Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by foxintheforest

Often left behind for other better-known locales, Steamboat Springs is actually an amazing place to hike. With stunning mountains, alpine lakes, and a few challenging classics, the hikes in Steamboat Springs offer up everything you’re looking for with a hike.

One of my favorite things about hiking in Steamboat is that it’s often far less crowded than other popular Colorado mountain towns. This isn’t to say that the best Steamboat Springs hikes don’t see crowds (they do), but it’s a far cry from the busy trails of places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Breckenridge.

I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 15 years and spent plenty of time in Steamboat Springs. When I was in grad school, I’d spend tons of time here because a friend of mine’s family lived in town. So if you’re looking to enjoy Steamboat Springs trails like a pro, then you’re in the right place.

About this Guide to Steamboat Springs Hikes

Inside this local guide to Steamboat Springs hikes you’ll find:

• Info on the best time to hike in Steamboat
• A comprehensive list of must-visit Steamboat Springs hikes, ordered by difficulty with all the details you need.
• Other things to do in Steamboat
• Quick tips for hiking safely in Colorado
• Additional local Colorado travel resources

When is the Best Time to Hike in Steamboat Springs?

The best time to hike in Steamboat is from mid-June through October – similar to other Colorado hiking areas.

In early to mid-June you’ll still have some snowy trails (especially at higher elevations and in the shade). But you’ll also get views of snowy peaks and verdant alpine valleys.

July and early August are wildflower season. Stunning Colorado wildflowers bloom throughout Steamboat. However, there are daily, strong afternoon thunderstorms that roll in and make it dangerous to hike above treeline.

By mid-August, most years, the thunderstorms subside as the wildflower blooms dwindle. This is the best time of year for bigger hikes that stay above treeline for longer.

September brings the fall season in Colorado. Anywhere between mid-September to mid-October (varies based on rainfall) brings sprawling fall colors to Steamboat.

October and November are quiet, but cold and windy times to hike. December through May are snow-filled, with plenty of avalanche danger on most hikes until May.

Easy Steamboat Springs Hikes

These simple hiking trails in Steamboat are great for beginners or those who need some extra accessibility.

1. Pearl Lake Trail 

A little ways north of Steamboat you’ll find Pearl Lake State Park. This easy, hard-packed trail circumnavigates most of the Peal Lake. Catch the start of trail at the dam and crawls around the lake. There aren’t any beaches and it can be a little marshy, but it delivers awesome lake views, wanders through an aspen grove, and blooms in the summer.

Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 193 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: $10 fee to enter all Colorado State Parks or free if you opt into getting an annual park pass with your vehicle registration.

2. Fish Creek Falls Overlook

This accessible (it’s paved) trail to an overlook of one of the more impressive waterfalls in Colorado (read: we don’t have awesome waterfalls). What I love about this hike is that it’s suitable for everyone and wonderful year-round. The waterfall does freeze in the winter, but in the summer you’ll be treated to easy access to a great view of the Fish Creek waterfall.

Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 19 feet
Difficulty: Very easy
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: $5 to park or free with an America the Beautiful Parks Pass

3. Fiddlehead Trail

Loop trails tend to be rare in Colorado, so the Fiddlehead Trail is a rare opportunity. This short but sweet trail is incredible in fall and summer. The wildflowers add pops of color to a lush trail filled with ferns. While fall lets you enter a magical world of color as you walk through the aspens.

Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 206 feet
Difficulty: easy
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

Moderate Steamboat Springs Hikes

If you’re looking for more of a challenge these hikes are for you!

4. Wyoming Trail Loop From Dumont Lake

This is a quieter loop trail near the Rabbit Ears Peak trail. The trial ambles through an open forest which has plenty of wildlife (we’ve seen moose out here) and wildflower displays are epic. Considering this trail doesn’t see much traffic, it’s a must-do on my list. You do a bit of forest road hiking – so start in the counter-clockwise direction to get the road out of the way first.

Distance: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 784 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

5. Devil’s Causeway

At 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Steamboat, calling this a hike near Steamboat is a little bit of a stretch. However, it is one of the top hikes in Colorado – mostly due to the thin “bridge” feature. At only 50 feet long, it’s short, but thrill seekers love the narrow trail and steep drops.

Local Tip: This is a great hike to test your tolerance for exposure, which is a great gauge for how comfortable you may feel on a Colorado 14er hike.

Distance: 6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,637 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

6. Uranium Mine

Another trail in the Fish Creek Falls area, the Uranium Mine. The trail features great views of Fish Creek Canyon as well as an old mine. The trail itself was once a road to the mine. You’re not allowed to enter old mining buildings, but it’s a neat slice of Colorado history.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 593 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: $5 to park or free with an America the Beautiful Parks Pass

7. Hot Springs Trail (closes annually)

Instead of driving the road to the famous Strawberry Park – one of the top hot springs in Colorado – you can opt to hike! It’s a great way to enjoy the springs and have a soak at your destination! The trail follows the hot springs creek – which passes through private property. Although users are allowed to use the trail, please be respectful of private property notices.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,250 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: This trail is closed from Dec 1 to April 15 to protect the local elk population. You also need to make advanced reservations to visit the hot springs.

8. Rabbit’s Ear Peak

Another popular trek – Rabbit Ears Peak is one of the most iconic rock formations near Steamboat Springs, and you can hike right up to it! The views along the trail are lovely, and they keep getting better as the trail moves upwards. What makes this hike even better is it’s still great in the winter months too!

Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,007 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

9. Flash of Gold

Largely known as a mountain biking trail, hikers can also enjoy the Flash of Gold Trail too. The trail gets its name from the brilliant fall color displays along the trail. Typically, I don’t recommend biking trails to hikers, but this mixed-use trail is worthwhile in the mornings during the fall colors.

Distance: 10.5  miles
Elevation Gain: 593 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

10. Windy Ridge Trail

Another multi-use trail, but this one is far quieter than Flash of Gold. This trail is ideal for spotting wildlife and wildflower displays (a win-win in my book). The trail follows a series of meadows while delivering distant mountain views. Just be aware that this hike lives up to its namesake! I’ve never been here without wind!

Distance: 5.5  miles
Elevation Gain: 738 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes
Red Tape: The road to this trailhead closes seasonally. Check the conditions before you go.

11. Mad Creek Trail (closed as it is annually)

A hike through the hills that features lovely views and walks in the rolling hills. Another fall favorite with plenty of quivering aspens. Photographers love this spot and I can see why! The trail may not have any dramatic views, but the colors of the landscape are truly stunning.

Distance: 8.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,354 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: This trail is closed from Dec 1 to April 15 to protect the local elk population.

Challenging Steamboat Springs Hikes

These lung-busting hikes will challenge you with big gains, steep hills, and long miles!

12. Mount Zirkel Loop Trail

Locally known as the Zirkle Circle, this challenging hike is one of the most popular trails in Steamboat Springs. Counter-clockwise has you going down the steep switchbacks. This trail stops at both Gilpine Lake and Gold Creek Lake as it loops around Mount Zirkle. The mountain itself provides jaw-dropping, classic mountain views and is absolutely stunning year-round.

Local Tip: Many people opt to backpack this loop in order to catch a sunrise and a sunset in this beautiful location.

Distance: 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,444 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash

13. Fish Creek Falls/Long Lake

Arguably one of the most popular hikes in Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek Falls is an amazing add-on to the Fish Creek Overlook. However, it’s substantially harder. The beginning of this trail is an uphill grind! Next, you’ll reach a few of the falls. From there it’s another grueling hike upwards through willows (tedious) until you reach Long Lake

Distance: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,607 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Dog-Friendly: yes, but must be on a leash
Red Tape: $5 to park or free with an America the Beautiful Parks Pass

14. Gilpin Lake

Instead of doing the whole Zirkle Circle, many just opt to hike to the famous views at Gilpin Lake. Honestly, it’s a little under a mile more and 440 more feet of gain to do the whole loop, so I’m not too sure I’d personally recommend this hike, but it shows up on a lot of lists of the best hikes in Steamboat, so I threw it on here.

Distance: 9.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,004 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Dog-Friendly: yes, dogs are welcome

15. Hahns Peak Trail

Short but steep, this butt buster brings you to the top of Hahns Peak. You’ll be treated to fantastic views of the surrounding valley. This is a great beginner mountain and even features a watchtower on top. In the fall, the hillsides are smeared with the yellows and oranges of the changing aspen trees.

Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,410 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Dog-Friendly: yes

Quick Tips for Hiking in Colorado

Hiking in the mountains can be a dangerous activity. Here’s a look at a few quick tips to keep you and the wilderness safe.

Pack it out! Be prepared to pack out all trash – including toilet paper (if there’s no bathroom), dog poop, fruit peels, water bottles, and wrappers. Leave it better than you found it!

Local Tip: NO leaving your dog poop on the trail to pick up later is NOT okay. Bag it and bring it or leave your pup at home.

Acclimatize safely. The altitude can do a number on you – even if you live here. Avoid caffeine and alcohol your first couple of days at altitude. Drink plenty of water, rehydrate, and eat salty snacks. Take it easy on your first day to let your body adjust.

Beware of thunderstorms. Always check the weather with a tool like weather.gov. You can search for your destination (a lake, peak, etc) and get pin-point weather. Dangerous afternoon thunderstorms roll in every day in the summer. Plan to be in tree cover by 11 am to avoid getting trapped.

What to Bring

Don’t get caught being un-prepared. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to bring on your next hike!

Nearby Things to Do

There are plenty of awesome things to do near Steamboat Springs. A few of my favorite activities include:

• Relaxing at Strawberry Park hot springs
• Tube down the Yampa River
• Go biking
• SUP at Steamboat Lake

Additional Local Colorado Hiking Resources

Looking to hike like a local, not a tourist? Then you’re in the right place! Check out these handy resources:

• Incredible Waterfalls in Colorado to Check Out
• Wildflower Hikes in Colorful Colorado
• Alpine Lake Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss