A River Runs Through It - Steamboat Springs fun down by the river

Summer on the Yampa, ski area in the background

Summer in a ski town is an experience that is hard to beat. If you only venture to the mountains in the winter to get your ski fix, you really should see how the other half lives, and plays. The only negative to summers in Steamboat Springs is trying to find the time to pack it all in, and that’s why we can only blog about it in pieces. Today’s piece is dedicated to one of my favorite amenities/geographic features: The Yampa River.

As I rode my bike along River Road, I snapped these photos with my phone to capture moments along the river. All summer long this area is bustling with activity. All along the Yampa River Core Trail there are parks, benches, picnic tables and even a few beaches leading to swimming holes.

Cool off in the Yampa!

I continued my ride on River Road , which then turns into Howelsen Parkway by the ice rink. By the way, if you are looking for a way to cool off, you could go ice skating at the Howelsen Ice Arena - no risk of sunburn in there! Or, the other great way to cool off is to get in the river. Tale a kayak lesson with the Mountain Sports Kayak School. Or float down the river in a tube.

Dine by the Yampa at Sweet Pea

Once downtown, Yampa Street offers a number of outfitters who can rent you tubes for a float. Or if you prefer not getting wet, you can find a number of restaurants along the river. You can also rent a bike and enjoy riding along the Core Trail which stretches 7 miles along the river and connects to other bike paths around town.

This is just a quick look at life along the Yampa River on any given summer day. Pictures do not do it justice, you should come and experience it for yourself!

By Riley the Steamboat blogging girl