Steamboat boasts some of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Colorado. You’ve got your choice of everything from quick and easy to long and difficult. The following are our go-to trails whenever we’re in town.
Mad Creek:
Located just outside of town, you take Co Rd 129 about 5 miles outside of town, past the airport. We love this trail because it’s not very difficult, it’s super simple to get to, it’s only 2 miles long and there’s a great reward at the end! …hint, hint, if you like old barns/homesteads, you should definitely check this out.
The map below provides easy directions from the center of town. It also includes a few of our favorite happy hour spots throughout downtown!
Emerald Mountain:
If you like hiking for a view, Emerald Mountain will not disappoint. Emerald is great for family hiking, dog hiking, mountain biking, etc. It’s a bit more difficult to get to, just because you have the navigate a few more turns, but the views at the end of the hike are well worth it. This hike ends in a birds-eye view of downtown Steamboat and Mt. Werner.
Directions (or just see the map below): As you drive west through town, take a left on 13th street, drive over the bridge and then make another left onto Gilpin Street. Take your first left onto Saratoga Avenue, then make a quick right onto Routt Street. The trailhead is at the top of Routt Street.
Fish Creek Falls:
Fish Creek trail is a bit longer (2.5 miles one-way), or 6.5 miles if you hike all the way to Long Lake. There’s also a $5 vehicle day use fee at the parking lot. But, the view of the falls and the trail along the way are well worth the extra half mile! 😁
This was one of our first trail to hike in Steamboat and it’s still top on our list. Of the three trails listed, Fish Creek gets the least amount of sun. So, if you’re looking for a late-morning hike, this may be the one for you! Keep in mind that Steamboat does get its share of snow in the winter time (it is a ski town after all), so Fish Creek in particular is definitely a summertime adventure.
Whatever you choose, you’re certain to have a blast with any of these options. Comment below on what trail you tried (even if it’s not on this list). Maybe we’ll check it out and write a thing or two about it!
Cheers for now!
Casey & Michaele
