Routt reveals itself through traces of history spanning widely separated eras: Ute groups camped in the Routt County valley as long as 1,000 years ago. The discovery of gold at Hahn's Peak in 1861 later contributed to the county's development. Another milestone came in 1915, when the Howelsen Hill Ski Area opened. These dates trace a path from the valley's early history through the county's development to a specific chapter in the history of skiing.

History and Events

The Steamboat Springs History Museum focuses on Western heritage and a diverse program. Year-round offerings include exhibitions, tours, events, and activities for children. Another example of local history is the Zimmerman House, a Queen Anne-style home built in 1901. Students can experience rooms from around the turn of the century and learn about historical daily activities using replica or historic objects.

Recurring events also have their own distinctive character. The Routt County Fair takes place every August at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden. The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series runs every Friday and Saturday evening from July through August; its roots go back more than 100 years. In the Steamboat Springs host community area, the Steamboat Winter Carnival celebrates Western heritage and winter sports. It is the oldest continuously held winter carnival west of the Mississippi. If you plan to attend one of these seasonal events, check the specific dates in advance.

Water: A Range of Options

Steamboat Lake State Park is one of the state parks in Routt County. Its main attraction is a lake with a surface area of 1,053 acres. More than seven miles of trails invite visitors to hike and mountain bike. At Pearl Lake, visitors can fly-fish or use bait to fish for native cutthroat trout. As a no-wake lake, it differs distinctly from bodies of water that offer motorized activities: swimming and water skiing are not permitted at Pearl Lake.

The 820-acre reservoir at Stagecoach State Park offers boating, fishing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and water skiing. Stagecoach Reservoir also has access for shore fishing, two boat ramps, and a full-service marina. The contrast with Pearl Lake is clear: visitors interested in a body of water can compare the activities and restrictions listed for each, rather than assume that all lakes offer the same experience.

The Yampa River State Park offers a different scale. It encompasses a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River with 13 access points. This means visitors can choose between a lake with specific restrictions, a reservoir with a range of water activities, and a long stretch of river to suit different interests.

Gardens and Hot Springs

In the Steamboat Springs host community area, the Yampa River Botanic Park spans six acres. Its design includes ponds, berms, and 70 unique gardens. The park is accessible by bicycle or on foot from the Yampa River Core Trail. This makes it easy to combine a garden visit with a specific route for reaching the park along an existing trail.

Hot springs offer a range of experiences, too. In the Steamboat Springs host community area, Old Town Hot Springs is a historic hot spring and family-friendly recreation facility. Strawberry Park Hot Springs features pools with unique natural stonework. Their distinctive features range from Old Town's history and recreational offerings to the pool design at Strawberry Park.

Trails, Views, and Winter Sports

The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway is a scenic route associated with Routt County. At Buffalo Pass, trails can be linked into large loops that reach the town. If you're planning a hike or mountain bike ride, check current trail conditions, as they can change. In summer, the Steamboat Gondola offers rides with views of the Yampa Valley. If you're planning a summer ride, check the current schedule, as service is seasonal.

Routt County is home to Steamboat Ski Resort. Mahogany Ridge at Steamboat Resort offers terrain for very experienced skiers and experts. For travel planning, Yampa Valley Regional Airport is another point of reference: it is owned and operated by Routt County. Since airport operations can change, it's a good idea to check the latest operational information before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Steamboat Springs, Yampa, Rio Grande County, Chaffee, Custer, Montezuma County, Gunnison County, Gilpin County

For the main travel overview: Colorado.