Getting to Steamboat Springs is easy! Whether you prefer ground or air, there are many options for getting you here. Steamboat Springs is a scenic 157 mile drive west of Denver. The views are spectacular along the Interstate 70 corridor and Rabbit Ears Pass. The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is just 22 miles from Steamboat in the nearby town of Hayden.

Steamboat is 156 miles from Denver. Take I-70 west from Denver and use Exit 205 to merge onto Colorado Highway 9 North/Blue River Parkway toward Silverthorne. Follow Highway 9 for about 37 miles before turning onto U.S. 40 West. Continue on U.S. 40 west for another 51 miles and you have arrived. The drive should take about 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

GO Alpine offers a shared-ride shuttle service from the Denver International Airport (DIA) to Steamboat Springs. Reservations can be made for stops at I-70 and Youngfield Street in west Denver, or the towns of Silverthorne and Kremmling. Pick-up location at DIA is on the east side of the terminal, Door 513, Island No. 1 (labeled "Mountain Carrier”).

Salt Lake City is about six hours west of Steamboat Springs. From SLC, take Interstate 80 east for 256 miles, then take Exit 187, Wyoming Highway 789 South toward Creston Junction/Baggs. Once in Colorado, continue onto Colorado Highway 13 South for 38 miles. Turn left onto east 4th Street and make a slight left onto U.S. Highway 40 east/East Victory Way. Follow U.S. Highway 40 east for 41 miles until you reach Steamboat.

The closest airport to Steamboat Springs is Yampa Valley Regional Airport. The airport is only 22 miles from Steamboat and features nonstop flights from 12 major airports across the country on Alaska, American, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines during the winter months. Denver International Airport is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Steamboat. Steamboat Springs Airport/Bob Adams Field is a general aviation airport with flights by private and recreational aircraft, as well as corporate, business-based airplanes and helicopters. There are no commercial flights.

Southwest has flights to Yampa Valley Regional Airport from Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-December through early April. The carrier also offers three daily flights from Denver International Airport from mid-December through early April. Other airlines that service Yampa Valley Regional Airport include Alaska Airlines, American, JetBlue and United.

Yampa Valley Regional Airport has nonstop air service to Steamboat from several major cities: Boston, Chicago (O’Hare), Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles (LAX), Newark, New York (JFK), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington-Dulles. Most flights are during the winter months for ski season. During the summer, there are daily flights from Denver.

Steamboat Springs is a small town and has excellent public transportation. That being said, you might want to consider a car rental if you plan on doing a good amount of exploring in and around town. There are a few beautiful spots around Steamboat Springs that are easier to access by vehicle. If you have your own ride, you can set your own schedule! If you plan on flying to Yampa Valley Regional Airport, you can rent a car there and drive the 22 miles from the town of Hayden to Steamboat. It’s a beautiful drive!

Vacationers seem to love the unique setting of Steamboat Springs for its diversity. You can hike and bike beautiful trails that take you through aspen groves and stunning meadows of wildflowers that display an entire spectrum of colors. There is amazing scenery, views and natural wildlife around seemingly every bend. Match that with more than 60 bars and restaurants in town and a full calendar of events and festivals, and it’s easy to see why people return to Steamboat year after year.

It’s always best to make a few plans ahead of time before heading out on vacation. If you’re planning to fly to Denver International Airport or Yampa Valley Regional Airport, purchase your tickets more than 15 days prior to your flight to avoid any last-minute price hikes. Also, you want to make sure you get the flight that best fits your schedule. Also browse and book your lodging, especially if you’re coming during a peak time like Fourth of July week. Booking early will give you the most options and often the best price. If you’re planning on a whitewater trip or catching a concert, consider snagging those tickets ahead of time, too, so you’re not left on the outside looking in.

There’s a lot to do in downtown Steamboat Springs! Main Street runs from 3rd Street to 13th Street from Yampa River to Oak Street. Along Main Street, you can shop, dine, tour museums, relax at beautiful public spaces, or receive a pampering spa treatment. Lincoln Avenue has dozens of spots to explore - everything from local treats and souvenirs to hip apparels and sports gear. Some of the finest restaurants are along Lincoln Avenue: Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill, Tap House Sports Grill and Salt & Lime.

If you don’t ski, there’s still plenty to do in Steamboat Springs. You can visit a beautiful frozen waterfall, snowshoe the iconic Rabbit Ears Pass, take a romantic hot-air balloon ride, go snow tubing, rent a snow bike, visit an amazing art gallery, catch a show or live performance, or soak in an invigorating and rejuvenating hot springs. The town’s many delectable restaurants, pubs and eateries make it easy to eat, drink and be merry!

Steamboat Springs has immaculate luxury accommodations for the most discerning travelers, mostly at the base of the ski resort. Some of the highest-rated luxury hotels include the Steamboat Grand, Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas, Highmark Steamboat Springs and Canyon Creek at Eagle Ridge.

There are several affordable family-friendly hotels in and around Steamboat Springs. There are some name-brand chain hotels and a few affordable mom-and-pop lodges and inns. Some of the more popular hotels are Steamboat Mountain Lodge, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn.

Securing a vacation rental instead of a traditional hotel room for your next vacation probably won’t increase your budget too much, but it sure adds value. Vacation rentals often have full kitchens, more privacy and loads more space than a stuffy hotel room. Stretch out in a two-, three- or four-bedroom vacation rental and get the entire family under one roof. There are even larger rentals available that are five, six or seven bedrooms. Some have hot tubs, patios and barbecue grills and spectacular views. Talk about bang for your buck!