Steamboat Springs is famous for its Champagne Powder™ winters, and lush colorful summers. In between Steamboat Resort closing in April and the summer bloom, our mountain town enters a period that some of the locals call “Mud Season.” During the off season, expect jaw-dropping lodging, restaurant and shop deals, fewer crowds, and serene spring weather making mud season both an affordable and relaxing time of year! See our list below for a glimpse at just a few of the awesome benefits and activities you can experience during Steamboat’s off season.
1. THE BEST DEALS ON FOOD AND LODGING
Brace yourselves because the greatest deals on food and lodging in Steamboat Springs are found during its off season. For the inside scoop on Steamboat’s best restaurants check out these great resources:
11 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots In Steamboat Springs
Top 15 Restaurants In Steamboat Springs
Aside from the extensive list of food deals, one can find even more affordable lodging by booking direct with Steamboat Lodging Company. Browse our growing list of properties at some of the lowest rates of the year.
See our Steamboat Springs lodging specials!
2. YOU WILL HAVE THE PLACE TO YOURSELF
Being that Steamboat Springs is a ski town, a majority of its traffic comes during the winter season. Following Steamboat Resorts closing day, you’ll notice there’s a lot more space for yourself, no matter the activity. Whether it’s cross country skiing on Rabbit Ears Pass or fly fishing on the Yampa river through downtown Steamboat Springs, it’s rare to encounter others on your path. This makes it an ideal season for those who prefer to have a little more solitude during their favorite activities!
3. DUAL ACTIVITY DAYS
A key part to mud season is that you can fill your day with a mix of summer and winter activities. Given that Steamboat Springs receives an average annual snowfall of 350 inches at mid-mountain and upwards of 500 inches at nearby Buffalo Pass, it takes the 200+ days of sun time to melt it all away.
Craving that snowmobile tour you never took this winter? Team up with Steamboat Snowmobile Tours for a discounted cruise along the Flat Tops scenic byway in the morning.
When the afternoon warms up, road and mountain biking options will be available in the lower portions of the Yampa Valley. Inquire at Ski Haus for dry trails or road ride options, they have the latest and greatest bikes and equipment for rent. Early trails that become rideable are Mad Creek, Lower Bear, and The Ridge Trail. Please respect closed trails.
Be prepared because you’ll most likely find yourself with winter clothing on in the morning and by the afternoon quickly undressing into shorts and a t-shirt!
4. FLY FISHING – BIG FISH COME OUT TO PLAY
The fly fishing is superb during mud season in Steamboat Springs with high water flows, overcast weather, and warming temperatures. Trust us, the fishing really turns on this time of year and we suggest fishing the famous tail-waters of stagecoach reservoir for gigantic rainbow and brown trout, or sneak away for some casts in downtown Steamboat Spring on the Yampa River while the family goes shopping. Let the experts at Yampa Valley Anglers take you straight to the hot spots with a guided fly fishing trip. All you need to do is show up with your fishing license and they will provide the rest. It’s big fish season!
5. STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS TO YOURSELF
Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot springs in Colorado and possibly the most sought out destination in Steamboat Springs. During mud season, expect many days with the pools unoccupied having the freedom to float amongst yourself or your family, especially in the morning. Typically, Strawberry Park is covered with snow until May, but expect the road up there to be dry and easier to traverse compared to winter.
6. HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS ARE OPENING UP
During the mud season, Steamboat Spring’s numerous bike and hike trails start to open up. Remedy that cabin fever by getting out, stretching your legs, and breathing in the fresh spring air. Early in the spring, you will notice the first signs of summer life appearing. Birds will be chirping, mushrooms will be popping up, and buds will start to form on the aspens. As the spring lurches towards summer, the green aspen leaves will chase the receding snow up the mountains and the wildflowers will start to bloom.
A few of our favorite trails for hiking and biking include the Yampa Core Trail, Spring Creek, Mad Creek, and the Ridge Trail. Please respect all closed trails.
7. YOU CAN STILL FIND WINTER ON RABBIT EARS PASS
Even though Steamboat Resort is closed for the season, Rabbit Ears pass offers late season skiing and other winter activities for those not quite ready to transition into summer. Skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all still possible throughout spring on Rabbit Ears pass and the best part is you don’t have to buy lift tickets, so get out and enjoy!
8. GO BOWLING
Look no further for a late night activity that the whole family can enjoy. Snow Bowl is Steamboat Spring’s historic bowling alley offers a range of specials during the off season. Experience Snow Bowl’s newly upgraded lane scoring system on their 12 lanes amongst an arcade, full-service bar, and updated menu!
9. WHITE WATER RAFTING SEASON STARTS AND PEAKS
The rivers in Colorado normally peak in early June just before the summer crowds appear in Steamboat. Steamboat and the surrounding area can provide opportunity for an easy class II family float to a heart-pounding, class V, whitewater thrill ride. Bucking Rainbow Outfitters’ expert guides will take you down the rivers of your choice ranging from the Yampa, North Platte, Eagle, Elk, and Colorado rivers. Transportation and lunches are included.
You don’t have to wait until the summer sun is high and the crowds are thick to enjoy the fruits of a Steamboat summer. You’ll feel like you’re getting away with highway robbery at how little you will be spending on a world-class vacation in Steamboat Springs. Let yourself in on one of the best kept local secrets, mud season is awesome in Steamboat!
Looking for a crowd-free Steamboat vacation?
Call us at Steamboat Lodging Company, we are your local boots on the ground lodging company providing top notch accommodations and assistance with all things Steamboat. Remember, you will always get the best rates when you book directly with us!
Call Steamboat Lodging Company and speak with a reservation specialist or book directly online!
