it’s also an ideal time to get into the city’s best restaurants.

Below are the best local restaurants to eat at in Steamboat Springs in the fall:

• Seedz Café (Sustainable Fusion Restaurant)
• Creekside Café & Grill (American Restaurant)
• Table 79 Foodbar (American Restaurant)
• Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria (Mexican Restaurant)
• Mazzola’s Italian Restaurant (Italian Restaurant)
• Salt & Lime (Mexican Restaurant)

The best places to have a great time in Steamboat Springs are the following:

• Laundry
• The BARley Tap and Tavern
• Sunpie’s Bistro

The Best Activities in Steamboat Springs in the Fall:

Enjoy the Best Hikes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado:

It’s no secret that fall is the best time of year to go hiking in Colorado. Being part of the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs has no shortage of hikes. There’s a trail for all levels and abilities to enjoy!

Fish Creek Falls: One of the best hikes to do during a fall getaway to Steamboat Springs, Colorado is Fish Creek Falls. It’s a challenging, 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that allows you to enjoy the colorful aspen trees and the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.

Please note that Fish Creek Falls is a 10-minute drive from downtown Steamboat and it will cost you $5 USD per day to park your car at the trailhead’s parking lot. Fish Creek Falls is also annually open from 6 am to 10 pm MST.

Uranium Mine: Another scenic hike to enjoy fall colors in Steamboat Springs, is Uranium Mine. It’s a moderate, 3.1-mile out-and-back trail in Routt National Forest. It’s a great hike if you don’t have much time, as it only takes an hour and a half to complete.

Like at Fish Creek Falls, there’s a $5 USD parking fee unless you have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass or Golden Passport.

Spring Creek Trail: When fall is in full swing in Steamboat Springs, the Spring Creek Trail in Routt National Forest is a great half-day hike. It’s a 10.1-mile out-and-back trail that takes around four and a half hours to complete. The best time to take on this hike is between April and November.

Yampa River Core Trail: For those looking for an easy trail in Steamboat Springs, the Yampa River Core Trail in Rotary Park North to Trail End is a beautiful walking and running path. It’s a 10.2-mile out-and-back trail that takes around three hours to complete. It’s a wonderful hike to enjoy bird watching.

Hanh’s Peak Trail: Located at 10,774 feet, Hanh’s Peak is a challenging, 3.6-mile out-and-back hike offering some of Colorado’s most breathtaking views during fall. A fun fact about Hanh’s Peak is that it’s an inactive volcano also called “Old Baldy” due to its low timberline.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness: The highest mountain in Routt County, Colorado is Mount Zirkel and some of the best fall foliage can be seen on its trails. The summit of Mount Zirkel is 12,188 feet above sea level and the entire hike is 17.9 miles, out-and-back. It’s considered a challenging hike.

Relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs:

One of the best things to do in Steamboat Springs during fall is to relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. There is no better place to be in the fall and you could easily spend hours at these springs, so don’t forget your bathing suit!

In addition to the springs, Strawberry Park has restrooms, a teepee and a heated cabin for changing, as well as picnic tables (there is a limited concession stand). You could also enjoy an excellent massage service at Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Overall, there are several natural warm pools at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, making it the perfect place to be when there are cold temperatures. These springs contain healing properties that alleviate muscle, bone and deep tissue pain, so it’s a popular place for hikers and skiers to gravitate towards after a long day on the mountain.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a year-round destination open daily from 10 am to 10 pm MST. Children are not allowed at the hot springs once it gets dark. (The springs are a great place to admire fall colors in Steamboat Springs.)

This incredible park also has lodging where you could camp and glamp! Anyone lodging at Strawberry Park can also use the hot springs in the middle of the night from 8 pm to 10 am MST.

Overall, I loved my time at Steamboat’s hot springs! The fall foliage that surrounded me was stunning! There’s a reason why Colorado is known as “Colorful Colorado.”

(Old Town Hot Springs is another fantastic spot that is popular in Steamboat Springs. It includes eight hot spring-fed pools, waterslides, a fitness center and more. It’s also close to the downtown area.)

Participate in the Steamboat Brew Trail:

In addition to outdoor activities, one of the best things to do in Steamboat Springs during a fall getaway is to enjoy the city’s craft beer scene. Participating in the Steamboat Brew Trail is a great way to experience the best breweries in Steamboat Springs.

The Steamboat Brew Trail is a 2.7-mile trail along the Yampa River that enters downtown. You could either walk or bike it! Below are the breweries along the Steamboat Brew Trail where you can taste different local beers, enjoy live music and make memories with loved ones:

• Mahogany Ridge Brewery
• Mountain Tap Brewery
• Storm Peak Brewery
• Yampa Valley Brewing

Horseback Ride through the Aspens:

A trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado would not be complete during fall without horseback riding through colorful aspen trails. Overall, horseback riding in Steamboat Springs allows you to experience how cowboys traveled through the Yampa Valley back in the day.

This experience is perfect for every riding level. Some of the local ranches that offer the best horseback riding around Steamboat Springs in the fall are Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Lucky 8 Ranch in Oak Creek, Saddleback Ranch in Steamboat Springs, CR Summit Ranch & Riding Center in Steamboat Springs and Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch in Clark.

Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park:

A trip to Colorado would not be complete without visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. I had the opportunity to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park during my 6-day Colorado road trip in November 2019 and it was breathtaking!

I visited Rocky Mountain National Park in late fall, but the snow was on the ground. Even though Colorado’s weather could change drastically within days, if you can see the National Park during peak foliage season, you will be in for one real treat.

You could easily do a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from Steamboat Springs. The Grand Lake Entrance (west entrance) to the park is an hour and 45 minutes from downtown Steamboat and you could enjoy some of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks in the area.

I also recommend checking out Grand Lake and exploring the downtown area there.

See the Migrating Sandhill Cranes:

Sandhill Cranes are some of the oldest living birds on Earth. During a fall trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you can see the migrating birds near the Yampa and Elk Rivers. They fly from sunrise and head to the nearby meadows. Around mid-morning, they head back to the river to rest and, in late afternoon, do another round of feeding.

During the fall, the Yampa Valley Crane Festival happens, where you can enjoy guided crane viewings, bird walks, films and art exhibits, educational experiences and more.

Go on a Scenic Drive and Admire Fall Foliage:

One of the best and most romantic things to do in Steamboat Springs in the fall is a scenic drive down one of the many country and dirt roads.

The best fall foliage drives to enjoy during an escape to Steamboat Springs, Colorado are below:

Buffalo Pass: With easy access from downtown Steamboat, Buffalo Pass has some of Colorado’s most jaw-dropping fall views. The drive is only a few miles along a dirt road and goes through some of the most stunning aspen groves.

Rabbit Ears Pass: A short drive south of Steamboat Springs will take you through the Rabbit Ears Pass. On this scenic bypass, you’ll see bright golden colors that will leave you in awe!

Shop on Lincoln Avenue:

Another great thing to do during a beautiful fall day in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is to stroll through Lincoln Avenue in the downtown area and shop. Many souvenir shops, boutiques, luxury stores, and more are along Lincoln Avenue.

During your time in Steamboat Springs, you must also check out the Steamboat Art Museum, the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the farmer’s market that takes place on Saturdays, and if you’re feeling even more adventurous, do The Crooked Key, which is an escape room.

Here are other great fall getaways in the USA:

Fall in the Berkshires

Central Park Instagram Spots

Best Hikes in the Northeast During Fall

Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the top things to do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado during the fall. If you have any questions please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., CO State Capital: Denver, Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Steamboat Look!