Routt: Lakes, Cultural History and Hot Springs

Yampa River State Park encompasses a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River with 13 access points. In Routt County, trip planning can also focus on lakes and trails, as well as cultural history and events. Several state parks and areas of the National Forest are located within the county. Yampa Valley Regional Airport is owned and operated by Routt County. If you plan to use the airport to get there, check the latest operating information before your trip.

Water, Trails and Nature

At Steamboat Lake State Park, the main attraction is a lake with 1,053 acres of water. The park also offers more than seven miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Both the water and the land trails are highlights here; check current trail conditions before setting out.

At Pearl Lake, you can fly-fish and fish with bait for native cutthroat trout. The lake is a no-wake lake; swimming and water skiing are not allowed. By contrast, an 820-acre reservoir at Stagecoach State Park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and water skiing. Stagecoach Reservoir also provides access to shore fishing, two boat ramps and a full-service marina. These differences can help you choose: fishing opportunities and activity restrictions are key considerations at Pearl Lake, while Stagecoach lists a broader range of water activities.

In the Steamboat Springs host community area, Yampa River Botanic Park spans six acres and features ponds, earth berms and 70 unique gardens. It is accessible on foot or by bike from the Yampa River Core Trail. The garden collection may change over time. Trails offer different perspectives, too: at Buffalo Pass, trails can be linked into long loops that may lead into town. The Fish Creek Falls Trail runs 2.5 miles and climbs 2,300 vertical feet to a second waterfall. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

In summer, the Steamboat Gondola offers rides with views of the Yampa Valley. Since operations are seasonal and may change, it is worth checking the current schedule. Routt County is also associated with the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, a scenic route.

Cultural History and Distinctive Experiences

Ute groups camped in the Routt County valley as far back as 1,000 years ago. The discovery of gold at Hahn’s Peak in 1861 later contributed to the county’s development. Another historical milestone is Howelsen Hill Ski Area, which opened in 1915. Routt County is also home to Steamboat Ski Resort. Mahogany Ridge offers terrain for highly experienced and expert skiers; terrain status may change, so check the resort’s latest information before making plans.

In the Steamboat Springs host community area, the Steamboat Springs History Museum offers year-round exhibits, tours, events and activities for children focused on Western heritage. As the program may change, check in advance to see what is on offer during your visit. The Zimmerman House is a separate attraction: built in 1901, this Queen Anne-style home lets students experience rooms from around the turn of the century and learn about historical everyday activities using replica or historical objects.

Hot springs also shape some visitor experiences. In the Steamboat Springs host community area, Old Town Hot Springs is a historic hot spring and family-friendly recreational facility. Strawberry Park Hot Springs features thermal pools with distinctive natural stonework. The descriptions emphasize different things: Old Town focuses on history and recreation, while Strawberry Park highlights the pools’ design.

Events and Trip Planning

In the Steamboat Springs host community area, the Steamboat Winter Carnival is considered the oldest continuously held winter carnival west of the Mississippi. Its events celebrate Western heritage and winter sports. The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from July through August; its roots go back more than 100 years. The Routt County Fair is held each August at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden. If your trip depends on rodeo or fair dates, check the latest event calendar in advance.

As you plan your stay, you can start by considering which experiences you want to focus on: trails and water activities, cultural history, hot springs or a seasonal event. This can also give your search for a hotel in Routt a clear direction without treating the different attractions and events as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Steamboat Springs, Yampa, Montezuma County, Elbert County, Rio Blanco County, Custer, Morgan County, Lake County

View the broader travel overview: Colorado.