Steamboat Springs
A ranching and ski town on the Yampa River, ringed by hot springs, waterfalls and aspen country.
About Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is the county seat of Routt County in northwest Colorado, sitting at about 6,870 feet along the Yampa River. It's a working mountain town with ranch roots, a big ski resort on Mount Werner, and the Park Range rising to the east.
For photographers, Steamboat is a rich base. Fish Creek Falls, a roughly 280-foot waterfall a few miles from downtown, is a short walk from its trailhead. The Yampa runs right through town with river trails and bridges, and the surrounding valleys hold hay meadows, old barns and some of the best aspen stands in the state in fall.
Winter brings deep snow and Howelsen Hill's historic ski jumps lit up at night in the middle of town.
A ranching-turned-ski town in the Yampa Valley, known for its own distinct style of powder locals call champagne snow, plus genuine hot springs right in town. Morning fog burning off the surrounding aspen groves is a real, recurring phenomenon here given the valley's cold-air drainage — worth an early alarm specifically to catch it before the sun clears it out entirely.
History
The Yampatika band of Ute hunted this valley in summer until the U.S. Army forced them onto a Utah reservation starting in 1879. Early trappers named the place after hearing a chugging spring they mistook for a steamboat coming down the river. Steamboat Springs incorporated in 1900.
Norwegian Carl Howelsen arrived in 1913, introduced ski jumping and started the Winter Carnival, and Howelsen Hill is now considered the oldest continually operating ski area in North America. The Steamboat Ski Resort opened on Storm Mountain, now Mount Werner, in 1963.
Photographing Steamboat Springs
Best light: Fish Creek Falls sits in a shaded canyon east of town, so overcast days or early morning give the most even light on the water. Late September is prime for aspens in the surrounding hills, and winter evenings bring lit ski jumps and steaming hot springs.
Shots to look for
- Fish Creek Falls from the overlook with a 24-70mm, then from the footbridge below for a more intimate vertical
- The Yampa River through town with fall cottonwoods, slow shutter for silky water
- Old barns and hay meadows in the valleys around town with the Flat Tops or Park Range behind
- Howelsen Hill ski jumps lit at night above downtown, telephoto from across the river
- Steam rising off hot springs pools on a cold morning, backlit by low sun
Photo tips
- Fish Creek Falls has a per-vehicle day-use fee and a busy lot in summer and fall; go early
- Bring an ND filter and polarizer for the falls; spray reaches the bridge, so pack a lens cloth
- Many ranch barns are on private land; shoot from public roads
- Moose live in the area; give them plenty of room on trails
- Winter road conditions on Rabbit Ears Pass can be rough; check CDOT before driving in
Know before you go
- Fish Creek Falls charges a day-use parking fee; the upper trail beyond the falls climbs into the Routt National Forest
- Steamboat is a long drive from Denver over mountain passes; allow extra time in winter
- Summer and ski season are busy; book lodging early
Prints from Steamboat Springs
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Fish Creek Falls?
Fish Creek Falls drops roughly 280 feet. A short paved trail leads to an overlook, and another short dirt trail reaches the bridge at its base.
How did Steamboat Springs get its name?
Early trappers heard a chugging hot spring and thought it was a steamboat on the river, so they named the spot Steamboat Spring.
When is the best time to photograph Steamboat Springs?
Late September for aspens, and winter for snow, lit ski jumps and steamy hot springs.
Featured in: Best Fall Color Spots in Colorado · Winter Photography Spots in Colorado · Colorado Waterfall Hikes
Combine it with
Fish Creek Falls · Rabbit Ears Pass · Strawberry Park Hot Springs · Stagecoach State Park
More Colorado spots
Arapaho Pass · Grand Lake · Gothic (East River / Crested Butte)
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · steamboatchamber.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.