Think skiers in cowboy hats and you'll have a pretty good mental picture of Steamboat Springs in northwestern Colorado. Yes, there's world-class skiing here, but with an undercurrent of cowboy culture. The broad Yampa Valley brought cattle ranchers here in the 1800s, and the town's signature store still sells Western wear.

Like many of Colorado's most attractive towns, Steamboat Springs has some great hot springs. The hot springs in Steamboat are down an adventurous drive north of town that bring you to a riverside canyon in one of the most perfect soaking settings imaginable.

The town itself gets its name from another of its springs, which used to make a noise like a steamboat.

Steamboat Springs is also home to hot air balloons. Each summer, the town hosts its Rainbow Weekend, with a multitude of colorful balloons rising over the valley, offering riders incredible views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Favorites among visitors is a hike to scenic Fish Creek Falls, followed by a mountain bike ride or hike through the surrounding parks and forests. On cool summer nights, everyone goes to Strings in the Mountains Music Festival, a summer concert series, or to the rodeo, which draws the future stars of the rodeo circuit. In winter you'll see future Olympic skiers on the slopes.

A variety of lodging and fine restaurants round out Steamboat's appeal.

Community Resources:
Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association
1255 S. Lincoln Avenue
P.O. Box 774408
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
970-879-0880

Discovercolorado.com – Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, CO
Toll Free: 877-778-0279

Colorado Vacation Directory
Steamboat Springs, CO
Phone: 303-499-9343
Toll Free: 888-222-4641