Explore Steamboat, Summer 2011

S T E A M B O A TSUMMER2011

Complete vacation guide:shop, eat, drink, hike, ride, fish, float, golf and more!

True WesternHospitality

10TopThings to do

Summer events calendar page 28

INSIDe: Dining Right a guide to Steamboat reStaurantS page 37

Biking city and hiking maps page 19

Alpine Oral and Facial Surgery John P. Lupori, M.D., D.D.S. Board Certified

970.871.0900 www.drlupori.com 940 Centeral Park Drive, Suite 106

-Dental Implants-Wisdom Teeth-Facial Surgery-Facial Trauma

3rd & Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs | 970.879.5667 | Open Monday Saturday | www.davidchaserugsandfurniture.com

Design Resource Solutions

If you havent been downtown youve missed the boat! www.mainstreetsteamboatsprings.com

46 restaurants 84 shops

Art Galleries

Spa & Fitness Centers

Ice Skating Rink

Weekly Farmers Market

Tread of Pioneers Museum

Entertainment & Night Life

NatuNatural Hot Springs Pool & Water Slide

Miles of Hiking, Biking & Walking Trails

Free Concerts, Free Sunsets, Free Bus

and much, much more!

Minutes from the mountain just head towards the Sleeping Giant!

4 | ExplorE StEamboat SUMMER 2011 ExplORESTEAMBOAT.cOM

SUMMER 2011 ExplorE StEamboat | 5ExplORESTEAMBOAT.cOM

Stagecoach Reservoir

Lake Catamount

Dunkley Pass

Oak Creek

Phippsburg

Milner Steamboat Springs

Hayden

Steamboat Springs Airport

Yampa Valley Regional Airport

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Yampa

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ighway 131

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Its ALL right here

South Routt Facts The population of the Oak Creek area in the early to mid-1900s was larger than it is today,

with about 2,000 to 3,000 people in South Routt. The 12th cavalry came to Oak Creek in 1915 on horseback and stayed nearly two years to

keep the peace over the town as immigrants wrestled with local coal mine business owners over whether they could start their own businesses. The camp andbarracks for the cavalry were located on the property that now houses the middle and high schools.

Since at least 1913, Oak Creek has attracted throngs of people, residents and visitors, for the annual Labor Day festivities along the streets of the town. What began as a literal celebration of the holiday brought organizers from each of the local mine unions to speak in the town center.

In the 30s and 40s, the population in a 4-mile radius around Oak Creek was 5,000 to 6,000. There have been 10 operational coal mines in and around Oak Creek.The housing, stores, restaurants and bars were company owned.

Since the 1920s there have been seven different newspapers in South Routt.

The Boor-Redmond Ranch near Yampa played a significant role in the devel-opment of farming and ranching in Routt County. It is an intact agricultural complex in continuous use since circa 1890 whose buildings have been adapted to meet changing ranch needs. The Redmond Ranch, more than any other ranch in the community, tells the story of agriculture in southern Routt County.

Bonfiglio Drug and Liquor Natural Preventative healthcare, gifts, cards and sundries. 970-736-2377, 877-Bonfiglio, 118 Main St.

Select Super Market Your hometown grocery store, open 7 days a week. 970-736-2455, Main St.

Spiros/Oak Creek Liquor Licenses, supplies, cold beer and friendly smiles. 970-736-2443, 107 Main St.

Oak Creek Motel Clean, affordable, friendly hospitality year round. Drive a little - Save a lot! 970-736-2343, 408 Willow Bend just off Main St., www.oakcreekmotel.com

Tracks and Trails Museum Coal Mining, Rail-roading History & MoreWhere the Journey Begins 970-736-8245, Main St.,

South Routt Medical Center We are here to keep South Routt healthy, because we care!

970-736-8118, 300 Main St.

Flat Tops Ranch Supply Farm supplies, animal feed, tack, tools, propane, sporting goods and gifts. 970-736-2450, 21475 Hwy 131, Phippsburg

Tracks and Trails Museum Also visit the outdoor Railroad Display in [email protected] www.yampavalley.info/tracksandtrails.asp

Montgomerys General Merchandise Groceries, ammo, licenses, hardware, maps, gifts, sporting goods. 970-638-4531, 24 Main St., Yampa

Oak Tree Inn & Pennys Diner Our rooms are clean, dark and quiet. HBO, 100% non-smoking, free Wi-Fi. Were the only Hotel/Diner open 24/7 in South Routt. Come on over & visit 970-638-1000, 98 Moffat Ave., Yampa

Oak Creek MerchantsDiscover South Routt!

Want to learn more?

Spend a day in South Routt! Just 20 minutes from Steamboat. Happy Trails!

Yampa Merchants

Phippsburg Merchants

w w w . s t e a m b o a t - l o d g i n g . c o m

Heated outdoor pool and hot tubComplimentary continental breakfast100% non-smoking property

Complimentary high speed internet accessComputer terminals available in lobbyHaymaker golf packages available


Inside

on the cover

Suzanne Schlicht Chief operating officer Scott Stanford General manager

Eugene Buchanan EditorMeg Boyer Advertising Director

Suzanne Becker Creative services managerSteve Balgenorth Circulation Manager

Photographers Matt Stensland, John F. Russell and Joel Reichenberger

Advertising representativesK. Crimmins, Emma Scherer, Deb Proper, Matthew Charity,

Karen Gilchrist, Cynthia Tyler, Ashley McMurray and Kathy Wichelhaus

Advertising design/prepressRachel Girard, Jessica Lobeck and Adam Redmon

For advertising information, call Meg Boyer at 970-871-4218

explore

Cowboy Scott Flower enjoys a sunset horseback ride at Wolf Run Ranch. Photo by Larry Pierce.

Best of the Boat ............................................ 9Steamboats top 10 .................................... 10For the kids ................................................ 12Crossword puzzle ....................................... 15Hiking ........................................................ 16Trail Map .................................................... 19Biking ......................................................... 20River ........................................................... 22Fishing ....................................................... 24Calendar of events ..................................... 28Rodeo ......................................................... 30Wild West .................................................... 31Motor Sports .............................................. 32Golf ............................................................. 34Climbing .................................................... 35Indoor Activities ......................................... 36History ........................................................ 56Hunting ...................................................... 58Wildlife ....................................................... 59Steamboat map .......................................... 62Beyond the Boat ......................................... 64Activity Guide ............................................. 68Dining Guide .............................................. 76Shopping Guide ......................................... 80Nightlife Guide ........................................... 84Worship Guide ........................................... 85 PAGE 37


Want to go where the locals go? Now you have the inside track, thanks to our sister publications 2011 Best of the Boat survey, released in spring.

From Best Margarita and Best Masseuse to Best Pizza and Best Hiking Trail, the sur-vey includes 131 categories in five divisions (Dining, Shopping, Services, Community and Outdoors) voted on by 3,172 readers.

Im very proud of how we did this, says Explore Steamboat General Manager Scott Stanford. Its a true representation of the best Steamboat has to offer in a wide range of categories and should be a great resource for anyone visiting town.

The complete results and winner write-ups can be found in the spring 2011 issue of At Home in Steamboat Springs magazine.

You also can find the complete results list in this issue of Explore Steamboat, or by visit-ing www.BestoftheBoat.com.

Sample the

DININg

Best Happy Hour 1. Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill2. Rexs American Grill & Bar3. Slopeside Grill

Best Beer Selection 1. Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill2. The Tap House Sports Grill3. Big House Burgers and Bottle Cap Bar

Best Cocktails 1. Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill2. Harwigs/LApogee3. Sweetwater Grill

Best Late-Night Fare 1. Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill2. Ghost Ranch Saloon3. Slopeside Grill

Best Burrito 1. Azteca Taqueria2. Fiesta Jalisco3. Qdoba

Best Bartender 1. Tod JJ Johnson, Mazzolas Majestic Italian Diner

2. Scott Erickson, Ghost Ranch Saloon3. Kris Cannon, Sweetwater Grill

Most Scenic place to Dine 1. Hazies2. Sweetwater Grill3. Cottonwood Grill

Best Fine Dining 1. Cafe Diva2. bistro c.v.3. Ore House at Pine Grove

Best Italian 1. Mambo Italiano2. Riggios Ristorante3. Mazzolas Majestic Italian Diner

Best Breakfast 1. Creekside Cafe & Grill2. Freshies3. Winonas

Best Bloody Mary 1. Creekside Cafe & Grill2. Freshies3. Johnny B. Goods Diner

Best Wine List 1. Cafe Diva2. Harwigs/LApogee3. bistro c.v.

Best French Fries 1. Double Z Bar & BBQ2. Rexs American Grill & Bar3. Big House Burgers and Bottle Cap Bar

Best Sushi 1. Saketumi2. Noodles & More Saigon Cafe3. Spostas Sushi

Best Chef 1. Kate Rench, Cafe Diva2. Brian Vaughn, bistro c.v.3. Vicki Connacher, Rexs American Grill &

Bar

Best Restaurant Service 1. Cafe Diva2. Rexs American Grill & Bar3. bistro c.v.

Best Margarita1. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant 2. Cantina3. Fiesta Jalisco

Best Fast Food 1. Qdoba2. Hungry Dog3. Subway

Best Family Restaurant 1. Rexs American Grill & Bar2. Johnny B. Goods Diner3. Mazzolas Majestic Italian Diner

Best Hamburger 1. Big House Burgers and Bottle Cap Bar

2. Double Z Bar & BBQ3. Rexs American Grill & Bar

Best Coffee Shop 1. Amante Coffee2. Starbucks3. Steaming Bean Coffee Co.

Best aprs Ski on the Mountain 1. Slopeside Grill2. The Tugboat Grill & Pub3. T Bar

Best place to Watch the game 1. The Tap House Sports Grill2. Slopeside Grill3. Rexs American Grill & Bar

continued page 65

Best of the Boat

Hike or Bike the Core TrailA block off Lincoln Avenue lies Steamboats true summer

Main Street. The Yampa River Core Trail a seven-mile, multi-use pathway that parallels the Yampa River from Walton Creek Road on the east side of town to the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge on the west is a great way to take in the beauty of the Yampa River and the surrounding mountain-sides. Hit it on foot, bike, skateboard, inline skates, pogo stick or even unicycle for a fun-filled excursion for the whole family.

THINgS To Do IN THe BoaT

play a roundNo, not around. A

round of golf. Visiting golf-ers can hit the links at any of Steamboats four beauti-ful and varied courses. The city-owned Haymaker Golf Course is a hybrid links-style course set on the

valley floor. The semi-private Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club and the members-only Catamount Ranch & Club offer true mountain golfing at its finest. And for a quick 9, dont over-look the Steamboat Golf Club on the west side of town. Its narrow fairways and mature trees make it as tough as any course in the valley.

Soak in the Springs

Old Town Hot Springs, Third Street and Lincoln Avenue,

provides towns most convenient soaking option as well as recently remodeled pools and a pair of 230-foot water slides (www.oldtownhotsprings.org). A more rustic option is the seven-mile drive to Straw-berry Park Hot Springs north of town on Routt County Road 36 (clothing is optional after dark). To get there, head east on Fish Creek Falls Road and a take a left onto Amethyst Drive to connect to C.R. 36. Local tip: Try the back massage from the waterfall cascading into the lower pool.

Tube the YampaFloating the town stretch of the

Yampa River in an inner tube (or even inflatable alligator) is one of the most popular summer pastimes in Steamboat Springs. Just play by the rules to preserve the rivers fragile ecosystem (no

glass, littering, Styrofoam coolers, nudity, dogs or alcohol). You can go on your own or with one of several commercial companies offer-ing everything from tube use to transportation. Bonus: try to make it through Charlies Hole by Bud Werner Memorial Library upright.

Top

ExplORESTEAMBOAT.cOM

get some flower powerTake some time out of your stay to

smell the roses. Just east (upriver) of downtown along the Core Trail is an outdoor oasis tucked out of sight from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Yampa River Botanic Park features 30 gardens and a variety of ponds. Its home to a spectacu-

lar array of plants and flowers that thrive in a mountain climate that offers only 60 frost-free

days a year. The park with free admission also is home to the Music on the Green concerts at 12:15 p.m. every Thursday. Take a picnic and a blanket, but not your dog.

Revel in the resortThat mountain

looming over town is easier to get to than you think. And theres an easier way to get to

the top of it than a leg- and lung-busting hike or bike. For awe-inspiring views of the Yampa Valley and beyond, take a ride up Steamboat Ski Areas gondola to the 9,000-foot-high top of Thunderhead summit. From there, hike or bike along the numerous trails that take you through dense aspen forests and open switchbacks identify wildflow-ers and revel in John Denvers Rocky Mountain High. Bonus: You might see hang gliders launching before your very eyes. Visit www.steam-boat.com for gondola ticket infoma-tion and hours.

Hit happy hourLets see...margarita on

the mountain, daiquiri downtown or beer at a riverside bar? Theres no better way to end your day in Steamboat Springs than with a cocktail

and appetizer. A wealth of libation options can be found throughout town, all of which will quickly have you toasting to your adventurous day. Along the Yampa River, grab a riverside seat at The Boathouse Pub, Sunpies Bistro or Sweetwater Grill while watching tubers, kayakers and fly-fishermen ply their trades a stones throw away. On Lincoln Avenue sample any number of similar aprs establishments while you plan the next day.

Historic HowelsenThat little mountain with the big ski jumps

across the river from downtown not only serves as the training ground to a record number of winter Olympians, but also is home to some of Steamboats best summer activities. The Howler Alpine Slide is a favorite for families. Hop on a plastic sled and see if you can break the 43-sec-ond descent record. The nearby Howelsen Ice Arena is a great place to cool off on a summer day or find cover from the rain, and Brent Romick

Rodeo Arena is home to the Steamboat Spring Pro Ro - deo Series, held every Friday and Saturday night from mid-June through mid-August. Or toss a Frisbee; play softball, tennis, basketball or horseshoes; have a picnic; hit the skatepark.

Stroll to the spray

While count-less flower- and fern-lined hiking trails crisscross Steamboats hills,

if you have time for only one stroll with the family, head to Fish Creek Falls, the iconic, cascading 283-footer originally pictured on cans of Coors beer. Fish Creek Falls is a three-mile drive from downtown (from Lin-coln Avenue, head one block north on Third Street, turn right and head east on Fish Creek Falls Road) and an easy mile walk to the bridge at the base of the falls or to an overlook above. You also can extend your hike by following the trail farther up valley. Fee: $5 per vehicle per day for parking.

Relax at a lake

Theres nothing more relaxing than lounging by a lake. Fortunately, Steamboat Springs

has two where you can do everything from water- and wake-ski to wade off sandy beaches. Steamboat Lake is located just a half hour drive north of town on Routt County Road 129, offering views of Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. Stagecoach Lake is 20 min-utes south off Colorado Highway 131 in the foothills of the Flat Tops. In a land of mountains and rivers, both are guaranteed to appease lake lovers of all walks.


Kids like to have fun, too. While the majority of our Top 10 list is perfect for children and families (i.e. tubing the Yampa and hiking to Fish Creek Falls), following are a few more activities to take on specifically with your tykes ones you can do even with your mother-in-law in tow.

Skatepark: At the far west end of the Yampa River Core Trail is Steamboats newest attraction for the wheeled set, the Bear River Skatepark, with concrete ramps, bowls, rails and more. Get there by turning south on Shield Drive off U.S. Highway 40 and parking on the road before the bridge. Take the bike path north (right) under the bridge to the skatepark.

Amazn Steamboat: Play miniature golf and get the kids lost in a maze (hallelujah!) at Amazn Steamboat 1255 S. Lincoln Avenue at Anglers Drive. The mini golf course includes such history pieces as a mine shaft and conestoga wagon. After that, relax while you turn the kids loose on the mazes labyrinth of twists and turns, where they can race against the clock for prizes. Info: 970-870-8682.

Barbecue at a park: If youre on the Core Trail (something you should definitely do with your kids), extend the outing by stop-ping at any number of public play parks along the route. Theyre strewn from a rope-themed park near the western end of the bike path at the Community Center, all the way to the high-flying swings of Whistler Park on the eastern end. And dont forget a stopover at Little Toots near the library, voted Best Public Park in Steamboat in our Best of the Boat survey. Bonus: Most parks have barbecue grills and picnic tables, so bring a meal and stay through sunset.

Rent bikes: Leave the two-wheelers at home? No worries. Rent cruisers, mountain bikes and more at any number of shops in town and hit the Core Trail, which winds seven miles through town, next to the river (for cooling dunkings) the entire way. BYO playing cards to affix to the spokes.

Support local dentists: Rear kids and you know that candy is the best bribery. It doesnt get any better in Steamboat than Fuzzywigs Candy Factory at 845 Lincoln Ave., where

gummy worms, fudge and more can help entice your brood to follow you around to another outdoor outing tomorrow.

Relax at the library: For a dose of R&R (complete with a coffee shop), head to Bud Werner Memorial Library at 1289 Lincoln Ave. Curl up with a novel or magazine, and relax in a comfy chair overlooking the Yampa River while your kids busy themselves with the computers, books and cushions of the childrens section.

Cast and stroll Spring Creek: Spring Creek was voted best mountain bike trail in town, but its also a perfect place for a family hike, complete with fishing ponds and a gazebo for lunch. And dont let the ponds size fool you last spring a local 7-year-old caught a 5-pound junior world record brook trout out of it. Other places to bring the Barbie rods include Caseys Pond and Fetcher Pond off U.S. 40 on the south end of Steamboat.

Bowl for bragging rights: Yes, you actu-ally can bowl for dollars on certain nights at Steamboats Snow Bowl, U.S. 40 at 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza. And the facility also has

KidsFun with the


side rails for the kids lanes, ensuring their scores best your own. Info: 970-879-9480, www.snowbowl.net.

Mount Werner whoopee: The snow might be gone, but not the fun at the base of the ski area, which in the summer of-fers everything from high-flying harnessed trampoline jumping to rock climbing walls, gyroscope machines and more. Hint: Leave the gyroscoping for the kids if you want to retain the caloric value of your last meal. Info: 970-879-6111, www.steamboat.com.

Waterslides, whee!: Tire out the rugrats where both exercise and hot water zaps their remaining energy. At Old Town Hot Springs, 136 Lincoln Ave., kids can burn off that triple-scoop ice cream on waterslides and a water-based climbing wall while get this you relax in an adjacent pool watching it all. Bonus: a shallow pool and animal-filled kid zone for the younger set. Info: 970-879-1828, www.steamboathotsprings.org.

Calf, ram scramble: At the rodeo, listen for the announcer to let you know when and where to line up your children for the calf and ram scrambles and then hang on for the ride. The calf scramble is for children ages 6 to 12, while the ram scramble is for children 5 and younger. Children gather in the arena, the calf or ram is let out, and the kids give chase to grab the ribbon off its tail. The win-ner receives a gift certificate to F.M. Light & Sons. And the parents? As well as beaming children, they get to wash off the manure. Info: www.steamboatprorodeo.com.

pawn them offAs much fun as we all know vacation-

ing with your kids is, sometimes even the most doting parent needs a break for a little me-time. While babysitters abound for these types of breaks, below are some other spots where your young-uns can be cared for, have fun and learn something in the process.

Advance the arts: If you want time off from the kids, farm them out to the Steamboat Arts & Crafts Gym, at 1280 13th St. Here, they can paint, throw pot-tery and more, all while you rest, ride or figure out other ways to enjoy your free time. Bonus: You get artwork to take home. Info: 970-870-0384, www.steam-boatartandcraftsgym.com.

Get your roll on: Rain or shine, you can enroll your kids in everything from preschool advanced gymnastics classes at Excel Gymnastics, 2851 Riverside Plaza. Preschool classes start at $13 an hour and rec classes start at $16, letting kids try everything from flybed trampolines and tumbling mats to rings, vaults, parallel bars, foam pits and more. You can drop in for classes anytime theyre scheduled, or check www.879-egos.com for open gym times when, if your kids are old enough, you can drop them off, head out for dinner, and retrieve them afterward. Info: 970-879-3467; www.879-egos.com.

Steamboat Boys & Girls Club: At the George P. Sauer Human Services Center on Seventh Street is a new local parenting favorite: the Steamboat Boys & Girls Club. The club provides activities from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for youths ages 6 to 18, with activities including a variety of sports, arts and crafts projects and educational programming (including a lab with 25 computers). The rec room includes pool, air hockey, foosball, table tennis and a Nintendo Wii, and middle-schoolers have their own space called The Attic. The club also has a learning center/quiet space for down time. Best yet is the cost: just $1 an hour or $10 for the day (with $25 mem-bership fee). Info: 970-871-3160.

Adventure Bound: The citys licensed summer program, Adventure Bound, offers care and programs for kindergart-ners through sixth-graders, split into three groups daily. Kindergartners through third-graders meet at Soda Creek Elementary School, with fourth- through sixth-graders meeting at the Igloo next to Howelsen Ice Arena. The city provides services from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also offers daily field trips, all for only $30 a day. Info: 970-879-4300.

Kids Adventure Club: Operated by the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, the Kids Adventure Club lets kids share friendship and adventure through fun,

hands-on exploration of Steamboat. The program offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old through its Mini-Campers, Yampa Campers, Routt Scouts and Pio-neers programs. Activities include hikes, art and crafts, concerts, outdoor games, concerts, kayaking, swimming, scavenger hunts, tennis, the Alpine slide and more, as well as field trips to local lakes and other locations. Rates start at $55 per day. Info: 970-879-0740.


Visit theTread of Pioneers Museum8th & Oak St. Downtown, Steamboat Springs

www.treadofpioneers.org

Explore

PRICE ADMISSION!

Purchase ONE admission, get ONE admission for price with coupon. Not valid with other discounts or coupons.

Valid for up to 2 discounts with 2 full price admissions.Expires 12/31/2011

Open 11:00 am to 5:00 pmTuesday - Saturday

The REAL Steamboat experience!

(970) 879-2214

Visit us for more

information at



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solution page 67

Explore Steamboat

Surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land and a network of backcountry access roads, the Steamboat Springs area offers no short-age of hikes for all skill and fitness levels.

Some of Northwest Colorados most beau-tiful mountain vistas, meadows, wildflowers, lakes and more are within a few hours on foot. For those looking to spend some qual-ity time with Mother Nature in the Rocky Mountains, there are few better places to be than Routt County.

As with all outdoor activities, make sure you take a map and sunscreen along with adequate water, food and clothing. After-noon thunderstorms are common in the Rocky Mountains and can strike at a mo-ments notice, so hiking early in the day is encouraged.

Be sure to let someone know where youre going and when you plan to return.

Here are some of the best and most ac-

cessible hikes in the area:

Fish Creek Falls: A trip to Fish Creek Falls is a must for any Steamboat visitor. There are two easy walks for families, including an interpretive, paved trail lead-ing to a falls overlook, and a downhill trail to a bridge at the base of the falls. Both hikes are short and worth the effort. The more adventurous and fit can continue on Forest Service Trail No. 1102 less than three miles to the scenic upper falls, or even farther to Long Lake, which is six miles oneway.

How to get there: From downtown Steamboat, head north on Third Street and turn right onto Fish Creek Falls Road. Follow the road for about three miles until it dead-ends at the Fish Creek Falls parking lot. A $5 day-use parking permit fee is required via the fee station.

Spring Creek: This extremely popular multiuse trail near downtown Steamboat Springs is a haven for hikers, runners and bikers. From the trailhead, its an

TRaILHit the


easy walk on a wide dirt road to a picnic shelter and a small reservoir that dogs love. From there, Spring Creek Trail offers a relatively easy grade in shaded pine forest along the creek for about a mile, before increasing steepness onto single-track trail for about four miles, into the Routt National Forest and up to Dry Lake Campground on Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38).

How to get there: From downtown, turn north onto Third Street and right onto Pine Street, which turns into East Maple Street. Proceed straight across the inter-section with Amethyst Drive and park on either side of the road, at the trailhead.

Mad Creek: From a trailhead a few miles north of Steamboat, the Mad Creek area offers a scenic, two-mile hike up to an original U.S. Forest Service cabin home-stead preserved from the early 1900s. The trail features canyon landscapes as well as pine meadows and aspen groves as the trail follows Mad Creek along the Swamp Park Trail (1100) into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, to the creeks headwa-ters on the Continental Divide. A couple of loops like the Red Dirt Trail (1171), popular with mountain bikers branch off the main trail. Maps are available at the trailhead.

Remember, no mountain biking is al-lowed once you enter designated wilder-ness areas.

How to get there: From downtown Steamboat, head west on U.S. Highway 40 and turn right at the 7-Eleven on the citys west side, to travel north on Routt County 129 (Elk River Road). The Mad Creek parking area and trailhead is on the right in about five miles.

Sarvis Creek: This heavily forested, low-elevation wilderness area is often overlooked and filled with wildlife. The Silver Creek (1106) and Sarvis Creek (1105) trails can be hiked from trailheads accessed from Buffalo Park Road (Forest Development Road 100), which heads south off U.S. Highway 40 atop Rabbit Ears Pass.

Hikers can enjoy both moderate uphill climbs from the bottom end as well, beginning at the north side of Stagecoach Reservoir or off Lynx Pass Road (C.R. 16) on the south side of the reservoir.

The Sarvis Creek trailhead falls in the boundaries of the 311-acre Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area, so hikers without fish-ing or hiking licenses need to purchase a $10.25 Colorado Division of Wildlife Habitat Stamp wherever licenses are sold.

How to get there: From Steamboat, head east on U.S. 40, south on Colorado High-way 131 toward Oak Creek, then east on Routt County Road 14 to Stagecoach State Park. Take a left off C.R. 14 onto C.R. 18 at the Stagecoach State Park entrance and drive just more than three miles to access

the 1105 trailhead past the dam. Or turn left at C.R. 16 on the far, west end of the reservoir and proceed seven miles south to the 1106 trailhead.

Black Mountain Creek: Hikers in-terested in hillsides full of blooming flowers and sweeping views in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area can head for the Pyramid Peak area, accessed from C.R. 25 southwest of Oak Creek to the trailhead at Sheriff Reservoir.

A 2.5-mile moderate hike with short, steep sections (trail No. 1117) gets you to a high saddle at the foot of 11,532-foot Pyramid Peak (with its pointed summit another mile to the west), affording views of Dunkley Pass, Black Mountain, Trap-pers Mountain and the Devils Causeway.

Emerald Mountain: A network of trails offering miles of mixed-use hiking, biking and horseback recreation begins at the base of Howelsen Hill and winds up into the meadows and forested slopes of Em-erald Mountain. The main road, Blackmer Drive, runs just shy of two miles from its gate at the top of Routt Street to the Emerald Mountain Quarry, which affords a prime overlook of town and the Steam-boat Ski Area. The popular Lupine Trail starts from the Howelsen Hill entrance at Sombrero Ranches Steamboat Stables, for a more challenging, three-mile route to the quarry. The Bluffs Loop starts at the stables entrance for a moderate, rolling route of just under three miles, much of which is shaded in the late afternoon. Popular with mountain bikers, new trails (Beall Trail and Ridge Trail) recently have been added to the backside of the moun-tain for those looking for longer loops.

How to get there: The extensive multi-use trail system on Emerald Mountain can be access from several points at the base of Howelsen Hill (from downtown Steam-boat, head south on Fifth Street and west on Howelsen Parkway) as well as from Blackmer Drive in the Fairview neigh-borhood. From downtown, head west on U.S. Hightway 40, turn left onto 13th Street, left onto Gilpin Street, left onto Saratoga Avenue and right onto Routt Street. Park at the top of Routt Street, and


Backcountry tipsIn the Rocky Mountains, high

altitude and rugged terrain quickly can create problems for even the most experienced hikers and cyclists.

The sun is more intense at our base elevation of 6,700 feet, and even more so as you go higher, so be sure to ap-ply adequate sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body. Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water and food.

Always tell someone (even an out-of-state relative) where you are going and when youll return, and leave an itiner-ary on the front seat of your car.

Check with a local outdoors shop and pick up a trail map before heading out into unfamiliar terrain. Helpful local resources include:

U.S. Forest Service office, 925 Weiss Drive, 970-870-2299

Ski Haus, Pine Grove Road and U.S. Highway 40, 970-879-0385

Orange Peel Bicycle Service, 1136 Yampa St., 970-879-2957

Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare, Fifth Street and Lincoln Avenue, 970-879-9144

Wheels Bicycle Shop and Backdoor Sports, Ninth and Yampa streets, 970-870-1974 and 970-879-6249

Straightline Outdoor Sports, Eighth Street and Lincoln Avenue, 970-879-7568

Be preparedRoutt County Search and Rescue

veteran Darrel Levingston recommends the following survival kit for backcoun-try users:

Waterproof/windproof matches and lighter

Fire starters such as Vaseline-soaked cotton balls and gel hand sanitizer

Small folding saw

Map, compass and GPS device

Basic first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, sterile pads, medical tape and Benadryl tablets

Water bottle and water purification tablets or water filter system

Two reflective emergency blankets or tarps

Energy bars, trail mix and power gels

Hat, gloves, wool socks, fleece vest, rain coat and pants

Leatherman multi-tool, duct tape and lightweight rope

Headlamp with additional batteries

Sunscreen

Cell phone with charged battery

hike up the gated gravel road (Blackmer Drive).

Mount Werner: Steamboat Ski Area of-fers a variety of hiking and biking trails, many of them with moderate to steep climbs. The Zig Zag, Mountain View, Huffmans and Valley View trails are all popular options to take you up or down the mountain. Hikers also can purchase a day ticket for a ride up the gondola to the Thunderhead summit, where a guided nature trail and other hikes await. Visit www.steamboat.com for more summer trail information.

Detailed trail maps also are available in the Information Center in Gondola Square.

How to get there: From downtown Steamboat, head east on U.S. Highway 40 to the Mount Werner Road exit. Head north to the Knoll Parking Lot, and walk across Mount Werner Circle to Gondola Square and the ski base.

Rabbit Ears: From the parking area, follow the old jeep trail at Forest Service Road 291 through a series of meadows full of wildflowers. Uphill grades begin after reaching the forested section of the trail, ultimately leading to the final steep ascent to the base of the Rabbit Ears formation. Be cautious of loose rock, and dont try to climb up the ears.

How to get there: From Steamboat, drive about 19 miles east on U.S. 40 toward Rabbit Ears Pass. Turn left at the Dumont Lake Campground sign, and follow Forest Service Road 315 until you reach the old stone monument and historic marker. Turn left onto FSR 311 and right onto FSR 291 to the parking area.

Hahns Peak: The steep, two-mile hike to the 10,839-foot summit of Hahns Peak is one of the most rewarding treks in Northwest Colorado because of the stunning 360-degree views from the old fire watchtower at top. The last scramble up the scree field is a challenge, so be careful, and avoid the summit when bad weather threatens.

How to get there: From Steamboat, head west on U.S. Hightway 40 and turn north on Routt County Road 129 (Elk River Road). Follow past Steamboat Lake State Park to Columbine, and make a right across from the Columbine General Store onto the rough, ditch-heavy Forest Service Road 490. Veer left onto Forest Service Road 410 to the parking area.

North Routt County: Referred to by locals as North Routt, this prime hiking area is the doorstep to hundreds of miles of trails. The Seedhouse Road area is home to many of these trailheads, includ-ing the Hinman, Burn Ridge, Seedhouse, Three Island Lake, North Lake, Slavonia and Diamond Park trails. To get to Seed-house Road, head west on U.S. Hightway 40 and north on Routt County Road 129 to Clark (about 17 miles). Just past the Clark Store, turn right onto Seedhouse Road (Routt County Road 64). The paved road eventually ends, but the well-main-tained gravel road leads to many trail-heads and camping areas on either side of the highway. The views of the jagged peaks of the Park Range in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area are stunning from Seedhouse Road.

South Routt County: Referred to as South Routt, this region is the gateway to Flat Tops Wilderness Area, a remote and beautiful wilderness characterized by tabletop peaks rising to 12,000 feet and higher. The most popular hike is Devils Causeway, accessible via East Fork Trail No. 1119. A three-mile out-and-back will take you to the vertigo-inducing Devils Causeway, a short and narrow rocky span with sheer cliff faces on either side. The hike also can be made into a 10.5-mile loop. To get to Stillwater Reservoir, head east on U.S. Highway 40 out of Steamboat and south on Colorado Highway 131 for about 26 miles to Yampa. Turn right onto Main Street and then right onto Routt County Road 7. The road eventually turns to dirt and becomes Forest Service Road 900, ending near Stillwater Reservoir.


Hahns Peak Village

Clark

Steamboat Springs

Oak Creek

Milner

Columbine

Pearl Lake

Catamount Lake

Stagecoach Reservoir

Steamboat Lake

Hahns Peak Lake Campground

Pearl Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park

Hinman Campground

Coulton Creek Trail

Three Island Lake

Seedhouse Campground

South Fork Loop

Mad Creek/ Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Steamboat Campground Spring Creek Trail

Long Lake Trail

Summit Lake CampgroundSoda

Creek

Dry Lake Campground

Fishhook, Lost and Lake Elmo

Dumont Lake Campground

Rabbit Ears Peak

Meadows Campground

Walton Creek Campground

Service Creek

Elk Run Trail

Stagecoach State Park

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ROUTT COUNTY

Steamboat Ski Area

Hahns Peak

Devils Causeway

Fish Creek Falls

Howelsen Hill/Emerald Mountain

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HIKINg aND BIKINg TRaILSA guide to hiking, biking and camping near Steamboat


Explore Steamboat

Theres more than one way to take advan-tage of Steamboat Springs rolling terrain. And it doesnt just involve skis and snowboards.

With undulating trails and roads wending over hill and dale and a bike path paralleling the scenic Yampa River Steamboat Springs is evolving into a world-class mountain and road biking destination for everyone from novices to pro-caliber racers.

This summe,r the town is kicking into an even higher gear in putting its pedaling options on the map. The Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. is investing in a series of new down-hill mountain bike trails on Mount Werner; the Steamboat Rotary Club and Routt County Riders are continuing to add new trails on the backside of Emerald Mountain; and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge comes to town Aug. 26 and 27, bringing with it 128 of the worlds best road riders, including event co-founder and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

eventsIn addition to an expanding network of trails

surrounding town, there also are a number of new and returning bike events sure to attract riders from across the country. This years lineup includes:

Tour de Steamboat:The seventh annual Eriksen Cycles Tour de Steamboat, a noncompetitive road cycling event and fundraiser, featuring a 110-mile Gore Gruel, 40-mile Stagecoach ride and family friendly Yampa River Core Trail ride. Info: www.rockypeakproductions.com.

Ride 4 yellow:An official Lance Arm-strong Foundation Livestrong fundraiser, the Aug. 7 event will feature a signature ride along the 25-mile Continental Divide Trail and other cross-country rides at the Steamboat Ski Area. Special guests are expected. Info: www.ride4yellow.com.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Youll want to be here Aug. 26-27 when the inaugu-ral USA Pro Cycling Challenge rolls into town, bringing with it 128 of the worlds best bike racers as part of a seven-day,

600 mile, stage race. And yes, Armstrong himself will be competing. Info: www.quiznosprochallenge.com.

Steamboat Springs Stage Race: For the third year in a row, this four-day event (Sept. 2 to 5) includes a Friday time trial, Saturday circuit race, Sunday road race and Monday criterium. Info: www.bikesteamboat.com.

Bicycle sales and tunes:Four full-service bike shops in town offer

everything from friendly advice on where to ride to tunes, sales and more. The shops are: Orange Peel Bicycle Service (1136 Yampa St., 970-879-2957), Ski Haus (1457 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-0385), Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare (442 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-9144) and Wheels Bicycle Shop (9th and Yampa Avenue, 970-870-1974).

Favorite ridesSteamboats mountains in the Park Range

rise nearly 3,500 feet off the valley floor. That gradient spells granny gear. Riders should be prepared for sustained climbs and the high-

USaBike Town


altitude challenges from riding between 6,700 and 10,200 feet above sea level.

For an easy cruise without the sky-rocketing heart rate, consider the Yampa River Core Trail, a wide concrete path perfect for families that parallels the Yampa River from the east side of Steamboat to the west. Its a great way to experience Steamboat riding without the blood, sweat and occasional tears, and offers the ad-dition of being able to see the river along the entire route. Bonus: the chance to cool off in the Yampa or grab a beverage at a riverside bar whenever the feeling strikes.

Mountain bikingSteamboats singletrack is silky smooth,

much of it groomed nearly as well as its ski slopes are in the winter. Emerald Mountain, right in the heart of downtown Steamboat, is a great place to start. Any number of trails leading from the base of Howelsen Hill will lead you up and around Emerald Mountain, a not-so-hidden gem of riding bliss. Blackmer Drive is the closed gravel road that climbs to the Emerald Mountain Quarry, providing a great view of Steamboat, the ski area and the mountain valleys to the north and west. For a singletrack ascent, consider taking the Lupine Trail that starts behind the horse stables at the rodeo grounds. From there, a number of criss-crossing trails provide a variety of options to the Quarry. From the Quarry, the Quarry Mountain Trail provides a way to the summit of Emerald Mountain without having to endure the aptly named Lane of Pain. From there, you can keep

going off the backside of Emerald on the new Beall or Ridge trails (and loop the new Rotary Trail near the bottom), or come back down a variety of great forested options, including Blair Witch, MGM and Eye to Eye.

For the more vertically inclined, Steamboat Ski Area serves up 50-plus miles of trails. If you want to forsake the climb, a gondola ticket will get you and your bike to the Thunderhead summit for a fast and fun ride down a variety of trails back the base. You also can climb from Thunderhead to the Storm Peak summit, where more singletrack awaits. Just be wary of hikers and uphill bikers throughout the ski areas trail system.

For more seclusion, consider the Forest Ser-vice spoking off from Rabbit Ears Pass (the 1101 Continental Divide Trail is a locals favorite) and in North Routt County off Seedhouse Road (our favorite: Pearl Lake to Colter Creek Trail No. 1104 to Scotts Run). But take a map and the right clothing and gear, and consult a local shop before heading into unfamiliar territory.

More mountain bike betaRoutt County Riders, the local cycling

organization, has trail maps available at local bike shops, as well as a new Bike Guide to Steamboat, produced by the pedal-friendly staff at the Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper. Pick one up or talk to a local for trail advice specific to the current weather conditions. For more information, check out their Website at www.routtcountyriders.org.

Road cyclingWhile many Colorado ski towns offer little in

the way of road cycling outside of steep, lung-busting mountain passes, Steamboat is blessed with topography tailor-made for skinny tires.

One local go-to ride is heading out Twen-tymile Road (Routt County Road 33) from town, accessed from 13th Street on the west side of downtown. Thirteenth Street becomes Twen-tymile Road after its junction with Shield Drive just about a mile from Bud Werner Memorial Library.

The ride to Twentymile Coal Co. and back is about 40 miles. Instead of turning around at the mine, considering heading to Oak Creek on C.R. 27 for a series of three solid climbs with little or no traffic. Ride through Oak Creek and cut back to Steamboat via Stagecoach Reservoir on C.R. 14 and Colorado Highway 131 for a 50-mile loop.

For the more adventurous and fitter riders, a jaunt up Rabbit Ears Pass on U.S. Highway 40 will get the heart pounding. Make it epic by continuing on U.S. 40 to Gore Pass on Colorado Highway 134 and then over Yellow Jacket Pass on C.R. 14. Loop it back to Colo. 131 and into Steamboat to complete the 110-mile ride, referred to as the Gore Gruel in the annual Tour de Steamboat event.

As with mountain biking, ask around for local recommendations and be prepared for everything from flat tires to foul weather. Ride safe!


haven. The upper ends of the stretch in and below the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area provide better fishing and wildlife viewing, with private tubers best served floating the section downstream of Dr. Rich Weiss Park near Third Street and Lincoln Avenue. Commercial outfitters offer tube rentals and shuttle service for a specified section of the Yampa, at certain times and flows mandated by the city of Steamboat Springs below the Fifth Street Bridge to the James Brown Bridge, between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and between the flow levels of 600 to 85 cubic feet per second (usually sometime in late June to the end of August).

Public tubers are expected to follow the regulations the city requires of commer-cial tubing outfitters. Tubers are discour-aged from putting in upstream of Fetcher Park and should avoid the river if its flow drops below 85 cubic feet per second. The following etiquette rules apply to all river users in city limits: no glass, no littering, no Styrofoam coolers, respect other uses, obey the quiet zones, no nudity, no dogs, no alcohol, and avoid walking/standing in river bed (except fishermen).

and your adrenal glands are up for it, ask them about Class IV Cross Mountain Can-yon on the Yampa downstream.

Other rafting options exist on the Colo-rado River just an hour away, complete with Class I to II+ rapids, hot springs, cliff jumping, fishing and more. Ask the outfit-ters: listed previously for information about those trips, or try Colorado River Guides at www.raftcolorado.com, 800-WET-RAFT.

The Yampa River Festival (May 28 to 30, 2011; www.friendsoftheyampa.com) offers three days of river competitions and events, testing everything from stick-chasing dogs and down-river raft racers to line-casting anglers and slalom kayakers. The festi-val culminates with the Paddling Life Pro Invitational (brought to you by Steamboat in the Summertime and Chaco Sandals) on May 30, drawing some of the best kayakers in the world to town for a downriver race of Class IV to V Fish Creek and freestyle event in the C-hole by the library.

TubingAs the Yampas flow levels out and its

water temperatures warm in July and Au-gust, the town stretch turns into a tubers

Explore Steamboat

Recreation in Steamboat Springs doesnt end with the ski resort. All that snow that falls on our mountains has to go some-where, and when it does it opens up a wealth of water options on the Yampa River.

Winding its way from Flat Tops Wil-derness Area west to its confluence with the Green River near Dinosaur National Monument, the river offers more than 100 miles of prime fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and tubing. You also might see a few stand-up paddleboarders surfing their way downstream.

So youre in the know, if you hear locals mention the town stretch, theyre referring to the rivers 6-mile section from the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to the James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge on the west side of Steamboat Springs.

Kayaking, canoeing, raftingTheres a reason Paddler magazine

based its publishing operations out of Steamboat for 14 years; the town and surrounding region offers some of the best, most accessible river paddling in the country.

Spring and early summer are the best times for kayaking and rafting the Yampa. Peak runoff typically occurs from mid-May to mid-June, and a number of kayak-spe-cific water features along the town stretch provide ample opportunities for intermedi-ate and advanced boaters.

Start your trip at a variety of put-ins, including Dr. Rich Weiss Park, Fetcher Park or Bucci Ponds, and take-out on river right at the Transit Center, where you can bus back up to your car. Many kayakers simply opt to put-in at Charlies Hole near the library downtown for park-and-play kayaking. More advanced kayakers also can try their hands on the nearby Elk River and white-knuckle, Class V Fish Creek.

If youve always wanted to try kayak-ing, Steamboat has two top-notch kayak schools to show you the ropes. Try Back-door Sports (www.backdoorsports.com, 970-879-6249) or Mountain Sports Kayak School (www.mountainsportskayak.com, 970-879-8794).

During the peak runoff window, several outfitters also offer rafting trips on the town stretch. Try Bucking Rainbow Outfit-ters/Blue Sky West (970-879-8747, www.buckingrainbow.com); if the flows are right

RIVeRRollin on the


Swim holesYou cant beat the Old Town Hot

Springs for swimming. It has diving boards, lap lanes, kiddie areas, four dif-ferent soaking pools, massaging waterfalls and even a climbing wall that lets you bail out into the warm water below.

But there also are a few spots around town where you can channel your inner Huck Finn. Following are a few of our favorites:

Come the lower riverflow months of July and August, riverside swimming doesnt get much better than in the Charlies and D holes downtown by Bud Werner Memorial Library. Plunge into either for a refreshing dip and bag some rays on the rocks to warm back up. Just watch out for the tubers. Bo-nus: Bring swim goggles or a dive mask and you might just come face-to-face with a monster trout or at least a tubers lost pair of sunglasses.

For more warm-blooded bathing, try the riverside hot springs just above the Rabbit Ears Motel in Dr. Rich Weiss Park. While not as warm as its parent

pool across the pavement, its a great reprieve from the cooler river, and its knee-high depth makes it perfect for the young-uns.

Want to make a day adventure out of your swimming foray? While not for the faint of heart, King Solomon Falls, located on the Middle Fork of the Little Snake River in northern Routt County, lets you play Acapulco with plunges from as high as you like. Just watch out for rocks and bring good-traction river shoes for the cobblestoned streambed hike in. Get a map and ask someone whos been there for directions.

For the lake inclined, theres no short-age of those, either. The most popular are Steamboat Lake north of town and Stagecoach Reservoir to the south, each with a sandy beach for lounging and drying. Hikers can also plunge into such lakes as Gilpin and Three-mile in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area as a reward for the hard-earned vista. Bonus: You didnt hear it from us, but theres also a great swimming hole be-low a waterfall halfway up to Gilpin.


Tom Ross

If Steamboat Springs residents can find a way to catch trout on their lunch breaks, then you certainly can get it done during a vacation here. And if youve always wanted to try fly-fishing, youll never have a better chance. How many towns in America offer weekly, free fly-casting clinics steps away from a river full of rainbow and brown trout?

With the Yampa River flowing through the heart of downtown, this is the perfect destination to get started in trout fishing. And within a half hour of town, budding anglers can explore countless other mountain lakes and streams.

Kids just wanna catch fishMany moms and dads simply want

to find angling success for their young-sters, and a pair of stocked ponds in the city limits are the go-to destinations for

families and Barbie rods. Bait fishing is allowed in Caseys Pond and Fetcher Pond. The former is easily visible from U.S. Highway 40 at the first stoplight on your way into town from Rabbit Ears Pass. Fetchers Pond, which isnt visible from the highway, is a short drive down Pine Grove Road (make a left turn at the second stoplight in town).

When the kids are ready for a more adventurous experience the drive up Rabbit Ears Pass to pick on the little brook trout in streams like Walton Creek. Theres no need to cast here, just tie a bushy dry fly and let the kids touch it onto the water wherever theres a deep run. The brook trout literally will jump out of the water to get the fly and your young anglers should get plenty of action.

The logical place to purchase chil-drens fishing tackle is at the giant discount store whose name begins with a W. But when its time to get serious about local fishing reports and select-

BoaTFishing in the


ing fly patterns, turn to the pros at one of three local fly-fishing shops there are two on Lincoln Avenue and one at Yampa Avenue and Fifth Street. You can also book a guided fishing outing, either on public or pricier private water.

Urban fishing and shoppingAnglers traveling with a spouse cant

lose by fishing the town stretch. Heres the deal. There are as many as 2,000 trout per mile in the city limits. You can fish through the tall grass meanders of Rotary Park near the Mount Werner Road exit off U.S. Highway 40, or drift a fly through the fast water along the Yampa River Core Trail at Emerald Park. Closer to town, probe the eddies of the kayak slalom course or head west to spots near the historic railroad depot on 13th Street.

If you have only two hours to fish while your significant other shops for cowboy hats and boots, park the SUV on Seventh Street and become an urban fishing guerilla. If you play it right, you can catch and release a half dozen trout and be waiting at a restaurant table with a couple of chilled glasses of chardon-nay when your favorite shopper shows up for lunch.

Tip: From July 10 to Aug. 10-fish early when the water is cool and the tubers have yet to launch. Also, all trout caught

in the town stretch must be returned unharmed to the water. Fishing is with flies and lures only.

give it a go on your ownThe town stretch of the Yampa is the

best bet for anglers just beginning to get serous about the sport equip yourself with elk hair caddis flies, bright green caddis emergers and some weighted streamers (black and green woolly boogers with some flashy tinsel tied into their tails). Then take to any of the numerous ripples and pools throughout the rivers town run.

You can begin wading in the river wearing shorts and river sandals in mid-July. Short casts are usually adequate to put your fly in front of a fish.

If you dont have time to spend half a day at the state parks, try the stretch of the Yampa River at the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area three miles south of town on Routt County Road 14 (River Road). There are two parking areas and a footbridge leads to a pond containing northern pike.

Another alternative is the Christina Wildlife Area along the lower Elk River on C.R. 129 northwest of town.

There is no daily fee at state wildlife areas.

Rules and regulationsA Colorado fishing license is

required for anyone 16 and older. An annual fishing license is $26 for Colorado residents and $56 for nonresidents. Seniors 64 and older who are residents of Colorado can purchase an annual fishing license for $1. Visitors may purchase one-day and five-day licenses.

Anyone who purchases a Colo-rado fishing or hunting license must also purchase a Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp for $10.

In water where trout may be kept (Steamboat Lake, for example), the daily bag limit for rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout is four fish, with a possession limit (includes coolers) of eight. The bag and possession limit for brook trout is 10.

Trout caught in the town stretch of the Yampa River must be returned unharmed to the water. Fishing is with flies and lures only.

For more information visit: www.wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/.


Seek professional helpTheres nothing like hiring a guide

to get your fly over feeding fish and to teach you how to make a realistic pre-sentation. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for a guided outing depending upon your preferred piece of water.

If a guide isnt in your budget, dont hesitate to ask the fishing experts in the fly shop for advice.

Head to local lakesFor lake fishing, two nearby state

parks are a good bet. Fish Stagecoach Reservoir (13 miles south via Colorado Highway 131 and Routt County Road 14) first thing in the morning and be pre-pared to get your fly down 10 to 11 feet, but no deeper in mid-summer.

For flat-out gorgeous scenery and magical evening fishing, pack a picnic and head north 24 miles to Steamboat Lake State Park. Take a fleece jacket and soft gloves and fish woolly boogers beneath the surface for rainbows.

Boat rentals are available at the mari-nas of both state parks and can be a big help for novice fly-fishermen who dont have their casting technique wired.

essential fly patternsTrout flies are tied of animal furs and

bird feathers to mimic the different life stages of aquatic insects and, in some cases, minnows and crustaceans. But trout can be exceptionally finicky eaters, so determine what the daily blue plate special is.

Recommended nymphs (fished below the water):

Beadhead prince nymph (universal prospecting pattern)

Gold ribbed hares ear (killer in moun-tain lakes)

Copper John (in several colors, size tiny)

Pablos Cripple (invented by local guide Paul Russell)

Black Depth Charger (hot pattern for 2011)

Recommended dry flies (fished on the surface):

Deer hair caddis

Parachute Adams (universal mayfly in several sizes)

Yellow Humpy (for cutthroat in moun-tain lakes)

Goddard caddis (for mountain lakes in late July)

Rubber legged renegade (brings fish to the surface when there is no hatch)

Pale morning dun (especially on the Yampa in June)

Recommended terrestrials:

Grasshoppers (ask the fly shop for the pattern of the week, must-have on the Elk River when the ranchers are cutting hay)

Ants, ants, ants (dont go into the high mountain lakes without them)

Recommended streamers:

Woolly boogers


Yampa Valley Medical Center offers a variety of career opportunities. Call us to set you on your career path. Clinical and non-clinical positions are available.Please visit our website at www.yvmc.org for more information and career opportunities.Please call 970-870-1118 for more information | [email protected] | 1024 Central Park Dr., Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

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Introducing the Buzz Bar. Serving premium wines &

cocktails from 7pm to 2 am.

Located in the Wildhorse Marketplace at Lincoln & Mt. Werner Rd. 970-871-8999

A special thank you to our Steamboat locals for voting us as Best of the Boat.


Calendarof eventsFor a complete and updated list of everything happening in

Steamboat Springs this summer, visit ExploreSteamboat.com, and check out the daily Happenings page in the Steamboat Today newspaper.

May14 Spirit Challenge (5K and 10K); www.runningseries.com 19 Pajama Story-time; 6-7 pm, Bud Werner Memorial Library; kids ages

3-7 with a parent or caregiver. Story, craft and a snack.20 Third Friday Free Foreign Film; 7pm, Depot Art Center, presented

by the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council; www.steamboatlibrary.org

25 Kick-off Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series; 5:30pm kids races, 6pm adult races; www.townchallenge.com, 970-879-4300

25-26 Steamboat Economic Summit28-29 31st annual Yampa River Festival; www.friendsoftheyampa.com 30 2011 Paddling Life Invitational (brought to you by Steamboat in

the Summertime and Chaco); 11am Fish Creek, 2pm C-Hole, Yampa River; www.paddlinglife.net/invitational

June1 Youth Education Scholarship (YES) Golf Tournament; 11 am at

Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club; 970-819-08513 First Friday Artwalk at galleries throughout downtown Steamboat;

5-8pm4 Yampatikas 11th annual Wild Edible Feast; 6-9pm at Lake Catamount;

$75 a person (proceeds benefit youth education programs); 970-871-9151, www.communityagalliance.org

5 30th annual Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K; races begin at 7:30am, finish downtown; www.steamboatmarathon.com

7 Story-time for Grown-ups; 6:30pm, Bud Werner Memorial Library; www.steamboatlibrary.org

7 Teddy Bear Picnic; Bud Werner Memorial Library, 11am-noon, library lawn; music by Yampa Valley Boys.

8 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series; 5:30pm kids races, 6pm adult races; www.townchallenge.com

11 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue

11 33rd annual Hayden Cog Run; 10am race start in Hayden Town Park; www.runningseries.com

11 Sixth annual Cayuse Classic at Sidney Peak Ranch; silent auction, live music, cocktails and barbecue dinner; $50 for adults; 970-879-4370, www.communityagalliance.org

13-14 18th annual Hospice Celebration of Life dinner/golf tournament; dinner ($60/person), 6pm Monday at Sheraton Steamboat Resort; golf: 8am Tuesday at Catamount Ranch & Club; 970-871-7631, www.nwcovna.org

15 Fiddler Ken Waldman; Bud Werner Memorial Library, 3-4pm, library lawn

16-19 23rd annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup; 7:30am-4:30pm Fri. autocross at Meadows Parking Lot; 10am-3pm Sat. Show n Shine on Oak Street

17 Steamboat Ski Area gondola opens for summer season; operates daily from 10am-4pm (9:30am on Sundays); weekends only from Sept. 6-19; www.steamboat.com

17 Third Friday Free Foreign Film; 7pm, Depot Art Center, presented by the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council; www.steamboatlibrary.org

17-18 Ski Town USA Golf Classic fundraising tournament; Haymaker and Rollingstone Ranch & Golf Club; www.skitownclassic.com

17-18 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena; www.steamboatprorodeo.com

17-19 Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp New Works Festival; www.perry-mansfield.org, 800-430-2787

18 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue22 Ann Lincoln, juggler and comedienne; Bud Werner Memorial Library,

3-4pm, Library Lawn22 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series; 5:30pm kids races, 6pm

adult races; www.townchallenge.com23 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park; 12:15 pm24 Story-time for Grown-ups; noon, Bud Werner Memorial Library; www.

steamboatlibrary.org24-25 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick

Rodeo Arena; www.steamboatprorodeo.com


25 Taste of South Routt26 Craig Duathlon (run/bike/run event); 8am, Loudy-Simpson Park,

Craig; $45 (preregistration required); www.runningseries.com28 Street Beat youth and family concert; 11am and 5:30pm at Strings

Music Pavilion; $10 adults, $1 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com29 Steamboat African Dance and drum Ensemble; Bud Werner Memorial

Library, 3-4pm, library lawn30 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Common Ground-

Celtic Baroque); 12:15 pm

July 1 Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; 8pm at

Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com1 First Friday Artwalk; galleries throughout downtown Steamboat;

5-8pm1 Free Summer Concert Series; Electric Hot Tuna, Howelsen Hill1-2 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick Rodeo

Arena in downtown Steamboat; www.steamboatprorodeo.com 2-4 Tenth annual Art on the Mountain art show and vendor displays;

10am-4pm in Gondola Square; www.steamboat.com/artonthemtn2 33rd annual Mountain Madness Half Marathon and 10K; 8am,

Howelsen Ice Arena; www.runningseries.com2 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln

Avenue3 Brent Rowan and Friends; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-

5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com4 108th annual Cowboys Roundup Days/July 4th Celebration; events

include parade down Lincoln Avenue, Pioneer Day Block Party/community concert, fireworks extravaganza, cattle drive and Ranch Rodeo; www.exploresteamboat.com

4 19th annual Steamboat Sprint 400-yard Dash; 9:40am start at Ninth Street and Lincoln Avenue; www.runningseries.com

4 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 6:30pm at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena in downtown Steamboat; www.steamboatprorodeo.com

4 Yampa July 4th festival with horse broomball in the street and fireworks6 Brad Kindred, childrens musician; Bud Werner Memorial Library,

3-4pm, library lawn6 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series; 5:30pm kids races, 6pm

adult races; www.townchallenge.com 6 Wednesday Classical at Strings Music Pavilion (Donor Prelude and Re-

ception); 7pm, $26 adults, $5 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com

7 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Meridian Quartet); 12:15 pm

8 Classical Opening Orchestra; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

9 Dala - Canadian folk; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com


9-10 31st annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo; Bald Eagle Lake (balloon inflation begins between 6:30 and 7am); free transportation from Meadows Parking Lot off Mount Werner Road (no parking allowed at Bald Eagle Lake)

9-10 37th annual Art in the Park at West Lincoln Park; 9am-5pm Satur-day and 9am-4pm Sunday; live theater performance at 6pm Saturday

9-10 37th annual Cowpie Classic rugby tournament; Ski Town Fields; www.steamboatrugby.com

9 Howelsen Hill 8-Miler running race; 8am start at Olympian Hall; www.runningseries.com

9 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln Avenue9 Saturday Classical at Strings Music Pavilion; 8pm, $30 adults, $5

children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com9 New Moon 2-Person Glowball Golf Tournament; 9pm at Haymaker

Golf Course, $25; www.haymakergolf.com12 Rally For the Cure golf tournament at Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club;

970-879-139112 Gustafer Yellowgold youth and family concerts at Strings Music

Pavilion; 11am and 5:30pm, $10 adults, $1 children; www.strings-musicfestival.com

13 Story-time for Grown-ups; noon, Bud Werner Memorial Library; www.steamboatlibrary.org

13 Hawkquest, live raptor program; Bud Werner Memorial Library, 2-3pm, Library Hall

13 Wednesday Classical at Strings Music Pavilion (Cheng and Chow); 7pm; www.stringsmusicfestival.com


15 Marty Stuart - country, 8pm, Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com


15-16 Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp Drama Production; www.perry-mansfield.org, 800-430-2787


16 Great Big Sea - Canadian folk-rock; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com



16 Seventh annual Eriksen Cycles Tour de Steamboat road cycling event and fundraiser; rides include 110-mile Gore Gruel, 40-mile Stagecoach ride and family friendly Yampa River Core Trail ride; www.rockypeakproductions.com

17 Free Community Matinee: Back to Broadway; 4:30pm at Strings Music Pavilion; www.stringsmusicfestival.com

16 15th annual High Country Kitchen and Garden Tour; 9am-3pm; begins with live music and breakfast at Strings Music Festival Park; 970-879-5056, ext. 105

19 Simon Boyar, Alpin Hong and Jessica Tivens youth and family concerts; Strings Music Pavilion, 11am and 5:30pm, $10 adults, $1 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com


20 Wednesday Classical (Bright Stars); 7pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com


21-23 Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp Evening of Dance; www.perry-mansfield.org, 800-430-2787

22 Free Summer Concert Series, The Freddy Jones Band; Howelsen Hill22 Shawn Colvin- folk rock; 8pm, Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056,

www.stringsmusicfestival.com 22-23 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick

Rodeo Arena; www.steamboatprorodeo.com23 Bright Stars; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.

stringsmusicfestival.com 23 20th annual Spring Creek Memorial 9-mile and 5K races; 8am at

Spring Creek trailhead; www.runningseries.com23 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln

Avenue25 Story-time for Grown-ups; 6:30pm, Bud Werner Memorial Library;

www.steamboatlibrary.org26 Banana Slug String Band youth and family concerts; 11am and

5:30pm; $10 adults, $1 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com 27 Wednesday Classical (Chamber Classics); 7pm at Strings Music

Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com 28 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Meridian Quartet);

12:15 pm28-30 Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School Musical Theater Production;

www.perry-mansfield.org, 800-430-2787 29 Mark Masri - operatic pop; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-

5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com 30 Chamber Classics; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056,

www.stringsmusicfestival.com29-30 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick

Rodeo Arena; www.steamboatprorodeo.com30 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and Lincoln

Avenue30 Community Agriculture Alliances Ranch Rendezvous; Steamboat Ski

Area; 970-879-4370, www.communityagalliance.org

august2 Swingset Jazz with Michael Friedman youth and family concerts; 11am

and 5:30pm, $10 adults, $1 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com 3 Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series; 5:30pm kids races, 6pm

adult races; www.townchallenge.com 3 Wednesday Classical (Modern Storytelling); 7pm at Strings Music

Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com 4 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park; 12:15 p.m.; FREE4-5Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp Youth Festival;

www.perry-mansfield.org, 800-430-2787

5 Michael Kaeshammer - boogie-woogie/jazz; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

6 Modern Storytelling; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

5 First Friday Artwalk; downtown galleries, 5-8pm5-6 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series; 7:30pm at Brent Romick

Rodeo Arena; www.steamboatprorodeo.com6 17th annual Mount Werner Classic running race; 8am in Gon-

dola Square; www.runningseries.com6 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and

Lincoln Avenue7-10 The Wine Festival at Steamboat; www.steamboatwinefestival.

com 7 Ride 4 yellow Livestrong mountain bike event; 25-mile Conti-

nental Divide Trail ride and Mount Werner cross-country ride; www.ride4yellow.com


9 Bill Harley youth and family concerts; 11am and 5:30pm, $10 adults, $1 children; www.stringsmusicfestival.com

9 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Legal Tender); 12:15 pm

10 Wednesday Classical (Orchestra: Picture Perfect); 7pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

10 Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors Scholarship Golf Tourna-ment; Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, $115 entry; 970-879-1391

11 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park ( Jesse Chris-tensen); 12:15 pm

12 John Jorgensen Quintet/Gypsy Jazz; 8pm at Strings Music Pavil-ion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com



13 Orchestra Fireworks; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

16 Hot Club of Cowtown; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com


18 Music on the Green at Yampa River Botanic Park (Missed the Boat); 12:15 p.m.; FREE

19 Red Horse Project; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com

18-21 97th annual Routt County Fair; Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden; freestyle MotoX performance, demolition derby, barbecue, livestock sale, barn dance and more; 970-276-3068

18-21 Steamboat All Arts Festival; 8am-5pm daily workshops, 5pm Sunday block party; www.exploresteamboat.com

20 Barage; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com



21 Flick N Float Foreign Film; 9pm, Old Town Hot Springs, presented by the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council; www.steamboatlibrary.org

21 13th annual Ski Haus Continental Divide Trail Run (16 mile); 8am at Fish Creek Falls; www.runningseries.com


26 Free Summer Concert Series (Artist TBD); Howelsen Hill 26-27 USA Pro Cycling Challenge; www.quiznosprochallenge.com27 Head for the Hills; 8pm at Strings Music Pavilion; 970-879-

5056, www.stringsmusicfestival.com


28 Steamboat Triathlon; 8am at Lake Catamount; www.steamboat-triathlon.com

September2 First Friday Artwalk; 5-8pm, downtown galleries2-5 Third annual Steamboat Springs Stage Race road cycling

event; includes Friday time trial, Saturday circuit race, Sunday road race and Monday criterium; www.bikesteamboat.com

2-5 Come Sale Away Sidewalk Sale; 9am-6pm, downtown3 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and

Lincoln Avenue3-5 Steamboat Stock Dog Challenge at Stanko Ranch; 8am-5pm;

970-879-52144 25th annual 10K at 10,000 Feet running race; 10am at Rabbit

Ears Pass; www.runningseries.com4 Chuck Wagon Chili Challenge; Eighth and Oak streets down-

town; live music, square dancing, beer and sodas, vendors, childrens activities and chili tasting

4 Rocky Mountain Bull Bash PBR rodeo; 5pm at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena

4-5 Seventh annual Wild West Air Fest; Steamboat Springs Airport, 9am-3pm; vintage aircraft, radio-controlled airplanes and classic car displays

4-5 Oak Creek Labor Day festival10 Emerald Mountain Trail Run; 9am at Howelsen Hill; www.

runningseries.com10 Mainstreet Farmers Market; 9am-2pm at Sixth Street and

Lincoln Avenue10 19th annual Literary Sojourn; Sheraton Steamboat Resort;

www.literarysojourn.org16 Third Friday Free Foreign Film; 7pm, Depot Art Center,

presented by the Bud Werner Memorial Library and Steamboat Springs Arts Council; www.steamboatlibrary.org

16-18 Second annual Steamboat OktoberWest; downtown and Steamboat Ski Area.

17 Fifth Annual Run Rabbit Run ultra-marathon; 6am at Steam-boat Ski Area; www.steamboat50.com

17 Steamboat Symphony Orchestra Season Kickoff; the Depot Art Center; www.steamboatorchestra.org

17 Deep Roots Lamb Cook-off; downtown; www.communityagal-liance.org

17 Canadian Sport Horse Sale. Gord Jessiman is back for the annual Canadian Sport Horse Sale. Sale starts at 1pm. Viewing and BBQ prior. Located at the Home Ranch 54880 RCR 129. 970-879-1780

october1-2 Last Go-Around 2-Person Golf Tournament; Haymaker Golf

Course; www.haymakergolf.com6 Colorado Poet Laureate David Mason; 6:30pm, Bud Werner

Memorial Library; www.steamboatlibrary.org7 First Friday Artwalk; downtown galleries; 5-8pm14-16 Sisters in Steamboat; includes wine reception, shopping,

enrichment workshops and more; www.mainstreetsteamboat-springs.com



WeeklypRoVIDeSTHRILLSaND SpILLSRoDeo

Explore Steamboat

You may have noticed a fair share of cowboy hats in town. Well, we reckon theres a reason, pilgrim.

Steamboat Springs ranching back-ground means the town also hangs its Stetson on a tradition born from raising cattle: rodeo.

Steamboat was a ranching town before it was anything else, says the rodeo series John Shipley. This helps rodeo remind us of our heritage.

The towns professional rodeo series gives ranch hands from near and far the chance to compete for prize money and bragging rights in front of locals and visi-tors.

Indeed, nothing speaks to our Old West roots better. Held every summer from mid-June to mid-August, the rodeos home is Brent Romick Rodeo Arena, just down Fifth Street and across the Yampa River from downtown Steamboat.

Pick a seat in the grandstands to watch

professional cowboys compete in a num-ber of thrilling events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and every-ones favorite, bull riding. Theres also bar-rel racing and entertainment from some of the countrys most famous rodeo acts.

And its not just any old small-town affair. The series is a Professional Rodeo-

Cowboys Association-sanctioned event and three-time nominee for the PRCAs Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year award, which Steamboat won in 2002.

This summer marks the 114th year the rodeo has swept into Steamboat Springs, bringing the flavor of the Wild West to city slickers visiting the Yampa Valley from across the country and beyond.

2011 Steamboat Springs pro Rodeo Series schedule Rodeo performances are held Fridays and Saturdays at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena

in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at F.M. Light & Sons, Ghost Ranch Saloon, Sheraton Steamboat Resort, The Steamboat Grand, Gondola Gen-eral, the Information Center in Gondola Square, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association visitors center, and Steamboat Central Reservations.

Each rodeo performance lasts about two hours, rain or shine. Take a jacket for Steamboats cool summer evenings. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and barbecue dinner is available at the rodeo grounds for an additional cost.

Info: www.steamboatprorodeo.com; 970-879-1818

2011 Rodeo Schedule:7:30 p.m. June 17, 187:30 p.m. June 24, 257:30 p.m. July 36:30 p.m. July 4 (fireworks show to follow from adjacent Howelsen Hill)7:30 p.m. July 8, 97:30 p.m. July 15, 167:30 p.m. July 22, 237:30 p.m. July 29, 307:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 67:30 p.m. Aug. 12, 137:30 p.m. Aug. 19, 20

Rodeos early rootsSteamboat didnt always have the

Brent Romick Arena. In the early days, spectators formed a rodeo ring by po-sitioning their horses in a circle, heads turned inward. In later days, cars were used to form the circle.

In the early 1900s, Steamboat also developed a reputation for rearing some of the toughest buckers in rodeo, making some of the animals as famous as their riders. Famous horses from the era include Pin Ears, Carrie Nation and General Pershing, ridden by such rodeo heroes as Tuffy Wren, Bill Corbett and Kid Vaughn. Todays arena hosts similar legends and hall-of-famers equine, bovine and human with everyone from world champions to raw rookies trying to make their mark in Steamboat.


Explore Steamboat

Rodeos, ranches, horseback rides out of downtown, and even fake stallions atop buildings and on sidewalks. Yep, partner, Steamboat Springs is truly the Wild West.

Still not convinced? Consider that the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang hid out in Browns Park just a couple hours down-stream, and that at least one ranch still holds a wild horse round-up every year outside Craig.

Steamboat not only prides itself

Explore Steamboat, Summer 2011

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