I love driving over Rabbit Ears Pass on the way to Steamboat. I had originally planned to camp a night, but campgrounds were full and I opted for comfort instead. I booked a night at the Steamboat Springs Residence Inn using some points from my Marriott Bonvoy card. The room was great and the bed especially was very comfy. I made use of the hot tub, gym, and laundry. They have a decent breakfast as well. It’s right next to Safeway and there are walking paths all around. I really liked it there and wish there were apartment hotels like that at more reasonable rates.
The Yampa River Core Trail is only a couple of blocks from the hotel, and I enjoyed a nice walk into town, with a peaceful stop at the Yampa River Botanic Park along the way. Once in town, I went hunting for tacos and found Taco Cabo right next to the river with a fun and casual vibe on the back patio. The Pollo Tinga and the Pescado tacos were okay, but the Chipotle Shrimp was heavenly. After that, I went looking for ice cream but was kind of disappointed with the options downtown. I caught an Uber back to the hotel but should have taken the free bus.
My favorite coffee spot this time around was Big Iron Coffee. It’s centrally located, with lots of space inside and a little patio area as well. Most of the other places I went to in town were kind of cramped for seating.
I spent a little time looking for a place to do pull-ups and found some playgrounds that would work in a pinch. There’s Brooklyn Park close to town and Whistler Park about a 10-minute drive south.
Fish Creek Falls
One of the most popular hikes near Steamboat is Fish Creek Falls. I kept pushing it off hoping I would find a time when it wasn’t raining, but it was still drizzly the Sunday morning when I went. It was still a nice hike though, and maybe more peaceful due to the weather. Evidently it can get pretty busy. I didn’t make it to the upper falls because of time constraints, but now I have a reason to go back!
