Valerie’s guidebook
Food scene
This is a local favorite we go to every time we visit - huge selection of burgers and casual environment.
54 locals recommend
Back Door Grill
825 Oak StThis is a local favorite we go to every time we visit - huge selection of burgers and casual environment.
This is a great family option - large menu with great food everyone can enjoy. Also, when the weather is nice, they have lawn games, live music, etc outside.
36 locals recommend
Rex's American Grill & Bar
3190 S Lincoln AveThis is a great family option - large menu with great food everyone can enjoy. Also, when the weather is nice, they have lawn games, live music, etc outside.
The food is great and when the weather is nice, the porch is a good spot to hang.
59 locals recommend
Mambo Italiano
521 Lincoln AveThe food is great and when the weather is nice, the porch is a good spot to hang.
This place is great for a date night and has a great porch to enjoy when the weather is nice.
55 locals recommend
Aurum Food & Wine
811 Yampa StThis place is great for a date night and has a great porch to enjoy when the weather is nice.
This NOLA-inspired bar/restaurant is a fun place to hang along the Yampa. Make sure you get a Hurricane!
32 locals recommend
Sunpie's Bistro
735 Yampa StThis NOLA-inspired bar/restaurant is a fun place to hang along the Yampa. Make sure you get a Hurricane!
Creekside Cafe & Grill
131 11th StGreat breakfast spot!
Of all the breweries in town, this one was our favorite!
39 locals recommend
Storm Peak Brewing Company
1885 Elk River RdOf all the breweries in town, this one was our favorite!
We liked this place for its array of comfort foods.
73 locals recommend
Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
435 Lincoln AveWe liked this place for its array of comfort foods.
Sightseeing
This spot is great whether you're looking to just see the falls or hoping to go on a more extended hike. Great for all skill levels.
115 locals recommend
Fish Creek Falls
34165 Fish Creek Falls RoadThis spot is great whether you're looking to just see the falls or hoping to go on a more extended hike. Great for all skill levels.
The hike here was much longer and more intense than we expected, but the view of the lake made this hike so worth it!! If you're a skilled hiker, this place is a must do.
Gilpin Lake
The hike here was much longer and more intense than we expected, but the view of the lake made this hike so worth it!! If you're a skilled hiker, this place is a must do.
We've done white water rafting with this group a few times and it was great! Class 3 was more calm and scenic and Class 4 was awesome!!!
Bucking Rainbow Outfitters
1103 Lincoln AveWe've done white water rafting with this group a few times and it was great! Class 3 was more calm and scenic and Class 4 was awesome!!!
This place is fun for the kids - they have bumper boats and "walkers" that move across the ice for those still learning to skate. We loved getting to skate as a family.
11 locals recommend
Howelsen Ice Arena
285 Howelsen PkwyThis place is fun for the kids - they have bumper boats and "walkers" that move across the ice for those still learning to skate. We loved getting to skate as a family.
You can rent most anything you want here - we rented bikes and did a self-guided brewery tour around town and road around the trail around the river.
6 locals recommend
Backdoor Sports Ltd
841 Yampa StYou can rent most anything you want here - we rented bikes and did a self-guided brewery tour around town and road around the trail around the river.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Free City Bus Shuttle
If you didn't bring a car, the city has a free bus shuttle. You can access the route and times here:
https://steamboatsprings.net/166/Transit
Getting around
Ubers can be scarce! :/
We got stranded one night and luckily, "Robert" found us and saved us!
He's a local Uber driver and can be reached at: (928)533-4703 He was awesome and said it was okay to share his info!
Don't miss
Strawberry Hot Springs
No matter the time of year, this place is great. There is a cold water section and a hot water section - so it can be refreshing or comforting depending on time of year.
Note that after dark, it's rumored to be a clothes optional experience, but not the case at all during the day!
Customs and culture
Beware of Bears!
No joke - make sure you keep all food up and close the dumpsters after opening as bears are known to hang out/break into them if there is food left out and/or they are open.
Customs and culture
Mountain Air is Considered AC!
I am from TX, so was shocked to learn that most of the condos do not have central AC. We've quickly learned that the locals simply keep the windows open/run the fans at night to let the cool air in and then close the windows to trap in the cool air when they wake and keep the fans running to circulate it.
Don't miss
Walking Down Main Street (Lincoln)
We make it a point to check out all the shops while we are there - they always have fun and new things to check out.