Enchanting Picnics in Steamboat Springs
As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine on Steamboat Springs, spring and summer is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor dining, picnics, and barbecues. This charming town offers an array of locations to enjoy a meal with loved ones in nature.
Picture yourself surrounded by lush forests, rushing rivers, and mountain vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Your loved ones settled around a comfortable bench in a shady spot, opening the cooler you packed earlier that day. The sound of ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ as delicious treats are placed on the picnic table, including that secret family recipe your friends have been begging you to make. An hour or more goes by and you feel a deep sense of tranquility and joy, as you laugh with your nearest and dearest, eat homemade treats, and bask in nature.
What sets Steamboat Springs apart is its easy access to secluded locations, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life without venturing too far from civilization. Whether you prefer a leisurely hike to a hidden meadow or a scenic drive to a secluded lakeshore, the options are as abundant as they are breathtaking.
Here at The Astrid, we want to make your next vacation in Steamboat Springs the most unforgettable one yet. We’ve curated a list of hidden gem picnic locations in Steamboat Springs where tranquility and togetherness await amidst the splendor of the great outdoors.
Broadway Trail
For a secluded picnic spot away from the hustle and bustle of the base area, take the South Peak ski lift to the top, and make your way across the South Peak flats to the Broadway Trail.
This winding green run is surrounded by stunning evergreen trees, perfect for gently practicing your slalom skills in the winter. At the first sharp turn of the run, take a rest stop on the left. There you’ll find a picnic table backdropped by a remarkable view of the valley.
This charming picnic table is the ideal place to absorb the natural beauty of the mountain, observe wildlife, and enjoy some tasty treats you prepared earlier in the day. As this bench is so secluded, it’s a perfect location for a romantic date or even a marriage proposal. Whether there is snow on the ground, or shining sun, this location is ideal for year-round picnics with loved ones.
Saddleback Ranch
Celebrate a special occasion with a horseback ride and a picnic lunch at Saddleback Ranch.
Enjoy a summertime adventure straight out of an old romance movie, as you and your companions spend three glorious hours riding through 8,000 beautiful acres at Saddleback Ranch. Settle down among the wildflowers in a tranquil mountainside meadow for a traditional picnic lunch. When you’ve had your fill, it’ll be time to saddle up and take the scenic route home.
Yampa River Core Trail
This charming 7 mile trail is perfect for a leisurely hike alongside the Yampa River, with a picnic stop along the way.
Whilst this mostly paved trail is enjoyable in every season, the quiet of May’s ‘shoulder season’ allows for a particularly peaceful afternoon spent taking in the breathtaking sights. As the terrain on this trail is mostly concrete, with a small portion of wooden bridges, it’s an especially good choice if you’re looking to avoid getting mud on your boots. Picnic tables and benches are dotted along the trail, perfect for a relaxing pit-stop along the way.
A hike along the Yampa River Core Trail wouldn’t be complete without stopping to take advantage of the gorgeous photography spots along the river. Rushing waters, luscious greenery, and quaint bridges all make beautiful compositions to capture on film.
Little Toots Park
Groups with children must head to Little Toots Park for an unforgettable picnic experience!
With its playground, swings, BBQ grills, and picnic tables nestled among shady trees and gazebo shelters, this family-friendly park is perfect for a relaxed afternoon with the kids. Enchanting statues and picturesque views make this park an exquisitely beautiful location to relax. Public bathrooms are located a short walk away at West Lincoln Park.
The park’s convenient location on the Yampa River Core Trail makes it easily accessible, with child-friendly hiking trails nearby. Little Toots Park is a haven for bonding, play, and creating lasting memories with your littlest loved ones.
Steamboat Lake Marina
For a truly unforgettable summer picnic adventure in Steamboat Springs, head to Steamboat Lake Marina and rent a pontoon boat.
As the longest continuously operated, family-owned marina in the area, Steamboat Lake Marina offers the largest fleet of pontoon boats for every occasion. Cruise the pristine waters of Steamboat Lake State Park, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, and relaxation.
The pontoon boats are ideal for a picnic on the lake, thanks to onboard grills and spacious decks accommodating up to 10, 12, or 15 guests depending on the boat. Boat rentals can be for just the morning, afternoon, or a whole day, guaranteeing you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your picnic.
All boat rentals will be available for reservations from June 3rd 2024, up to 2 weeks in advance
Spring Creek Park
If you’d like to take your dog out for a picnic lunch, make your way to Spring Creek Park.
The Spring Creek hiking trail offers easy to moderate terrain, leading to a delightful dog park complete with a shallow pond for canine exploration and play. With its fishing pond and picturesque trails, it’s the ideal spot for leisurely strolls with your pup, followed by a relaxed picnic.
Enjoy the shade of towering trees, picnic tables, and an enchanting log gazebo, while creating unforgettable memories with your four-legged friend.
Yampa River Botanic Park
For a crowd-pleasing day out that everyone from young children to grown adults will enjoy, pack your picnic basket and head to Yampa River Botanic Park.
The Botanic Park is home to 63 individual gardens, each with its own unique slope, sun exposure, soil chemistry, trees, shrubs, and irrigation pattern determining the different types of plant life that will grow there. 19 remarkable sculptures are scattered around the park, beckoning you to explore every garden.
Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy at the Botanic Park. There are many lovely areas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner on blankets, benches, or tables by the Trillium House.
The Botanic Park is open to visitors on May 1st 2024.
Planning Your Next Picnic in Steamboat Springs
There’s something irresistible about finding a comfortable spot in nature to enjoy your lunch. Whether you’ve packed your picnic yourself, bought take out from one of Steamboat’s many restaurants, or foraged the mountain for edible plants, a meal immersed in wildlife is truly special.
From snowy mountainside benches, to lazy summer days on the lake, year-round picnic locations are scattered throughout Steamboat Springs. So whether you’re visiting during ski season, or a less snowy time of year, a spontaneous outdoor meal is only a picnic blanket away.
Here at The Astrid, we’re passionate about enabling you to explore Steamboat Springs every month of the year. That’s why we’re building a unique residential community where luxury, nature, and Western hospitality meld together to create the ultimate mountainside escape.
We’re breaking ground on this ambitious project in summer 2024. To find out more, simply provide us with your name and email address. By doing so, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive mailing list. As part of this list you’ll gain access to insider information, behind-the-scenes content, and a highly personalized email experience reserved only for members of The Astrid community.
