Author: EL
Recommendations
Float the Yampa River - Often confused with floating the Platte River in Downtown Denver……
what?
Hell nah. This river is 25X (not fact checked) cleaner than the Platte River. Reserve a spot with the local tubing outfitters and leave your phone at home.
RJ’s Jumping Spot - Park and hike to King Solomon Falls located an hour drive past Steamboat. You’ll end the hike with three options:
- A: Enjoy a moderately difficult hike with a waterfall view at the end
- B: Enjoy a moderately difficult hike and cliff jump roughly 20-30 feet
- C: Enjoy a moderately difficult hike and f*cking send it cliff jumping 90 feet (RJ’s example)
This has been recommended by locals - I look forward to choosing option B on my next visit.
Couple of food & drink suggestions - Winona’s ($) prepares a lovely breakfast with a neighborhood diner feel. Beard & Braid ($) has good eats, drinks, and ideal WFH posting up in a coffee shop ambience.
Tired of an overcrowded Denver Farmers Market? Steamboat’s Farmers Market ($$) is filled with local vendors providing all the drinks, bites, and goods. If you want to support local business, this is the place to do it.
Steamboat Lake Campsite - Can I describe this place any better than a government website?
CO State Gov: “One of the true jewels of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone. Camping at Steamboat Lake offers a spectacular opportunity to immerse yourself in clean, crisp air and true Rocky Mountain living.”
I can’t. But, I will add that you can book campsites next to the lake with water access. Bring your paddle board or rent a kayak, board, or boat. Pack some rain covers as afternoon rain does roll through. Look for the mountain that looks like a nipple (Hahn’s Peak). Don’t forget s’more supplies.
Dissuasions
Short timelines and queasy car rides: If you’re making the trip from Denver, which most non-locals do (in lieu of flying), make sure to give yourself at least 2-3 nights in the area. There’s much to see and do and the drive is not always easy (s/o to I-70). Plan a long weekend or take some of your “unlimited” PTO and give these recommendations a go.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
Song Rec:
Twisters: The Album - Various Artists - I went to Twister’s this past weekend and sufficed to say there’s plenty of cheese, enough action, and a soundtrack that brings the whole thing together. While I’m unsure if I’d add this to your library long term, it’s worth a summertime listen on a drive down those country roads.
Book Rec:
Steve Jobs - Walter Isaacson
I’m a sucker for a good biography and Isaacson does an incredible job capturing the arc of Steve Job’s life through Job’s point of view along with the views of those around him. I’ve never seen the movie, and after reading this book I’m unsure I need to. Give it a go.
Quote to consider:
“The utility of living consists not in the length of days, but in the use of time; a man may have lived long, and yet lived but a little” - Michel de Montaigne