May in
Steamboat Springs is the
peak of the ‘mud-season’ and the rainiest month with
9 rainy days and plenty of showers. Trails might be too muddy at times in order to hike or mountain bike. Temperatures do reach pleasant
highs of 64°F (18°C) in May. You will still need to bring your winter coat too though as it
can still be as cold as 32°F (0°C). There are now
14 hours of daylight each day and there is hardly any snow to be expected anymore in May.
If you accept the risk of some wetter weather you will be rewarded with super deals as May is the cheapest month in Steamboat Springs. And if you are planning to simply enjoy and relax at the
hot springs, the weather doesn’t matter anyway.
Best Time to Visit Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs boasts ideal weather for each season. Winters are snowy and temperature lows can drop to 3°F (-16°C). There is a great ski area and plenty of snow. For less busy ski lifts, visit in early April (snow conditions usually allow for slopes to stay open until mid-April).
The rainier months between April and May are also called mud season - as it’s the most rainy time and sometimes too wet to hike. Rates are cheap though and the hot springs are at their constant 102°F (39°C)- the ideal time to simply relax and enjoy the wonderful spa.
The summer months are beautifully warm and in July it can even reach highs of up to 82°F (28°C). It’s a great time to bike, hike or enjoy the summer sun at one of the lakes or the Yampa River.
The fall’s shoulder season offers temperatures ranging from highs of 72°F (22°C) in September to lows of 15°F (-9°C) in November. It’s a less busy time but still great for enjoying the outdoors by hiking or biking.
Things to know about Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is surely one of the
kindest towns in the west of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. For anyone who loves the outdoors it’s heaven on earth with its surrounding national parks.
Some of the best
summer and shoulder season adventures include:
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From mid-May to late July you should see the impressive wild mountain flowers.
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From mid-late August to late October it’s the best time to see an explosion of colours in the unbelievably beautiful colored foliage.
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Mountain biking along the Mad Creek, for example, is extremely impressive. Great scenic rides include the Core Trail and a ride to Lake Catamount.
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Hiking in the mountains of Steamboat Springs is like balsam for the soul. Let the fresh mountain air refresh your body and mind. In spring, choose one of the lower valley trails such as the Mad Creek, Spring Creek or Yampa Valley Core Trail. Also choose trails passing the impressive waterfalls and mountain lakes.
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Enjoy the waters of the mountain lakes in one of the 3 state parks surrounding Steamboat Springs. From fishing, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up-paddling to water-skiing, everything is possible here.
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Tubing along the Yampa River is one fun experience that everyone from young to old will enjoy.
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On your walk along the Yampa River Core Trail a visit to the Botanic Park is also highly recommended.
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Golfers will live the dream whilst teeing off at one of the five stunning golf courses with incredible mountain and valley views.
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Hunters can participate in the elk hunts which the area is famous for.
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Relaxing and rejuvenating in the hot springs is great at any time of the year. Choose between the more commercial facilities with more activities on offer at the Old Town Hot Springs or the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which is the more laid pack choice around 20 minutes outside the town.
Steamboat Springs is a paradise and most famous for
winter visitors as you can choose from endless activities outlined in the following:
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Steamboat Springs is also called Ski Town, USA and with it’s unique Champagne Powder® snow it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
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That’s of course not where it ends. Steamboat Springs is also known as Bike Town, USA. So that the bike fun doesn’t stop when the snow comes, try some fatter tire biking on the snow.
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Dog Sledding with the Alaskan huskies is a wonderful experience too.
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Fishing enthusiasts can do some ice fishing in winter too.
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How does Horseback Riding through the winter snow sound? Check it out in Steamboat Springs in winter.
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With plenty of snow, Nordic Skiing in Steamboat Springs offers a uniquely scenic experience and can be fun for first timers as well as professionals with routes available for any type of skill level.
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Snowshoeing, snowtubing, snowmobiling are just a few of the many other fun winter activities you should try during your stay.
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The Bridgestone Winter Driving School is great fun and a great way to find out how cars react on wintery, snowy, icy surfaces.
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And after all that ‘cool’ winter outdoor fun you must of course warm up in the hot springs that gave Steamboat Springs its name. Right in the center you will find the Old Town Springs, which are more commercial and a little bit further out are the more informal Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
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