Yampa River Core Trail – Hot Springs loop from Steamboat Springs

Hiking trails & Routes

Routt County

Steamboat Springs

Yampa River Core Trail – Hot Springs loop from Steamboat Springs

Moderate

hikers

Yampa River Core Trail – Hot Springs loop from Steamboat Springs

02:17

8.99km

30m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 19, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.53 km

Yampa River Botanic Park

Highlight • Natural

The Park sits at an altitude of 6,880 ft in a cool valley at the foot of Mt Werner, the Steamboat Ski Mountain. In winter, cold air flows down the mountains into the Valley so that temperatures can reach as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (and Celsius). The Park gets an average of only 60 days a year without a killing frost. These low temperatures, together with very dry summers and high levels of ultra-violet make this a challenging climate in which to grow plants. Native species, plants from similar climates in other parts of the World, and cultivars of lower-altitude plants thrive. The gardens contain mostly perennials.
The Yampa River Botanic Park is managed by a volunteer association. The 6 acre park sits on land donated to the City of Steamboat Springs.
The Park is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, May 1 through October 31. Most plants in the Park are labeled with common and scientific names and show which plants are native only to Northwest Colorado (endemic). Since 1999 the Park hosts "Music on the Green", free lunchtime classical and contemporary music concerts. yampariverbotanicpark.org

Tip by

3.52 km

Fetcher Pond

Lake

3.63 km

Yampa River Core Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Exemplary dedicated and well-paved bike trail, mostly in nature along the scenic Yampa river, and safely separate from road traffic

Tip by

7.55 km

Sweetwater Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

Sweetwater Spring has a temperature of 64°F. Sweetwater is one of a number springs that feed Lake Spring. To help dry some of the surrounding marshy land, this lake was created by making a bowl into which a number of springs bubble up and into. While you are here, look on the surface and see if you can tell how many springs flow into Lake Spring. Information and map of all the springs at hotspringsguide.net/steamboat-springs-hot-springs-maps-information

Tip by

7.58 km

Sulphur Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

Easy access and part of Steamboat Springs history.

Tip by

7.82 km

Hot Springs

Highlight • Natural Monument

Here, you can observe the active hot springs, which is how Steamboat Springs got its name. As you ride along the bike trail, you'll come across informative signs about each hot spring. Please note that swimming is not allowed.

Tip by

7.92 km

Yampa River

Highlight • River

The Yampa River runs through the heart of Steamboat Springs and offers a variety of recreational activities right in town, including tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fly fishing.

Tip by

8.18 km

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Highlight • Settlement

Steamboat Springs is situated at an elevation of 6,700 feet in northwest Colorado. It is known as Ski Town USA, boasting two ski resorts within the town. Steamboat features a historic downtown area with local businesses, restaurants, and geothermal hot springs. Additionally, the Yampa River flows right through downtown.

Tip by

8.99 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types