Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a mountain town at 2,052 meters (6,732 feet) elevation in northwest Colorado, on the banks of the Yampa River. The town spreads along the river valley, surrounded by forested slopes and open pastures that rise toward the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

James Harvey Crawford settled here as the first permanent resident in 1874, establishing the settlement. Mining drew people to the area over the following decades, before winter tourism became the main source of income from the 20th century onward.

The name comes from a steaming geyser near the river, which early settlers mistook for a steamboat. Today, hot springs shape the town's character, and locals use the thermal baths throughout the year.

The town lies on US Highway 40 connecting Denver with western Colorado, and Hayden Airport is about a half-hour drive away. Snow falls from November through April, while summer months bring dry weather and temperatures around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).

More than 150 residents of this small town have competed in the Winter Olympics, more than from any other North American community. Many athletes still train here today and teach at local ski schools.

Location: Routt County

Elevation above the sea: 2,052 m

Website: https://steamboatsprings.net

GPS coordinates: 40.47639,-106.82667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:13