Fall in Steamboat Springs is the Perfect Time to Slow Down
When the hustle and bustle of the summer is over and the booming ski season hasn’t started yet, it’s the best time to get the town all to yourself.
Visiting Steamboat Springs in the Fall allows you to experience the allure of charming Western traditions and unparalleled luxury in a season where you can slow down and take your time. There is no need to rush anywhere, no need to have a strict itinerary, and no need to “beat the crowds” to any location.
During the mud season (as the locals lovingly call it), the town is yours to explore and enjoy with the Steamboat community. It’s also a wonderful time to meet new friends and reminisce with old ones.
The Astrid’s Favorite Ways to Spend a Fall Day in Steamboat Springs
For Sydney de Arenas Sherman, our Marketing Manager, a perfect Fall day in Steamboat centers on spending quality time with her family and getting out to enjoy the beautiful colors on the trees.
“A favorite day in fall might look like:
Hitting Beard and Braid for a morning coffee and gluten-free coffee cake, going to the library for the kid’s activity of the day which my kids LOVE, then after we would go to a park right next to the library.
Nap time at home and then we would go for a family hike with the dogs, go bike or skateboard the river trail. Afterwards we would probably go for a beer at Storm Peak Brewery, where the kids love to eat popcorn and go home for dinner.”
Sydney’s Itinerary:
Beard and Braid
With a motto of “Drink good coffee & be kind”, this coffee shop is a wonderful place to start your day on the right foot.
The shop opened in early 2022 and won the hearts of Steamboat residents instantly – winning the “Best of The ‘Boat” awards for Best Coffee Shop in 2022 and placing as a finalist for Best Coffee Shop and Best Barista in 2023.
Focusing on sustainable, ethically sourced coffee from Sweet Bloom in Lakewood, Colorado, this Steamboat gem rotates coffee creations monthly to feature unique coffee styles and ingredients from around the world.
Open daily 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., you can enjoy a relaxed coffee paired with freshly baked croissants, gluten-free coffee cake, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches. Visiting for lunch? They also serve a selection of organic wines and local craft beer, along with homemade ice cream in flavors like Aztec Chocolate and Earl Grey Honeycomb.
Bud Werner Memorial Library
This community hub and “Center of Public Happiness” is a 35,345-square-foot building with enough books, movies, and activities to keep you and your family busy for your entire stay. It’s the perfect spot to get some quiet time or to take a break if the weather isn’t cooperating.
There are daily children’s storytimes, craft stations, or movement activities to participate in after you’ve had a coffee, and if you’d like another, there’s a conveniently located coffee shop in the library.
Once you’ve finished inside, head out to Little Toots Park right beside the building to let the kids run around before heading back to your vacation home for a rest or nap before embarking on your next adventure.
Yampa River Core Trail
This trail is an essential part of touring the downtown core of Steamboat Springs. Taking you along the Yampa River and across town, this 7.5-mile paved walkway blends the divine natural beauty and modern amenities that Steamboat offers its community.
You’ll encounter excellent fishing spots, the entrance to the Yampa River Botanic Park, numerous parks, the Library, and plenty of exquisite restaurants. In the summer you’ll find people enjoying a relaxing float down the river on inner tubes.
Storm Peak Brewing Company
The perfect way to unwind after a day of family-friendly activities in Steamboat is having a pint of craft beer and watching the sun set over the golden Aspens adorning the sides of the Rocky Mountains.
Whatever end of town you find yourself, there’s a Storm Peak location ready to welcome you. On the west end of town visit the Elk River Road brewery to see the main taproom and brewing facilities, and on the east side of town visit the “Bus Stop”, the ideal spot for a pint and a giant 24” pizza from Antonio’s (both under the same roof!).
The Bus Stop is only a 15-minute walk from The Astrid and the base of the slopes at Steamboat Resort, it’s also part of The Brew Trail which is a great way to explore the town and its indulgent food and drink menus.
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For Laura, The Astrid’s Photographer, living in Steamboat Springs is amazing all year round, but in the Fall the town slows down a little and it gives her a chance to act like a tourist in her own town.
“For Fall, my favorite things to do are:
Hiking: You get into the colors a lot more and areas you don’t typically see. There’s a peace and quiet where the world slows down a little bit
Biking: You can truly immerse yourself within nature and it feels like you’re flying through gold.
Eating at local spots: Fall is a time when a lot of local restaurants will do mud season deals so you can check out more places without spending quite as much.
Hanging out with my dog: He loves to be outside, but summer can be too hot. So really getting outdoors with him in this season is important to me.
Coffee dates: This especially is just a time when the town feels slower. So take a little lazy morning and get your favorite coffee to unwind.”
Laura’s Itinerary:
Hiking in Steamboat Springs
Some of Laura’s favorite Fall hiking trails in Steamboat are located on Mt Werner at the iconic Steamboat Resort.
Offering many hiking options from easy to strenuous, Steamboat Resort has well-marked trails that you can take up the mountain, or you can take the gondola up to Thunderhead Lodge and start your journey from there.
The gondola ride provides a stunning look overtop of the trees to view the whole mountain covered with the red, yellow, orange, and green palette that paints the landscape in the Fall.
A wonderful experience alongside these hiking trails is to stop at Thunderhead Lodge and enjoy a cocktail and some lunch before continuing. Sitting on the Adirondack chairs at an elevation of 9,080 feet looking down the mountain and across the Yampa Valley is a scene you won’t soon forget.
Mountain Biking in Steamboat
Biking in Steamboat Springs is such a popular and beloved activity that it’s earned the town the nickname “Bike Town USAⓇ”.
Flying through the changing leaves in the Fall is described by many as flying through gold. The Aspens golden leaves dominate the forest and as they fall, they cover the ground in a beautiful blanket of yellow. There is even a trail called Flash of Gold for this exact reason.
Many trails are considered family-friendly and will be enjoyable for all ages. Others beckon those who want a challenge, such as the downhill routes at Steamboat Resort or the Bike Park where you can practice your technique before embarking on your chosen path.
Local Restaurants in Steamboat Springs
The restaurants in Steamboat are known for their seasonally changing menus and hand-crafted creations.
There are fine dining experiences all over town, with specialty menus just for those loyal community members who join them in the mud season. October 5, 2024 – October 12, 2024, is the annual Steamboat Restaurant Week with 42 participating locations to sample the best of the best dishes from award-winning chefs.
Each restaurant also has its version of Happy Hour, complete with signature cocktails and appetizers for you to savor as you unwind after a day of exhilarating hiking or biking.
Pet-Friendly Activities in Steamboat Springs
From a variety of dog parks to pet-friendly restaurants, Steamboat considers your dog a member of the family.
The ample trails in and around the town are perfect for new adventures with your furry friend! The air is a bit cooler so they won’t get overheated and there are plenty of trails with stunning alpine lakes and rivers for them to enjoy a refreshing drink or even a swim.
Coffee Shops in Steamboat Springs
There’s no shortage of quaint coffee shops in Steamboat Springs, and since they all serve delicious baked goods to accompany your beverage, it’s difficult to choose just one. You can try a different spot each morning before you head out on the trails!
Off the Beaten Path is a cozy bookstore tucked in just off Lincoln Ave that serves up locally roasted Seedhouse Coffee, freshly baked pastries, and a large selection of books – it’s the kind of place you’ll be able to sit, read, and watch the world go by.
Enjoy the Quiet of Fall in Steamboat Springs
We hope that our Steamboat locals, and The Astrid team members, have given you some ideas of how you can spend your Fall vacation here in The ‘Boat.
This time of year is about embracing the slower pace of life in the town, getting to know the local community, and exploring the hidden natural gems when they aren’t too busy.
As we always say, there is no bad time to visit Steamboat. It’s always full of events, outdoor adventures, and luxury experiences. You won’t find this year-round allure in any other destination in Colorado.
At The Astrid, we want to welcome you to luxury living in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized, white-glove concierge services, and 280 feet of slope-side access, this is a true ski-in, ski-out residence.
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