With summer in full swing across the Yampa Valley, it’s time to start marking your calendars for late-summer events, festivals, and activities in Steamboat Springs. You won’t want to miss out on annual races such as the Emerald Mountain Epic or the Yampa Valley Crane Festival! As August and September approach, many summertime concert series and movie events are coming to an end. So make sure you enjoy the last few dates before school starts back up!
Emerald Mountain Epic
📷 Photo courtesy of Emerald Mountain Epic
Where? 840 Howelsen Parkway
When? August 3rd & 4th
Formerly known as the Steamboat Stinger, the Emerald Mountain Epic is a challenging running and mountain biking race that showcases some of the nation’s finest athletes. The race attracts participants from across the country and showcases their skills in a true test of mettle. The race is uniquely rewarding in that it’s 90% single track with impressive elevation gains. Permits allow for 500 racers on the start line each day to help minimize the impacts on the trail system. On August 3rd, the 52-mile solo mountain bike race kicks off, as well as the duo relay. August 4th is for trail running, featuring both the full and half marathons, as well as the 10k (which still boasts a challenging 900-foot elevation gain)! Proceeds from the race go to support local nonprofits, including Partners in Routt County and Routt County Riders. Whether you’re participating in this annual event or you’re volunteering to help support the participants, come on out and enjoy the festivities!
Movies on the Mountain
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? August 3rd & 10th
Mark your calendars for the final two screenings this summer for the Movies on the Mountain Series at Steamboat Stage. Films run between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM and admission is always free. Join local community members in Steamboat Square for a cinematic experience that can’t be beaten. Invite your friends and family and bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and plenty of snacks to enjoy while you watch the movie. There will be concessions such as popcorn and candy, as well as Coca-Cola beverages available for purchase onsite. On August 3rd, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is playing and on August 10th, the grand finale of the summer is Back to the Future.
$20 Vaccination Saturday
📷 Photo courtesy of Routt County Humane Society
Where? 760 Critter Court
When? August 10th
Vaccination Saturdays are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month. The Routt County Humane Society’s Wellness Clinic hosts this monthly event from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the shelter. Animal owners can pay $20 per vaccination and $25 per microchip for a budget-friendly way to ensure that their animal companion is healthy and safe. No appointment is required, simply show up with your furry friend. All pets should be leashed and/or in a carrier for everybody’s safety. Pets will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis so arrive early to ensure you don’t have to wait in a long line. If you can’t make it to August’s vaccination event, then September’s is hosted on the 14th and October’s is on the 12th. Mark your calendars now!
Rock’n the Taco
Where? 222 East Main Street
When? August 4th, 11th & 18th
You have a few more opportunities to enjoy this Sunday music series in nearby Oak Creek this summer. Lupita’s Cantina invites you to join in on the fun every Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for live music, delicious food, and even better drinks. August 4th will feature DJ Session and August 11th will have a performance from Speak of the Devil. The finale for the season on August 18th is led by Lack Family Bank. Admission is completely free, so arrive hungry and enjoy quesadillas, tacos, cheesesteaks, and more. There is an array of adult beverages on the menu, including beer, cocktails and nonalcoholic options such as yerba mate tea and NA beer.
Continental Divide Trail Race
Where? 2305 Mount Werner Circle
When? August 24th
This stunning run in Steamboat Springs takes racers through aspen and pine forests and across diverse terrain. Whether you opt for the 50K, the 16M, or the 5M, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Yampa Valley. Estimates put the 50K at 5,500 feet worth of elevation gain, so this race is no joke! The trail race begins and ends at the Steamboat Ski Area. The 5-miler option is the most recent addition in an attempt to make the race more accessible to the general public. Leashed dogs are welcome on the shorter course, so make this a family event!
Ski Resort Guided Hike
📷 Photo courtesy of Yampatika
Where? 3150 Burgess Creek Road
When? Thursdays in August
Enjoy a guided hike that starts from Steamboat Ski Resort and takes outdoor enthusiasts along the Creekside Trail. Throughout the hike, participants will learn about human-wildlife conflict in the Yampa Valley, as well as ways that the public can help make a difference. If you’ve been interested in learning more about cohabitating with bears, moose, elk, birds, and other local wildlife, this is the perfect activity for you! Hikers will meet at the Thunderhead Lift at 9:15 AM and carpool to the trailhead together. Expect the tour to wrap up at around 11:00 AM. The guided hike is open to all ages and the route is approximately 1 mile with a fair bit of elevation gain. These guided hikes are free but registration is required. Sun protection is recommended, as well as a personal water supply to ensure proper hydration.
Yampa Valley Crane Festival
📷 Photo courtesy of Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition
Where? 40625 County Road 69A
When? August 29th-September 1st
This year will mark the 13th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival, taking place across four days this summer in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig. There will be an impressive speaker lineup, including keynote speaker Dr. Liz Smith and names such as Michael Forsberg, Noah Strycker, and crane expert Paul Tebbel. Nature’s Educators will showcase live raptors up close to audiences during a special presentation and there will be opportunities for guided bird walks as well. The festival store will be set up in the library conference room and there will be crane yard art displayed around town plus an online auction for the yard art cranes. The full schedule of events can be found here, making it easy for attendees to find specific events, ceremonies, workshops, and more throughout the festival dates.
10K at 10,000 Feet
Where? Summit of the Old Rabbit Ears Pass Road
When? September 1st
This 10K run is arguably the most stunning one that Colorado has to offer, traversing 6.8 miles of iconic Colorado views. Not only will the views take your breath away, but you’ll also be challenged with rigorous trail terrain and elevation changes. Begin the run at 10,000 feet, where you’ll ascend even further into the striking beauty of Rabbit Ears Pass. Racers will plunge down dirt roads and single-track paths, with a total difference of 1,200 feet in elevation. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of water and swing by the aid station halfway through the course. There’s a 5K option as well for those who want to keep things more casual. Registration begins at $25 for the 5K and $40 for the full 10K.
Thrive Together: Women’s Leadership Summit
Where? 22300 Mount Werner Circle
When? September 12th
This annual women’s leadership summit is a collaboration that aims to promote, motivate, and empower women in all phases of life and their careers. Women face a unique myriad of challenges when it comes to achieving positions of power. Thrive Together is designed to bring these talented, tenacious, and sometimes disruptive women together to share, discuss, and learn from each other. The summit features a variety of learning formats, including breakout sessions, workshops, general session keynotes, and even an exhibitor area that features sponsors and local companies. Coffee and lunch will be included. Keynote speakers at this year’s event are the founder of Empowerment Through Adventure, Lori Schneider, and Business Strategist, Melanie Mills. The presenting sponsor of Thrive Together 2024 is Alpine Bank and speaker sponsors include UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center.
Steamboat Food and Wine Festival
Where? Various Locations
When? October 3rd-5th
The annual Steamboat Food and Wine Festival is one of the best area events! As the years progress, the event continues to get bigger and better. From gourmet food tastings, wine sampling, and world-renowned chefs, this event is a can’t-miss for anybody and everybody who considers themself a foodie. The schedule kicks off with a toast to the start of the weekend, followed by a Timber and Tables Dinner at Alpine Mountain Ranch and a Napa to Yampa Dinner at Yampa Valley Kitchen. The festivities continue with wine seminars, hike and sip events, charcuterie lessons, and even a culinary knife skills class hosted by experts from Wolfe Kitchen Cutlery. The pinnacle of culinary excellence at the Steamboat Food and Wine Festival is the Grand Tasting on the Torian Plum Lawn, where attendees will take in breathtaking views of the Rockies and enjoy a sensory journey with each sip and bite.
Make the Most of Your Summer in Steamboat Springs!
There are some can’t-miss Steamboat Springs events as the summer draws to a close, including the annual Steamboat Food and Wine Festival and the 10K at 10,000 Feet race. Make the most of these last couple of months and enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities, such as guided hikes and outdoor movies.