Last updated on November 18th, 2022 at 04:32 pm

There’s no better way to clear your mind and enjoy nature than taking a hike through the Colorado wilderness. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous weather can all be found on the trails surrounding Steamboat Springs.

With Routt National Forest, Mount Zirkel Wilderness area, and Steamboat Ski Resort, plus a handful of state parks, there’s no shortage of hiking near Steamboat Springs.

I’ve listed out 24 trails with varying degrees of difficulty, some are located right in town and others will require a bit of driving. Read on for the best hiking near Steamboat Springs, CO.

Leave No Trace

Make sure to leave the trail better than you found it, before hitting the trail, please review the Leave No Trace principles.These simple rules ensure others can enjoy the same beautiful landscapes you have for many years to come!

These seven principles include:

• Plan ahead and prepare – Check weather, download maps, know regulations of the area you’re heading into.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces – Stay on the trail, camp in designated areas only.
• Dispose of waste properly – Everything you bring on the hike must come back with you. Many trailheads are remote and do not have trash bins. If you see trash on the trail, pick it up. If you pee in the wilderness you must pack out your toilet paper. I know it’s gross but bring a designated ziplock for used toilet paper, line it with tinfoil if you wish to hide the contents. 
• Leave what you find – Take pictures only. Leave rocks and other natural items as you found them. Do not build structures or dig excessive holes.
• Minimize campfire impacts – For those camping read up on fire restrictions and safety here. 
• Respect wildlife – Only view wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals, properly store and pack out all food items so as not to accidentally draw in wildlife. Not only is human food bad for animals but it dangerously teaches wildlife to rely on or associate humans with food.
• Be considerate of other visitors – Nature is for everyone to enjoy! Use common courtesies, yield to other hikers on the trail, respect all, and keep noises to a minimum.

The Best Hiking Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado 

Please be sure to research each trail before heading out for up-to-date conditions and regulations!

Spring Creek Trail 

• Milage: 10.1 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,469 feet 
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 3 minutes (1 mile)

Spring Creek Trail is a highly popular hike thanks to its prime location just off downtown. The trail follows a creek and you’ll see lots of wildflowers in the summer months and fall colors come September. The back end of the hike is where you’ll find the most challenging sections that are better suited for moderate hikers.

Be aware this trail is commonly used by both hikers and mountain bikers, please watch out for your surroundings.

Don’t be deterred by the extended milage, you can follow this trail for as long or as little as you’d like.

Mad Creek Trail

• Milage: 8.9 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,354 feet 
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 15 minutes (7 miles)

This trail follows a creek for about 2 miles to a barn built in 1906 by James “Harry” Ratliff, a rancher who would become the first forest supervisor of the Routt National Forest. The barn is where most hikers turn back, if you choose to continue you’ll follow an open meadow eventually ending at a waterfall and creek, watch out for cows!

Rabbit Ears Peak Trail

• Milage: 5.5 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 974 feet 
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 30 minuets (20 miles)

Rabbit Ears Peak is a popular trail near the Continental Divide. The hike has a gradual elevation gain through fields of wildflowers and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The final stretch sees the steepest elevation gain, but 360 degree views from the top make it well worth the effort.

Hahn’s Peak Trail

• Milage: 3.6 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,410 feet
• Rating: Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 50 minutes (32 miles) 

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Another trail with impressive 360 degree views is Hahn’s Peak Trail. This short but very steep trail ends at a fire lookout which offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Be aware the top portion is on an exposed ridge with a lot of loose rock contributing to the trail’s ‘hard’ rating.

Yampa River Core Trail

• Milage: 7.5 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 144 feet
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: Located in town

Following the Yampa River through downtown Steamboat Springs is the Yampa River Core Trail. This 7.5 mile paved trail is excellent for an easy stroll and is a great way to get acquainted with Steamboat!

Be aware, the path is popular for hikers, runners, and bikers and is often quite busy.

The Yampa River Botanic Park is located right off the trail, which is the perfect spot to take a break during your trek.

Gold Creek Lake

• Milage: 6.5 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,174 feet
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 50 minutes (31 miles)

If you love being by the water this is a great hike for you! Gold Creek Lake follows a shade-covered creek for the majority of the hike, eventually ending at the lake which is perfect for a picnic or fishing.

The trail features a creek crossing, so this is best done when water levels are low.

The trailhead shares a parking lot with Gilpin Lake, another hike you’ll find later on this list. If you’re up for a lot of hiking you could also tackle a portion of this popular 9 mile trail.

Fish Creek Falls Overlook Trail 

• Milage: .7 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 22 feet 
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 10 minutes (3.5 miles)

Fish Creek Falls is by far the most popular hiking trail near Steamboat Springs and one that absolutely should be on your list!

The overlook trail is a short, paved path perfect for families with little ones, wheelchairs, and those short on time.

Many continue from here onto Upper Falls, which I’ll cover in the section below.

Fish Creek Falls Trail 

• Milage: 4.7 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 1,450 feet 
• Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 10 minutes (3.5 miles)

If you wish to go further than the overlook you’ll follow Fish Creek Falls Trail. This hike is rated as hard due to a steep incline and rocky sections. Take your time, a 1,500 foot elevation change will be especially hard on those coming from sea level.

Despite the difficult rating this trail is very popular as it offers excellent views of Upper Falls and the surrounding mountains. You’ll want to start this hike as early as possible as the trail can get very crowded.

Fish Creek to Long Lake Trail 

• Milage: 12.3 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 2,522 feet 
• Rating: Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 10 minutes (3.5 miles)

Those up for an additional challenge make your way to Long Lake instead of turning back at Upper Falls. Once past the falls you’ll find wide meadows with tons of wildflowers before reaching Long Lake.

Lake Katherine Trail

• Milage: 4.3 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 898 feet 
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 1 hour, 40 minutes (70 miles)

For a quiet hike and gorgeous lake views, Lake Katherine Trail is a hidden gem in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. This trail is quite a ways from Steamboat but its remoteness is a huge part of the charm.

Be warned, a large portion of the elevation change occurs at the end of the hike so this can be deceivingly challenging. Additionally the trail involves a stream crossing so it’s best to attempt this hike later in the season when water levels are normally low.

Emerald Mountain

• Milage: 3.8 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 902 feet
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 3 minutes (1 mile)

If you’re looking for panoramic views of the town of Steamboat and the surrounding ski areas, Emerald Mountain is a great option! The consistent and steep elevation change gives this trail a moderate rating.

Be aware that the smooth gravel trail and close proximity to town makes this very popular for mountain bikers, so keep an eye out!

Three Island Lake Trail

• Milage: 6.3 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,541 feet 
• Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 55 minutes (32 miles)

I’ve seen countless alpine lakes in Colorado but can’t recall many with islands, which makes this one of my favorite hikes near Steamboat Springs, CO!

The trail is lush with wildflowers during the summer month and follows a creek for a majority of the way. There are a few crossings, so again, plan to visit when water levels are low. Don’t be deceived by the hike’s moderate rating, the elevation change on this hike will make it challenging for most.

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Windy Ridge

• Milage: 5.5 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 738 feet
• Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 35 minutes (22 miles)

Windy Ridge is a quiet trail near Rabbit Ears Pass. It offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and fantastic wildflowers throughout summer. The trail ends near Lily Lake, aptly covered in lily pads, and a quartzite quarry once used by Native Americans.

The trail is rated ‘easy’ but sections can be very muddy, requiring log crossings.

Mount Zirkel Loop Trail 

• Milage: 10.6 miles, Loop
• Elevation Change: 2,444 feet
• Rating: Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 50 minutes (32 miles)

Mount Zirkel Loop Trail is for backpackers and experienced hikers up for a challenge! This difficult hike passes two lakes and follows a stream almost the entire way. Your efforts will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Uranium Mine Trail

• Milage: 3.1 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 593 feet 
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 10 minutes (3.5 miles)

The Uranium Mine Trail starts off from the same parking lot as the highly popular Fish Falls Trail, so be sure to arrive early!

The trail is popular but you’ll find fewer hikers here than the aforementioned trail. This hike offers excellent views, of course, but is unique in that it ends at an old abandoned uranium mine, which is really interesting to see!

Thunderhead Hiking Trail

• Milage: 6.6 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 2,208 feet 
• Rating: Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 10 minutes (3.5 miles)

This is a great hike in the Steamboat Ski Resort area. It’s unique in that you can take the gondola up and then hike down, or vice versa, to make the hike a little easier. The hike offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, downtown Steamboat, and of course, ski lifts!

Tombstone Nature Loop Trail

• Milage: 1 mile, Loop
• Elevation Change: 124 feet
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 40 minutes (27 miles)

Don’t be put off by the name of the trail, it’s an easy hike named for the Wheeler family tombstones located on the trail. This is a quick, family-friendly hike with great views of the lake! If you’re up for the cold you can even go for a dip in the lake following your hike.

The trail is located in Steamboat Lake State Park so you’ll have access to facilities such as a visitors center, restrooms, and picnic benches.

Gilpin Lake Trail

• Milage: 9.7 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 2,004 feet
• Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 55 minutes (32 miles)

One of many stunning hikes in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area is Gilpin Lake Trail. This quad-burning hike will reward you with stunning views of the alpine lake, which is popular for fishing! On your way up, enjoy fields of wildflowers and quiet nature.

Devil’s Causeway 

• Milage: 6 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 1,637 feet
• Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 1 hour, 15 minutes (45 miles)

Named for a knee-shaking ridge with steep drop-offs on either side, this hike is not for those who are afraid of heights. You can, however, hike to the ridge and turn back!

The first portion of the hike is relatively flat through a dense forest. The majority of the elevation change occurs on the back half once you’ve crossed the ridge.

If you can handle the heights this hike offers some pretty incredible views of the surrounding Flat Tops.

Buffalo Pass Trail

• Milage: 2.8 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 459 feet
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 50 minutes (13 miles)

Buffalo Pass is a great way to see wildflowers and sweeping views of the Rockies without a ton of physical effort. While you’re in the area check out Jonahs and Summit Lake, located near the Buffalo Pass trailhead.

Be warned the drive itself is half the battle and is best done in a high clearance vehicle.

Pearl Lake 

• Milage: 3.6 miles, Out & Back 
• Elevation Change: 193 feet 
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 40 minutes (25 miles)

Pearl Lake is another easy hike perfect for a quiet stroll! Most shorten the hike to just over a mile by turning back at the dam, but if you follow the trail a bit longer you’ll find a gorgeous field of wildflowers.

The trail is located in Pearl Lake State Park which is popular for lake activities and picnics.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs Trail 

• Milage: 6.2 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 915 feet
• Rating: Moderate
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 12 minutes (7 miles)

The main draw of this hike is the ending point, Strawberry Park Hot Springs! While, yes, you can drive to the hot springs, the trail is great for those who want a workout before they relax.

These are some of the most popular springs in Colorado thanks to their incredible setting, nestled into a mountainside surrounded by aspen and pine trees.

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The hot springs are $15 – 20 / person and need to be reserved in advance. You can read my complete Strawberry Park Hot Springs Guide here.

Elk Run Trail

• Milage: 9.6 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 396 feet
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 25 minutes (18 miles)

If you seek a quiet stroll alongside a lake, Elk Run Trail is for you. The trail follows the southern edge of Stagecoach Reservoir ending at the dam. You can follow the well groomed trail for as little, or as far, as you wish.

The trail offers very little shade so this is best done in the morning or late evening.

Elk Run Trail is located in Stagecoach State Park which is popular for lake activities and provides facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas.

Fiddlehead Trail 

• Milage: 2.1 miles, Out & Back
• Elevation Change: 206 feet 
• Rating: Easy
• Distance From Steamboat Springs: 15 minutes (6 miles)

Fiddlehead Trail is an easy hike located close to town. It’s best known for wildflowers in summer and a bright yellow aspen grove in the fall. The relatively flat trail makes this a great one for families!

The trailhead shares a parking lot with the ending point of previously mentioned Spring Creek Trail, making it easy to check out both trails if you’re up for it!

Tips For Hiking In Steamboat Springs

• Hiking is most common late-June through early-October, outside of this window trails will most often be covered in snow.
• Hit the trails early, afternoon storms are very common in the Colorado Rockies and can be dangerous.
• Keep in mind cell service is often non-existent at trailheads. Be sure to have all driving directions and hiking maps downloaded before leaving the house.
• I recommend downloading the AllTrails app. This is an incredibly resourceful tool for finding up-to-date trail conditions, road conditions to the trailhead, etc. Most features are free but I do recommend the pro version which costs $29 for the year. This allows you to download trail maps and use them while offline. The GPS enabled map ensures you’re on the trail even when you have no cell service, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been thankful to have this. 
• Bring plenty of water plus a few snacks. As a general rule, plan to drink about 32 oz of water for every 2 hours of hiking. I carry two 40 oz water bottles in my backpack at all times, plus I keep a 64 oz Hydro Flask in my car for nice, cold water after the hike.
• Sun protection is important on any hike but especially so at high elevations where the sun is more intense. Bring sunscreen and a hat at the very least.
• Last, wear proper shoes. Hiking boots are great but no worries if you don’t have any, tennis shoes with good traction work great for most trails.

What To Wear Hiking In Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Layers and sun protection are two key items to pack for hiking in Colorado.

As mentioned above, it’s best to start hikes early in order to avoid afternoon storms. Mornings are often chilly, even in summer but the day warms up quickly as the sun builds in intensity.

Pack layers that are easy to take on and off and always keep a light rain jacket or wind breaker in your backpack in case an afternoon storm hits.

Hiking Packing List:

• Shorts or lightweight pants
• Tank top
• Light weight long sleeve shirt or fleece if visiting in early or late summer
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• Hiking boots or sneakers with good traction
• Thick socks
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks

Below I’ve laid out some of my favorite hiking pieces, all items are linked in the caption below.

There’s tons of great hiking near Steamboat Springs, CO, these are just a few of the most popular options!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below!

If you wish to follow along with my travels in real time check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Steamboat Springs and Colorado guides below or head on over to Discover Steamboat Springs.

More Information For Your Steamboat Springs Vacation:

• Unique Things To Do In Steamboat Springs During Summer
• Strawberry Park Hot Springs Complete Guide

More Information For Your Trip To Colorado:

• Estes Park: The Best Things To Do
• Grand Lake: What To Do Here
• Vail Summer Guide
• Aspen Fall Weekend Guide
• Durango: The Best Things To Do
• Boulder: What To Do With One Day Here
• Colorado Springs: Top Things To Do
• Denver: The Best Summer Activities
• Denver 3 Day Weekend Guide
• Denver: What To Do With 24 Hours
• The Best Winter Destinations In Colorado
• 10 Day Colorado Road Trip Guide (hit all 4 National Parks!)