Fly-fishing in Steamboat Springs is an activity that can be enjoyed solo or with your family. If you are experienced or just a beginner, Steamboat has many lakes, rivers and tailwaters to match your fishing desires. For more information on fly-fishing trips or locations visit The Bucking Rainbow.

Tubing down the Yampa River is a great way to spend a hot afternoon with family and friends. Tubes can be purchased at sporting goods stores around town, and used over and over again. Backdoor Sports at Ninth Street and Yampa Avenue is also an option if you are only in town a short time. They rent tubes and help organize trips down the river.

The Strings Music Festival is a summer music festival that features not only classical and chamber music, but also country, rock and bluegrass. These events mostly occur throughout the summer, offering a great live music option between the free summer concert series. The 540 seat pavilion sits at the base of the ski area and overlooks the Yampa Valley.

Hiking – While in Steamboat Springs, you could leave your door at 6am and be on hiking trails within minutes. Or if you are looking to travel, hike at a higher altitude, end your hike a a lake or waterfall, or walk over a causeway only a few feet wide, all these trails and more can be found within a short drive of downtown Steamboat Springs. Hiking in Steamboat, could be, and is written about in hundreds of pages. The book ‘Hiking the ‘Boat II’ provides all the hikes within a few hours of town and is a great resource for locals and visitors as a constant reference.

The Alpine Slide or ‘The Howler’ is a great way to break up hiking with the family when at Howelsen Hill. Using a sled, you are able to race down the 2,400 ft track that winds and curves with the contours of the mountain. While there is a break that can be used to control your speed, the identical track next to you often provokes riders to race family and friends, to see who can arrive first, safely at the base.

The Yampa River Botanic Park - An often overlooked gem, this 5 acre park provides a beautiful example of the plants, birds and flowers native to the Yampa Valley. Located right on the Yampa River Core Trail, this park is located between downtown and the mountain. Thursday afternoons throughout the summer feature a concert series beginning at noon. Many come during their lunch, to take a short break from work, and enjoy a a quick bite, while listening to the music in the serenity of the Botanic Park.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs – While a popular after ski spot, the hot springs are a great place to relax year round. Naturally flowing hot springs water combined with beautiful masonry, creates a idealistic setting for lazy summer afternoons. With the river flowing right next to the hot springs, if you start to overheat, a short dunk, can make you scramble back toward the comfortable 103 hot springs.

Old Town Hot Springs – Differing from the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, the Old Town is has other facilities beyond the hot springs. With an Olympic size lap pool, fitness room, rock climbing wall over the water and two 230 foot water slides, the Old Town Hot Springs facility has everything and more. A great place for kids and adults alike, the facility is busy throughout the summer with people enjoying.

Balloon Rides – When in tropical locations, you might choose the alternative route of parasailing to see the sights. In Steamboat, one of the best ways to fully appreciate the entire valley, is in a hot air balloon. The Wild West Balloon is seen almost every morning in the summer skies, launching as early as sunrise. The tour, which includes a Continental breakfast, is a great way to begin your morning.