COME TO LIFE | Steamboat Springs, Walden/North Park COLORADO THE GREAT WEST STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS, MOOSE & WESTERN LIVING With vast ranches, aspen-draped mountains and oxbow rivers, the Steamboat Springs and Walden/North Park area make for a serene, laid-back escape, but there’s also plenty of adventure for those who seek it. to explore the ways of the Native Americans, miners, ranchers, skiers and outlaws in this onceWild West town. Hikers head to Fish Creek Falls — go first thing in the morning for a quieter visit. Steamboat is also a big biking destination. Hit the trails at the Steamboat Bike Park and more than 50 miles of singletrack trails on Emerald Mountain . End the afternoon at a brewery or the Steamboat Whiskey Company , the only craft distillery in the area. Delicious dining is found in historic downtown. One favorite: Table 79 serves shareable plates with curious cocktails. On summer weekends, cross the Yampa River to the Romick Rodeo Arena and cheer on the cowboys of the Pro THIS PAGE: STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CHAMBER/NOAH WETZEL. OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: NOAH WETZEL; COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE; KENNAN HARVEY. Days 1 & 2 Start at one of Steamboat Springs ’ thermalwater attractions — Old Town or Strawberry Park Hot Springs . Old Town Hot Springs boasts a waterslide, soaking pools and lap lanes, while Strawberry Park offers a more rustic, secluded experience. Follow your soak with a gondola ride to the top of Mount Werner for brunch or lunch with a splendid view, or head to Steamboat Zipline Adventures on Rabbit Ears Pass, where views of the Flat Tops Wilderness and Yampa Valley fight for attention. Nearby, Stagecoach State Park ’s boating, jetskiing and rainbow trout await. As you drive through the region, look for signs that share the cultural heritage of the area (go to nwcoloradoheritage travel.org for maps and more info). Kids could spend days exploring the ropes course, mini golf and mountain coaster at Steamboat Resort ’s The Land Up , as well as hiking and mountainbiking trails. Intown options include the more than 50 gardens at the free Yampa River Botanic Park and the Tread of Pioneers Museum RIDE OR STROLL ALONG THE YAMPA RIVER CORE TRAIL (OR TUBE THE WATERS BESIDE IT). LOOK FOR THE “YAMPA IS WILD” MURAL ALONG THE WAY. HOOK UP WITH A FLY-FISHING OUTFITTER TO FIND GOLD MEDAL WATERS, OR SCOUT OUT YOUR OWN WITH A HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE VALLEY, ACCOMPANIED BY A CHAMPAGNE TOAST. 124 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 124
