Six Must-Try Trails
06/29/2026 07:26PM ● By Sophie Dingle
Fish Creek Falls. Image by Noah Wetzel.
Summer in Steamboat Springs means long days, wildflower-covered hillsides and miles of trails just minutes from downtown. Whether it’s a relaxed stroll, a scenic single track ride or a full alpine adventure, the Yampa Valley offers something for every level. These six local favorites highlight some of the best hiking and biking trails to explore during a summer stay.
Just three miles from downtown, the lower trail at Fish Creek Falls is one of Steamboat’s most iconic outdoor stops. A paved half-mile path leads to an overlook of the dramatic 280-foot waterfall as it plunges into a rocky canyon. The short walk makes it perfect for families or visitors looking for a quick nature experience close to town, especially in early summer when snowmelt makes the falls thunder. Make sure to have $5 for the parking lot fee.
Moderate: Blackmere Trail on Emerald Mountain
Rising directly above town, Emerald Mountain offers a network of trails with sweeping valley views. Blackmere ascends steadily through open hillsides and aspen groves before revealing panoramic views of the Yampa Valley and downtown Steamboat. The trail climbs roughly two miles from the base to the overlook (about four miles round trip). Wildflowers often blanket the slopes in summer, making the hike as colorful as it is scenic.
Advanced: Zirkel Circle
For hikers looking to experience Colorado’s high country, the Zirkel Circle in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness delivers an unforgettable alpine journey. This roughly 11-mile loop winds through dense forest and into dramatic alpine basins dotted with pristine lakes, including Gold Creek Lake. Towering peaks, wildflowers and quiet wilderness make it one of the most spectacular full-day hikes within reach of Steamboat.
The paved Yampa River Core Trail runs more than seven miles through town along the Yampa River, connecting parks, neighborhoods and downtown shops. With gentle terrain and scenic river views, it’s the perfect ride for families or casual cyclists who want to explore Steamboat at a relaxed pace.
Moderate: Lupine Trail
Located just minutes from downtown on Emerald Mountain, Lupine Trail is a classic Steamboat single track ride providing smooth, rolling terrain. In early summer, the slopes come alive with vibrant purple lupine flowers – giving the trail its name and making it one of the most scenic rides in the area.
Advanced: Flash of Gold
Often ranked among the region’s best mountain bike rides, Flash of Gold offers a thrilling high-country climb or descent above Steamboat. The roughly 10-mile point-to-point trail on Buffalo Pass winds through forests, ridgelines and wide-open meadows with stunning views of the Yampa Valley. With technical sections and a long downhill run, it’s a bucket list ride for experienced mountain bikers looking to tackle Steamboat’s legendary trail system.
Summer in Steamboat Springs means long days, wildflower-covered hillsides and miles of trails just minutes from downtown. Whether it’s a relaxed stroll, a scenic single track ride or a full alpine adventure, the Yampa Valley offers something for every level. These six local favorites highlight some of the best hiking and biking trails to explore during a summer stay.
Hiking
Easy: Fish Creek Falls Lower TrailJust three miles from downtown, the lower trail at Fish Creek Falls is one of Steamboat’s most iconic outdoor stops. A paved half-mile path leads to an overlook of the dramatic 280-foot waterfall as it plunges into a rocky canyon. The short walk makes it perfect for families or visitors looking for a quick nature experience close to town, especially in early summer when snowmelt makes the falls thunder. Make sure to have $5 for the parking lot fee.
Moderate: Blackmere Trail on Emerald Mountain
Rising directly above town, Emerald Mountain offers a network of trails with sweeping valley views. Blackmere ascends steadily through open hillsides and aspen groves before revealing panoramic views of the Yampa Valley and downtown Steamboat. The trail climbs roughly two miles from the base to the overlook (about four miles round trip). Wildflowers often blanket the slopes in summer, making the hike as colorful as it is scenic.
Advanced: Zirkel Circle
For hikers looking to experience Colorado’s high country, the Zirkel Circle in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness delivers an unforgettable alpine journey. This roughly 11-mile loop winds through dense forest and into dramatic alpine basins dotted with pristine lakes, including Gold Creek Lake. Towering peaks, wildflowers and quiet wilderness make it one of the most spectacular full-day hikes within reach of Steamboat.
Biking
Easy: Yampa River Core TrailThe paved Yampa River Core Trail runs more than seven miles through town along the Yampa River, connecting parks, neighborhoods and downtown shops. With gentle terrain and scenic river views, it’s the perfect ride for families or casual cyclists who want to explore Steamboat at a relaxed pace.
Moderate: Lupine Trail
Located just minutes from downtown on Emerald Mountain, Lupine Trail is a classic Steamboat single track ride providing smooth, rolling terrain. In early summer, the slopes come alive with vibrant purple lupine flowers – giving the trail its name and making it one of the most scenic rides in the area.
Advanced: Flash of Gold
Often ranked among the region’s best mountain bike rides, Flash of Gold offers a thrilling high-country climb or descent above Steamboat. The roughly 10-mile point-to-point trail on Buffalo Pass winds through forests, ridgelines and wide-open meadows with stunning views of the Yampa Valley. With technical sections and a long downhill run, it’s a bucket list ride for experienced mountain bikers looking to tackle Steamboat’s legendary trail system.