Routt – Experience Lakes, Rivers and Culture

Routt County combines expansive landscapes, water-based experiences and a remarkable history. Here, you can combine days by the lake, excursions along the Yampa River, cultural discoveries and special events. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is worth first deciding on the focus of your trip: Are water and nature your priorities, are you more interested in Western heritage, or are you looking for a mix of active and more relaxing experiences?

Lakes, rivers and trails for varied days

Several state parks and areas of the National Forest are located within Routt County. Steamboat Lake State Park is one of these state parks. Its main attraction is a lake covering 1,053 surface acres. In addition, more than seven miles of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking. Yampa River State Park encompasses a 134-mile section of the Yampa River with 13 access points. This allows you to plan your trip around either a lake or a section of river.

Stagecoach Reservoir also offers various possibilities on the water. The 820-acre reservoir allows boating, fishing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and water skiing. Stagecoach Reservoir also provides access for shore fishing, two boat ramps and a full-service marina. At Pearl Lake, fly-fishing and bait fishing for native cutthroat trout are possible. Swimming and water skiing, however, are not permitted there because the lake is wakeless. These differences can help you choose the right destinations for the days you have planned for your holiday.

For active excursions, the Fish Creek Falls Trail offers a specific route: After an elevation gain of 2,300 vertical feet, the trail leads 2.5 miles to a second waterfall. At Buffalo Pass, trails can be combined into longer loops and lead into town. In summer, the Steamboat Gondola offers rides with views of the Yampa Valley. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway is also a scenic route associated with Routt County.

Western Heritage and Special History

Routt County is also suitable for travelers who want to combine landscapes with history. Ute groups were already camping in the Routt County valley up to 1,000 years ago. The discovery of gold at Hahn's Peak in 1861 contributed to the development of the county. At the Queen Anne-style Zimmerman House, built in 1901, students can experience rooms from around the turn of the century and learn about historical everyday activities using replica and historical objects.

In the area of the host community Steamboat Springs, the Steamboat Springs History Museum offers year-round exhibitions, tours, events and activities for children focusing on Western heritage. Old Town Hot Springs, a historic hot spring and family-friendly recreational facility, is also located there. Strawberry Park Hot Springs features thermal pools with unique natural-stone construction. Anyone who wants to shift the focus after a day outdoors can take these cultural and restorative experiences into account when planning their trip.

Winter sports are also part of the character of the county. Howelsen Hill Ski Area opened in 1915, and Routt County is home to Steamboat Ski Resort. Mahogany Ridge at Steamboat Resort offers terrain for very experienced and expert skiers. This allows you to align your choice of travel dates and accommodation with your own interests without separating nature, history and regional tradition from one another.

Events with Regional Character

The events calendar provides further opportunities to get to know Routt County. The Routt County Fair takes place every year in August at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden. The Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from July through August; its roots go back more than 100 years. In the area of the host community Steamboat Springs, the Steamboat Winter Carnival includes events honoring Western heritage and winter sports. The Winter Carnival is the oldest continuously held winter carnival west of the Mississippi.

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to plan your trip around water activities, museum visits, hot springs, hikes or an event date. Yampa Valley Regional Airport is owned by Routt County and operated by the county; you can include this information in your arrival planning. For more travel ideas, you can also find pages about Yampa, Pueblo, Logan, Summit, Adams, Mineral County and Saguache County.

For the overarching travel overview: Colorado.