Advice - Hiking in Steamboat Springs?

[dmccool]

We're heading to Steamboat for a few days and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions/recommendations/must-do's for hiking in and around town. I'd like to get my father-in-law above treeline if possible, but we won't be able to drive very far from where we're staying. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Dan

[tmathews]

Hahns Peak. Flattops Trail. Trapper's Lake.

[dmccool]

Hahns Peak. Flattops Trail. Trapper's Lake.

I knew you'd chime in! Thanks, T.

[Scott P]

Hahns Peak. Flattops Trail. Trapper's Lake.

Good places, but be prepared for lots of snow.

As of today, Buffalo Pass (above Steamboat) is currently reporting 138" of snow on the ground at 10,500 feet. Around Steamboat, the snow level is currently below 8000 feet except on open south facing slopes.

Not that those hikes can't be done, but be prepared for snow.

Fish Creek Falls is very impressive right now. Getting above timberline right now is going to involve significant snow travel anywhere around Steamboat Springs.

If you want snow, the above suggestions are good ones to try. If you don't want too much snow, try Emerald Mountain or Fish Creek Falls.

[tmathews]

Hahns Peak. Flattops Trail. Trapper's Lake.

Trapper's Lake isn't above treeline, but man is it gorgeous.

[dmccool]

Thanks Scott and Terry. My in-laws are coming from the Midwest and they won't have the means for snow travel. Trapper's Lake looks great, maybe I can make it happen. I just have to find a practical place to take them. Fish Creek/Emerald just might work.

[Scott P]

Trapper's Lake looks great, maybe I can make it happen.

Before trying it, check with the FS to see if Ripple Creek Pass is open yet. They were plowing it, so I'm guessing it is, but it would be worth checking. If the pass isn't open, Trappers Lake is a three hour drive each way from Steamboat. If the pass is open, it is about two hours or so each way.

[perryw]

The hike to Gilpin lake is nice.

[wasclywabbit]

Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous areas on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity

coughSPAMcough

[gonzalj]

+1 on emerald mtn and fish creek falls (both great hikes) and spectacular views of mt. werner from emerald mtn. Also, check out strawberry park hot springs one of those nights sometime.

[Mountainspirit]

Strawberry Hot Springs is also wonderful during the daytime too. But as an FYI, suits are required by day, and are optional after hours (good information to have if you go with children). I just went on Sunday and it was relaxing and fantastic. :D

[dmccool]

Thanks to all. We did Fish Creek Falls (and then about halfway up to Long Lake), Emerald Mountain, and then part of the Bear Creek Trail near Strawberry Hot Springs. Great advice from everyone. Buffalo Pass is still closed at the gate about 2 miles up and the Yampa River is over-flowing quite a bit.