Things to do in Steamboat Springs
TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS
HIKING
Hahn's Peak* (1158)
Location: Steamboat Lake area off Routt County Road (RCR) 129 (about 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs)
Trail length: 1.7 miles each way
Elevation: Trailhead: 9,200'; Summit: 10,839'; Gain: 1,639'
Map: Trails Illustrated 116
Brief Description: Hahn's Peak is actually the remnants of a very old, extinct volcano. This peak's lone position and symmetrical cone shape makes it one of the area's best-known landmarks. The main portion of the trail is a moderate to steep switchbacked climb through pine and aspen trees and various bushes. As you near the top, you'll see the remains of the gold and silver mine shafts and cabins from when the mountain was mined in the late 1800s. As the trail opens into a more meadow-like environment, you'll see the historic fire tower (which can still be climbed) on top of the peak. The last .25 miles of the hike is over a treeless scree path (hiking boots recommended) leading to the fire tower. Allow approximately 3 hours for a round trip.
Fish Creek Falls* (1102)
Location: Approximately 3.2 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs on RCR 32 (Fish Creek Falls Road)
Approximate Trail lengths (each way): Overlook: 0.5 miles; Base of Fish Creek Falls: 0.3 miles; Upper Falls: 2.5 miles; Long Lake: 6 miles
Elevations: Trailhead: 7,440'; Base of Fish Creek Falls: 7,340'; Upper Fish Creek Falls: 9,000'; Long Lake: 9,880'
Map: Trails Illustrated 118
Brief Description: Due to its close proximity to town and the beauty of the falls, this is probably the most popular hike for visitors (and many locals). There are four main destinations for this hike.
The hike to the base of Fish Creek Falls, a 283-foot waterfall, is really a short walk down a wide, sidewalk-like gravel trail (there is an elevation loss, however). While some people stop there, many at least begin the climb to the Upper Fish Creek Falls, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach (from the parking lot). The trail to the Upper Falls is lined with aspen, scrub oak, mountain ash, junipers, Douglas firs and Rocky Mountain maples, which often offer shade for hikers. Looking through the trees, hikers can see the tall rock walls of a glacier-carved canyon. After crossing a wooden bridge, the trail opens up, displaying great views of the valley, creek and canyon, and continues along rockier terrain to the falls, which are smaller than the base falls, but still spectacular.
More ambitious hikers might continue up to Long Lake, whose trail follows a stream off and on through meadows, woods, marshes and willow thickets. Be prepared to cross the stream (size and depth varies by season) about .5 miles before reaching the lake, then continue through a sub-alpine forest to Long Lake. Allow about 7 hours for a round trip to Long Lake.
The other option for viewing Fish Creek Falls is a handicapped-accessible, paved sidewalk that winds up to an overlook above the falls. Allow about 30 minutes for this easy walk.
Devil's Causeway* (East Fork Trail 1119)
Location: Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Trailhead is about 42 miles from Steamboat Springs off Highway 131 and FSR 900
Trail length: 6 miles round trip (if return on same trail) 10.5 miles (if continue on loop) Elevation: Trailhead: 10,280'; Causeway: 11,600'
Map: Trails Illustrated 122
Brief description: The Devil's Causeway itself is a narrow volcanic land bridge with 1,500-foot drop-offs on either side. Even those who choose not to venture across the causeway will still marvel at this unique natural wonder (many people with fear of heights actually crawl across).
The beginning of this hike climbs gradually through a woods before opening up in a wide, alpine-valley meadow that offers hikers their first view of the Devil's Causeway. It then switchbacks more steeply up to the causeway. The last short stretch to the causeway is steep with log and dirt stairs. The causeway is about 25 yards long and varies between about 4 and 10 feet wide. After reaching the causeway, hikers can return on the same trail or cross the causeway and walk along the plateau (with views of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and shepherds' camps) and loop back to the original trailhead. Please note: This alternative trail lacks signage in places, so a topographic map or guidebook is necessary.
Emerald Mountain Quarry
Location: Trailhead is northwest of downtown on Routt Street (Can also be accessed from Howelsen Hill park)
Trail length: About 2 miles each way
Elevation: Quarry: 7,778'; Top of Emerald Mountain: 8,252'; Gain: 1,088'
Brief Description: This hiking trail, which can also be mountain biked, follows an old dirt mining road to the Emerald Mountain Quarry and offers great views of Steamboat Springs, Sleeping Giant mountain and Rabbit Ears Pass. The beginning of the trail runs along the back of the historic Howelsen Hill Ski Area (ski lifts are occasionally visible) and continues above the ski area, winding along meadows to the quarry and an unhindered view of the valley. Along the way hikers will see several side trails marked as mountain bike loops. Just before the quarry, a steep trail continues to the top of Emerald Mountain. Allow about 45 minutes up and 35 minutes down (hiking). Since this trail is also popular with mountain bikers, keep an eye out and your dogs leashed.
Bike Trail Descriptions are next ...
«Previous Page
·
1 2 3
·
Next Page»
|
