Springing into Mud Season
November 2023 through April 2024 in Steamboat Springs has been truly magical. The majority of the Steamboat Resort expansion was completed, ensuring you got to experience all the luxurious new amenities on the mountain. You’ve spent the winter season shredding the slopes, snowshoeing across the powder, and chasing that bucket-list-worthy alpenglow. As the snow melts, and ski season comes to an end, you might be wondering… what’s next for Steamboat Springs?
The truth is, there’s so much more to Steamboat than snowy slopes. Hold onto your stetson, it’s time for ‘mud season’!
Before the bustling summer period, with its vast array of exhilarating opportunities for adventure, spring in Steamboat Springs is a quieter season. Also known as ‘shoulder season’, Steamboat locals thoroughly enjoy this restful interval in the year. For vacationers willing to brave the mud, April and May give way to charming riverside activities, peaceful days on the mountain, and a calendar of easygoing events.
Here at The Astrid, we’re passionate about enabling you to enjoy Steamboat to the fullest every month of the year! Come snow or shine, this mountain town always has something new to explore. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the very best mud season activities for you to experience in 2024.
Hiking on the Yampa River Core Trail
This charming 7 mile trail is perfect for a leisurely hike alongside the Yampa River. Whilst this mostly paved trail is enjoyable in every season, the quiet of mud season allows for a 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.
Mountain Biking in Steamboat Springs
As the snow melts, Ski Town USA® makes way for Steamboat’s alter-ego… Bike Town USA®! Whilst large areas of the mountain are still covered in snow, four mountain biking trails are perfect for early season rides.
- Spring Creek: Surrounded by stunning aspens and babbling creeks, the lower sections of this trail are a real treat to explore during mud season.
- Mad Creek Trail System: This remarkable trailhead is made up of the Mad Creek Trail, Red Dirt Trail, and Hot Springs Trail. The steep climbs and rocky sections of these trails are an exhilarating treat during the springtime, and are some of the sunniest spots of the season.
- Emerald Mountain: Whilst the higher elevation sections of Emerald Mountain are still covered in snow, the lower sections are nice and dry. The Bluffs Loop is perfect for beginner mountain bikers, with paths through enchanting aspen groves and along the Yampa River.
- Rotary Trail to Ridge Trail: As the first section of the trail system to dry out in the spring, this area is a true early season gem for keen mountain bikers. The Rotary trail is made up of exhilarating downhill slopes and absolutely remarkable views. To climb a little higher up the mountain, connect to the Ridge Trail and take in the panoramic views.
To take your Steamboat biking adventures to the next level, be sure to connect with Routt County Riders. This incredible volunteer group helps to maintain Steamboat’s trails and roads, and boasts a packed calendar of bike-themed events.
Boutique Shopping in Steamboat Springs
Mud season is the perfect time of year to enjoy some luxury shopping in downtown Steamboat, thanks to the reduced crowds and quiet footfall. Some popular choices include:
- F.M Light & Sons is known worldwide for its iconic selection of Western Wear, including cowboy hats and boots.
- Steamboat Hatter is renowned for its exquisite collection of customizable hats, created using antique tools and age old techniques.
- The Jeweler’s Mine is a custom jeweler that designs both classic and quirky fine jewelry with a distinctly Steamboat twist.
- Ruby Jane Boutique is a fun fashion store stocking the cutest styles for babies through to adults.
- Switchback Sports stock the latest equipment for all kinds of mountain activities, offering purchase and rental options.
- Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare is a comprehensive bike and ski store, offering complimentary kids equipment rental packages when an adult rents gear for four or more days.
- The Homesteader is a friendly local store located on Lincoln Avenue, stocking the best hand-crafted chocolates this side of the Rocky Mountains.
- Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co is renowned for providing the freshest seafood and the healthiest meats throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Fly Fishing in Steamboat Springs
As the waters rise throughout April and May, Steamboat Springs becomes a haven for keen anglers.
Fishing on a solo expedition is a wonder of itself, but traveling with an expert guide has the power to elevate your angling experience beyond your wildest imagination. Create unforgettable memories by booking a guided expedition with Steamboat Fishing Adventures. This group of expert guides provide year-round fishing opportunities unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
These are our favorite picks:
- Sunset Boat Cruise: You and up to 9 of your friends will enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise on Steamboat Fishing Adventure’s luxury trippletoon. The team will even cook your catch on site, simply ask for more details upon booking.
- Exclusive Guided Night Fishing: The Steamboat Fishing Adventures team claim that this trip will be the highlight of your vacation, guaranteeing large numbers of fish and remarkable opportunities to observe wildlife.
Snowshoeing on Rabbit Ears Pass
During the spring, the higher elevation areas of Steamboat Springs are still blanketed in iconic Champagne Powder® Snow. This snow is so dry, light, and fluffy that it makes for perfect snowshoeing conditions. Your boots will glide through this snow so softly, that you’ll wonder whether you are, in fact, walking among the clouds.
All this snow requires the right snowshoeing equipment, to ensure a pleasant and successful expedition. We recommend visiting Ski Haus for snowshoe rentals for all ages. At Ski Haus, the knowledgeable team will equip you with everything you need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable whilst tackling the slopes on foot.
Rabbit Ears Pass is a popular snowsports location, and is a favorite among local Steamboat snowshoers. Follow nordic tracks along West Summit Loop 1A, weave through dense forests, and traverse across expansive meadows.
All Night Happy Hour at Aurum Food & Wine
Mud season in Steamboat Springs wouldn’t be complete without a night of riverfront dining and drinks at Aurum Food & Wine. This charming location offers outdoor seating right at the edge of the Yampa River, allowing you to gather with friends and family around a crackling fire as you listen to the water rushing past.
From April 1st to April 13th, take advantage of the end-of-winter-season all night happy hour. Choose from a selection of stunning signature cocktails, wines, bottles, cans, and draft beers. For an extra cozy mud season experience, book an evening meal in the whimsical outdoor yurt. This unique private dining experience is only available to book until April 13th, so reserve your place while you still can!
Discounted Entrees at Table79 Foodbar
Start mud season in style this April by enjoying luxury comfort food at Table79 Foodbar. With seasonal, local ingredients on your plate, you’re guaranteed a homely yet elevated dining experience. The restaurant’s softly lit surroundings, marquee-style seating, and warm food furnishings add to the sophisticated atmosphere.
Throughout April, entrees at Table79 Foodbar are 50% off, Sunday through Thursday. Whether you choose from portobello fries, Colorado lamb meatballs, or a delicious bibb & green salad, you’re guaranteed a meal fit for kings!
Bud Light Rocks The ‘Boat: 2024 Free Concert Series
Music enthusiasts across Colorado are excited for the 2024 Bud Light Rocks the Boat free concerts series, which will see a range of lively musicians performing unforgettable shows completely for free! Not only can you enjoy music, but also the broad range of amenities available at Steamboat Square.
The line up includes:
- April 6, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Goonies. This 4-piece rock band will thrill your family with rousing guitar solos and time-traveling tales.
- April 13, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Lil Smokies. This talented band have earned themselves a reputation as one of the most electrifying acts in modern American roots music.
- April 13, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Wailers. This remarkable group invite your family to enjoy an exciting display of 70s reggae, Bob Marley cuts, and timeless original sounds.
Making the Most of Every Season in Steamboat Springs
Here in Steamboat the locals have a saying, “Come for the winters, stay for the summers.” At The Astrid, we believe the allure of Steamboat Springs goes one step further. Come for the winters, stay for the summers, then return again and again for exhilarating adventures in every season.
As ski season ends in mid-April, you can make the most of Steamboat’s quiet ‘shoulder season’ by enjoying a vibrant array of events and activities. Every month in this charming mountain town is full of endless fun for vacationers, adventurers, and luxury-seekers!
Here at The Astrid, we’re passionate about helping you to embrace the outdoor and indoor wonders this town has to offer, so that you can create precious memories season after season. We’re creating an idyllic retreat where guests like you can enjoy exceptional service, abundant opportunities for adventure, and the extraordinary beauty of the Rocky Mountains in every season. Repeat vacations to Steamboat Springs will be a hassle-free experience, thanks to your very own home-away-from-home situated at the foot of Mount Werner.
We’re breaking ground on this pioneering new project in Summer 2024, and we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. To join our community, 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.
