Five Reasons To Love Steamboat In The Fall
Sunday, September 13th, 2015The air is cooler, the crowds are gone and the sun continues to shine. It’s early fall and one of our favorite times of the year here in Steamboat Springs. We thought we’d share five great reasons to head for the mountains and share our Indian summer.
- Hiking through Aspen groves as their quaking leaves turn from green to gold. Three Island Lake in the Zirkel Wilderness is number one on our locals list for combining scenery, mixed terrain and the sound of water from the streams that meander by. After Clark turn right onto Seedhouse Road, past Seedhouse Campground on NFSR 443 and continue approximately 3 miles to trailhead on left side of road. Turn right at intersection of trail #1163 and follow to lake in Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
- Biking trails starting only one block from town will keep even the seasoned adrenaline seeker fueled for a day. Emerald Mountain offers 24 miles of designated recreational space will trails clearly marked for all biking abilities. Downtown a trail map on www.steamboatsprings.net. If riding your wheels over dirt isn’t your thing, then make sure you swing through town for the 9th Annual Mustache Ride in aid of the Humane Society. Hop on and off your cruiser bike through downtown Steamboat from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Mustaches are not optional). http://www.ssmustacheride.com
- Fishing close to town at Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area at any time of day in fall will not disappoint. Only a couple miles south of town off CR14, two miles of public access waters with large cut banks and deep holes is home to some big trout.
- Explore the Yampa Valley behind the wheel with a scenic drive or two. Pass fields of gold travelling past Routt County ranchlands out towards Clark and Columbine, making sure to stop in at the Clark store for a morning coffee or afternoon tea. Take a picnic and head up Rabbit Ears pass where the valley below will unfold like an autumnal tapestry on your descent back to town.
- Fall shopping and dinning deals abound during fall in the valley. Grab a bargain on last year’s ski and board gear; pick up shoes at a steal or home décor for a snip. Kick back with half price cocktails and plates all over town. By favorite our own favorite is Café Diva on the mountain, where Sunday night is date night for $30 a person. The food is sublime and you’ll eat like a king for a third of the price.