Hosted by: Leonard Gurule

Legend has it that trappers noted an unusual spouting spring in the Yampa Valley, accompanied by a chugging sound that reminded them of a Steamboat.  Henceforth since the early 1870’s the town was known as “Steamboat Springs”.  Today Steamboat plays host to a multitude of outdoor activities and events including the Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend.

Saturday morning we will fly to Steamboat Springs/Bob Adams Field (KSBS) arriving prior to 10:30 AM and shuttle to our hotel to drop our bags off before heading downtown for some shopping or simply taking in the sites before lunch.  

Lunch will be at noon at a restaurant downtown.  

After lunch, participants will have the option to participate in one or a combination of several activities as follows.

Walk, bike or e-bike along the 7 mile Yampa River Core Trail which provides access to Howelsen, Emerald, Fetcher, Rotary and Botanic Parks.  Several bike rental shops are located downtown. This is a scenic trail and provides ample photo opportunities of the river, wildflowers that are in bloom this time of year and perhaps even colorful hot air balloons in the air.  The Tread of Pioneers Museum is located downtown and provides insight into the history and heritage of the area.

A shuttle will be arranged after lunch to take participants to the Fish Creek Falls trailhead just 4 miles from downtown.  There are two hike options that provide beautiful vistas and photo opportunities of the Yampa River Valley and of Fish Creek Falls.  
1.) Lower Falls – ½ mile round trip, 100’ elevation gain, 30 minutes
2.) Upper Falls – 5 miles round trip, 1560’ elevation gain, 3 hours 

Take the Steamboat Shuttle to the Ski Resort base area and ride the Gondola to the top of Mt. Werner for hiking and spectacular panoramic views of the Yampa Valley or ride the Outlaw Mountain Coaster or simply explore the shops in the village.

Happy hour at our hotel from 5:00 to 6:00 followed by dinner at a downtown restaurant. 

After dinner we will shuttle to Howelsen Hill to take in the Balloon Glow and some live music until 9:30 PM.