Weekend Getaway : Steamboat Springs, Colorado

 Steamboat Springs lies a bit off the beaten path - about 3 1/2 hours northwest of Denver. Considered an "authentic" mountain town, not a slick ski resort town, Steamboat has three different lakes and a river - the Yampa - running through it. Famed for its "champagne" powder and as a Ski Town USA, it's also a cowboy town with working cowboys and ranches passed down through generations.We made a getaway to this fun town last Memorial Day weekend and I enjoyed the heck out it. Here's what we got up to:

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Colorado has many hot springs and I haven't been to all of them but Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of my favorites. In a natural setting outside of Steamboat, these hot springs are fed by Hot Springs Creek and formed into stone pools. The year round average temp is 104, though there are some that are a bit cooler and then there is the freezing cold pool - 53 degrees - you can swim in. There are restrooms and changing rooms along with private, waterfront massages that you can book (they do cost extra.) If you have tenderfeet or don't like the feel of slimy rocks, bring water shoes. And there are chairs you can lounge in or put your things on.

Reservations are required with the price at $20 (cash only) per person for 2 hour time slots. The pavement ends outside of town on your scenic drive there so from November 1 to May 1 4-wheel or AWD are required (county requirement) No snacks, glass or alcohol - and they do check bags. And be aware that clothing is optional after dark so no minors are permitted to enter after sundown.

I highly recommend a visit here if you like natural hot springs, the beautiful Colorado sunshine and time outdoors!

Fishcreek Falls

Fishcreek Falls is a 280 foot waterfall that starts as alpine water running through Fish Creek Canyon. Just minutes from downtown Steamboat, this short and family friendly hike is very popular. We were prepared to do this hike to see the falls, except during Spring run-off season the falls is at its peak with snowmelt. The hike to the falls was closed - womp womp. So we took a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking this roaring waterfall. And it was still great! (The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible through a short and  accessible trail)

Yampa River walk

The Yampa River, a tributary of the Green River, flows 250 miles through northwest Colorado and right through Colorado Springs. It is one of the few free flowing rivers in the Western US - there are only a few small dams - and is a major source of recreational activity for the city. Kayaking, tube floating and fishing - for trophy sized rainbow trout - are popular things to do in the river. There is, also, a 7.5 mile trail, the Yampa River Core Trail, a multi-use trail that winds right through town.

We took a walk along the Yampa stopping at a brewery and some early, happy hour dinner at a patio across the street. We saw some kayakers who were flowing along some extremely fast current as it was Spring run-off. There were lots of families out walking and bikers enjoying the trail on the holiday weekend.

Happy Hour at Steamboat

Every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day the ski resort of Steamboat hosts a Happy Hour at the top of the lift. Taking place between 5 and 8, you pay to take the gondola to the Thunderhead Deck  and watch the sunset while listening to a live band. Food and drink are separate from your gondola ticket - and be prepared that the food is ski resort cafeteria style food. 

I had heard that the line for tickets was long - they don't start selling them until 5pm on the dot - but we had a hard time finding the gondola so that wasn't a problem. (The gondola ride was a lot longer than I thought it would be.) When we arrived at the top it was heaving with people - this was the first one of the season - and most tables and chairs were taken. We managed to get some food and a beverage but ended up sitting on the outside deck in some stacking chairs. It was still cold at the top of the mountain so we didn't stay long, though, we did enjoy sunset views and the live music. 

Painting the scene while the live band was playing

Moose!

The final piece de resistance was a moose sighting in our hotel parking lot. The hotel employees said it looked to be a juvenile and they frequent the area a good bit. 

How about you? Have you been to Steamboat Springs?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!