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Thursday, June 16, 2022

Steamboat Springs Weekender Guide

In mid-May my girlfriends and I took a trip to Steamboat for the weekend. It's about 2.5 hours from Denver and we had a blast. Below is everything we did and I highly recommend all of them. If you aren't skiing, a weekend seems like plenty of time to see the 'Boat.

Things to Do in Steamboat Springs


Strawberry Park Hot Springs

With multiple pools of varying temperatures, Strawberry Park is a rustic-meets-luxury hot springs. They sit right alongside Hot Spring Creek, which is so.cold. You can literally take stairs from the hottest pool into the creek and rush down it only to hop out and submerge yourself in the warmth again. We went around 4pm (in summer) and it was beautiful, golden hour was just beginning to hit and everyone was friendly. This spring does turning clothing optional once the sun sets. You must make a reservation online as well, and trust me it makes the process super easy!

Fish Creek Falls

Colorado is oddly sparse when it comes to waterfalls, but Fish Creek is incredible, just look at it! Plus, they have a ton of parking and it's a short walk to the observation deck. There is a difficult hike to a secondary part of the falls but we did this on Sunday morning before driving home and it was the perfect ending to our visit.

F.M. Light & Sons

When I first started working at my job, I wrote about F.M. Light & Sons, then when my family visited last summer we drove by so many signs advertising their wares. So, this was probably the number one thing I had to do in Steamboat. And it didn't disappoint. For my southerners, it reminds me of the Mast Store...just Western. And...we all bought hats. I got my first Stetson and I'm in love. You can also get any kind of cowpoke boot and pearl-snap shirt.

Morning trip to Hayden, Colorado

Just 35 minutes away from Steamboat is Hayden, a cute little Yampa Valley town with an incredible coffee shop. Of course I had to visit because, you know, I'm Hayden.


Wild Goose Coffee at the Granary

I have written about this spot for years but wasn't expecting it to truly wow me. They have a bunch of delightful coffee options but also, they make every baked good in house. And there are vegan options! I am in love.

Hayden Mercantile

Located on the far west side of town, this is the grocery store, ACE Hardware & gift shop for the town. Pop by for something delicious and to get a t-shirt (like I did) to remember your little adventure.

the press.

Most weekends there's a ton of live music around town however, the week we visited this was the only place in town. A conglomeration of local musicians was jamming out to some very old country and it was really fun.

Bop around Downtown

We walked up and down Steamboat's main street a bunch of times and there are a bunch of stores you can pop into. Lots of Western wares, a Steamboat Ski Resort shop and more.

Where to Eat


Back Door Grill

Recommended by Lauren's Starbucks barista, Back Door makes insane burgers (including the one above with a bun made of donuts). We really enjoyed it! The burgers were cooked well and the unique toppings made it even better. I highly recommend the How Ya Doin Burger (cream cheese, jalapeno jelly & bacon). Oh, don't forget to bring a dollar bill to decorate and staple to the wall.

Creekside Cafe & Grill

One of my favorite things about mountain towns is the cute cafes with plenty of outdoor seating ideal for an early lunch of sandwiches, salads and iced teas. Creekside fulfills all those briefs. And the roaring creek next to it? Amazing ambiance.

Salt & Lime

Right on the main drag, Salt & Lime has margarita pitchers and a taco combo plate that are worth the hype. The steak popper and Colorado bison tacos with black beans & rice are so dang delicious.

Colorado Bagel Company

Before heading out of town, grab some freshly baked bagels from this strip-center shop. My friend thoroughly enjoyed the Tuscan with its herbed goat cheese, avocado, tomato and balsamic reduction.

Where to Stay

We stayed at this Airbnb and loved it. The host is amazing (you don't have to do anything but leave at the correct time, like a hotel) and it is convenient to everything. We spent most of our time in the condo out on the massive balcony drinking beers & chatting away as the sun set.

Want more?

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