Celebrate the 4th of July in Steamboat Springs, CO
For a hearty helping of Americana, community love and passion for the outdoors, it's hard to beat spending the Fourth of July holiday in our little hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It's like a warm slice of apple pie with an extra large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Located in the northwest corner of Colorado, Steamboat is a (beautiful!) 3 hour drive from Denver...just long enough to dissuade folks that are looking for a quicker hit to the mountains. But if you make the trek to Ski and Bike Town USA for Independence Day, we promise you won't regret it. #iykyk
Here's our step-by-step plan for making the most out of the day, with some secret tips to avoid crowds as well.
FOURTH OF JULY MORNING:
6am: Parade Prep!
- Get ready to spend the day downtown! You will want a front row seat to the parade on Lincoln Avenue, so head down when the sun comes up and place your blanket and chairs on the sidewalk to reserve your spot. (If you don't make it early, not to worry, you can still peek at the parade, but it just may not be as comfortable.) Also, by going early, you'll secure a great parking spot - with the road closures, plan to park northeast of Lincoln Ave along Oak and Pine Streets. Reminder, the free bus system in town is a huge help as well!
^^This was at 6am in 2023.
7am: Pancake Breakfast
- The great news? You are already downtown so head to Little Toots Park at 7am for the Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast. A delicious meal to fuel the whole family for a great day - $15 for adults, $10 for veterans, seniors and children under 12.
- If you're looking for something other than pancakes, the eggs benedicts at Creekside are incredible, as are the cinnamon rolls at Winona's. Johnny B Good's on Lincoln is a great option too (with town's go-to milkshakes)!
9am: The Show is About to Begin
- Grab a coffee or cocoa at Beard and Braid on 9th St or Big Iron Coffee on Lincoln at 7th St and make your way to your seats.
9:15am: Nordic Skiing in Summer?!
- In this town, playing outside on snow is life and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club is at the pinnacle of training our youth to become champions on and off the mountain.
- The parade kicks off with a 1k Run for younger kiddos and the Nordic Combined Roller Ski 3k Race for the competitors of the annual 4th of July Jumpin' and Jammin' Fourth of July Ski Jumping Extravaganza.
- This is a sight to behold, as Olympians and Olympic hopefuls take to Lincoln Avenue racing at incredible speeds right by your chairs.
- Welcome to our community! The annual parade showcases non-profits like dancers from Perry Mansfield and kids from the Steamboat Soccer Club, businesses like Yampa Valley Bank and local groups like the Steamboat Rugby Club (whose annual Cowpie Classic Tournament is in town this weekend as well). The parade showcases our rich agriculture and ranching history with western flare, smiles and high fives for the crowd. You'll feel like a local after this.
FOURTH OF JULY MIDDAY:
11am: Grab lunch and prep for an afternoon picnic under the soaring jumpers
- Take a deep breath and make a lunch plan. Get take out from Skull Creek Greek, Yampa Sandwich Company or Steamboat Meat and Seafood. Or, take a seat at Salt & Lime (rooftop deck with views!), Taco Cabo (deck overlooking the Yampa River) or the Yampa River Icehouse (prime location for BBQ).
- Walk across the bridge and under the Howelsen Tunnel and get ready to see young folks of all ages flying, soaring, Jumpin' and Jammin' in the air at the best summer ski jumping competition in the world.
- Set up an umbrella, bring your lawn chairs and lunch (don't forget the sunscreen and hats!) and put your hands together for some of the best in the business. These jumpers will knock your socks off and this elimination competition promises tons of excitement.
FOURTH OF JULY AFTERNOON:
3pm: Keep the team moving and hit the water
- After the final jumper lands and wins the competition, head back across the river and stop on the banks to dip your toes in. You may just have time to tube 'the town run' with Backdoor Sports who will rent you an inner tube to float the Yampa River and pick you up and shuttle you back to their doorstep.
FOURTH OF JULY EVENING:
5pm: A fork in the road
- Here's where the rubber meets the road and you have some decisions to make.
- Option 1: Stay downtown, enjoy the water, watch the kids play at Little Toots Park, cool down at the Bud Werner Memorial Library and indulge in a little Happy Hour at Mountain Tap, Barley or Yampa Brewing Company Hop House. And don't miss the Alpine Slide on Howelsen for incredible views of town and tons of fun. Then grab a bite at Laundry or Mambo before making your way to the Steamboat Pro Rodeo downtown. They'll have BBQ and music going at 6pm and the Rodeo starts at 7:30pm.
- Option 2: Head to Steamboat Resort ("the mountain" as locals call it) and grab dinner at The Range. Live music is on the stage from 5:30-8:30. The kiddos can play in the river and at the "beach". With lawn games galore, there is something for everyone. At 9pm the Independence Day Fourth of July Drone Light Show starts.
- Two beautiful ways to cap off a fun-filled day in the 'Boat.
We hope you love your time in Steamboat and welcome to our little community. Have a wonderful, safe and lovely Fourth with family and friends. Keep your eyes peeled for our CEO and Co-Founder Robin Hall while out and about on the above itinerary. Sometimes she falls a little behind as she'll find a napportunity along the way to keep the dream alive as long as she can. Love Outside!
