Steamboat Springs: Ski History, River Trails and Garden Visits

Steamboat Springs combines ski history at Howelsen Hill with a river trail through downtown, seasonal gardens, mineral-rich pools and regional history. For your ski vacation, these offer different points of interest beyond winter sports. If you’re looking for a ski hotel in Steamboat Springs, these local themes can help you determine the focus of your stay.

Ski History at Howelsen Hill

Howelsen Hill Ski Area has been Colorado’s oldest continuously operating ski area since 1915. It has North America’s largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex and has served as a training ground for 100 Olympians. Its long history of operation, ski jumping complex and training legacy represent different aspects of the area’s profile: skiing, ski jumping and competitive sports. For travelers interested in the history of skiing as well as winter sports, Howelsen Hill offers a clearly defined historical connection.

River Trail and Seasonal Botanical Park

The Yampa River Core Trail is seven miles long and is a non-motorized, multi-use trail. It runs from Dougherty Road through downtown Steamboat Springs to Bear River Park, following the meandering Yampa River. Scenic benches and picnic areas are located along the route. Its path through downtown and alongside the river provides two clear points of reference; the benches and picnic areas offer specific places to stop along the way.

The Yampa River Botanic Park covers six acres and features 70 unique gardens. The park is accessible on foot or by bicycle from the Yampa River Core Trail. During the season, it is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset. Keep the seasonal condition and stated hours in mind when planning your visit.

Water Attractions and Regional History

Old Town Hot Springs features nine mineral-rich pools and two 230-foot water slides. Unlike a riverside trail or a garden visit, the focus here is on pools and slides. When weighing activities for your stay, these distinctions make it easy to tell the different options apart.

The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series dates back more than a century. The Brent Romick Rodeo Arena is just a few blocks from downtown, at Fifth Street and Howelsen Parkway in the Howelsen Hill sports complex. Its street location and distance from downtown give you specific points of reference for finding your way around.

At the Steamboat Springs History Museum, the Lufkin Library Research Center offers local and regional history on factual and biographical topics for public use and research. Its subject matter extends beyond local history to include the wider region, and covers both factual and biographical topics. For travelers interested in learning about the history of the area and its surroundings in addition to its recreational offerings, this is a distinct point of interest.

For the broader travel overview: Routt.