Summer2014
S t e a m b o at
Photo by John F. Russell
Steamboat from A to Z ........................... 12
A to Z
Wondering what to do this summer in this fair hamlet of ours nestled at the base of Mount Werner? Practice your alphabet while thumbing through the following A to Z activities.
Family Fun ............................................. 29 Yampatika .............................................. 31 Hiking .................................................... 32
Art Scene With a burgeoning art community, Steamboat has become one of the state’s premier arts destinations. Visitors can take in everything from paintings and photos of local wildlife and landscapes to bronzes, jewelry, ceramics, furniture and more in an ever-growing array of venues. You also can browse more acclaimed international work, from tribal hand-woven rugs to etchings from master printers. Steamboat’s stores and galleries reflect the town’s Western heritage, with historic downtown boasting an art museum and a dozen galleries. “There’s a strong artist community here, from established artists to younger ones fostering their talent,” says the Steamboat Springs Arts Council’s Park Myers. To find this wealth of talent, one of the best venues is the First Friday Artwalk, a tour organized by local gallery owners from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Nearly 20 galleries, businesses and other venues participate in the monthly event, showcasing local art with drinks, appetizers and live music. “It’s a great community event,” says local artist Ken Lee. First Friday Artwalk maps are available at downtown art galleries and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association (1255 S. Lincoln Ave., 970-879-0880). Contact the Arts Council (970-879-9008, www.steamboatspringsarts.com) for more information.
ALPINE SLIDE Head over to the base of Howelsen Hill and take a quick run down the Howler Alpine Slide at 645 Howelsen Parkway, a favorite for families. Steamboat’s most exciting summer attraction lets you enjoy scenic views of downtown and Mount Werner as you ride a chairlift to the top of historic Howelsen Hill. From there, it’s all downhill on a sled that puts you in control of your exhilarating ride as you wind down the track.
Children 2 to 6 years old must ride with an adult; ages 7 and older can ride solo. Bonus: See if you can break the 43-second descent record. Info: 970-819-8010, www.steamboatalpineslide.com
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CANDYLAND
Cam & Ram Scrambles
Reward your kids for an outing well done with a visit to Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory at 845 Lincoln Ave., where gummy worms, fudge and more can help entice your brood to continue their outdoor adventures, or the new Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy shop at 601 Lincoln Ave. downtown in the Alpen Glow building.
Let the kids be part of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series by throwing them into the arena at the Calf and Ram Scrambles, an event set aside specifically for kids. The Calf Scramble is for kids ages 6 to 12, while the Ram Scramble is for kids 5 and younger. Held between events such as steer wrestling, tie-down roping and bronc riding, kids can feel as much a part of the show as the professional riders. Kids gather in the arena, the calf or ram is let out and the kids give chase to grab the ribbon off its tail. The winner receives a gift certificate to F.M. Light & Sons. Info: www.steamboatprorodeo.com.
Photographers Matt Stensland, John F. Russell, Joel Reichenberger, Scott Franz, Tom Ross and Nate Waggenspack
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Advertising representatives Christy Woodland and Reed Jones
Hike Fish Creek Falls/Uranium Trail In two hours, you can drive to the trailhead for Fish Creek Falls, hike to the falls’ bottom and overlook, and be back in downtown in the time it would take to see a movie. Another option: head north up the Uranium Mine Trail for another great overlook of the gorge below. To get there, head north on Third Street and turn right onto Fish Creek Falls Road. Follow the road for about 3 miles until it dead-ends at the parking lot.
Menus & More........................................ 37
Picnic at Spring Creek Drive to the trailhead at East Maple Street and Amethyst Drive by the Steamboat Springs High School, and then hike up a short dirt road to a gazebo picnic shelter and two small ponds. Keep going up Spring Creek Trail, or fish, relax by the water and toss sticks for your dog before returning to town.
Wild West ................................................ 57
Advertising design Severiano DeMarco, Chris McGaw and Mack Maschmeier
Hot Springs Walking Tour Journey in the footsteps of the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes in a walking tour of the city’s mineral springs downtown. Start at Iron Spring by the Depot Art Center (across from the library), which puts you within easy walking distance of them all. Easy to reach springs include Iron, Soda, Sulphur, Sweetwater, Steamboat, Heart and Black Sulphur. Extend your tour with a hike to Lithia Spring in Fairview (which some locals still drink from) as well as the Sulphur Cave, a short hike up Howelsen Hill. Bonus: Make Old Town Hot Springs your last stop and end your stroll with a soothing soak (though that doesn’t count as part of the 120 minutes). Info (and self-guided brochure): www. yampavalley.info.
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Historic Town Tour Take a step back in time with a historic walking tour of Steamboat Springs. Go on your own, or meet in front of the Tread of Pioneers Museum at 800 Oak St. every Thursday from June 27 to Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. (free; no registration necessary). The focus: the area’s historic buildings and early settlers, teaching you about such early pioneers such as Carl Howelsen, Margaret Crawford and Doc Willett. The tour passes such buildings at the Old Town Pub, the old Pilot Building and Pioneer building, painting a picture about the area’s unique history. Bonus: reduced admission
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Wildlife ................................................... 64
Activity Guide .................................... 68
BOWL Look to bowl some spares and strikes at Snow Bowl (970-879-9840), Steamboat’s bowling facility on the west end of town. Theme nights and daily specials are commonplace, making it a great place for the entire family.
ave a two-hour window during your stay and don’t know what to do? Consider the following activities, any one of which can be done in 120 minutes from downtown.
Indoor Activities ..................................... 36
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to the Tread of Pioneers Museum afterward for all participants. Info: www.yampavalley.info.
Alpine Slide Head over to the base of Howelsen Hill and take a quick run down the Howler Alpine Slide at 645 Howelsen Parkway, a favorite for families. Steamboat’s most exciting summer attraction lets you enjoy scenic views of downtown and Mount Werner as you ride a chairlift to the top of historic Howelsen Hill. From there, it’s all downhill on a sled that puts you in control of your exhilarating ride as you wind down the track. Children 2- to 6-years-old must ride with an adult; ages 7 and older can ride solo. Bonus: see if you can break the 43-second descent record. Info: 970-819-8010, www.steamboatalpineslidse.com
Swim in the C or D Holes Need to cool off, or burn some energy out of the kids? Take them swimming at the C and D Holes downtown on the Yampa River (note: low water only, usually mid-July through August). The pools let you plunge in and swim against the current, with tons of sun-bathing rocks to warm up on afterward.
Stroll/Bike the Core Trail Depending on your time frame, you can bike or walk along the 7-mile Yampa River Core Trail as long as you like, stopping to smell the roses at the Yampa River Botanic Park, visit play parks or simply sit by the river. Bonus: The river ends on its western end at the Bear River Skatepark, a perfect place for the kids.
Ride the Gondola In two short hours, you can hop aboard the gondola at the resort’s base and ride up 2,000 feet for commanding views of the valley. Up top, stroll along a flower-filled nature trail for as long as you like before descending back down to a magnificent view of town.
Hike Emerald Mountain
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WHAT TO DO
Activity Guide
❱❱ Fine Art Galleries and Museums Circle 7 Gallery Artist-owned gallery and classroom facility representing local talents working in a broad diversity of mediums. 1009 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-4744, www.steamboatgallery.com Blue Sky Pottery One-of-a-kind pottery designed and made by Steamboat local, Deb Babcock. 1475 Pine Grove Road, Suite 105, 970-846-9349 www.blueskypotterycolorado.com Mangelsen’s Images of Nature One of the world’s premier nature, wildlife and landscape photographers, with limited-edition photographs from Steamboat and across the globe. 730 Lincoln Ave., 970-871-1822, www.mangelsen.com Red Contemporary Gallery Artwork by regional, national and international artists. Featuring paintings, sculpture, ceramic vessels and paintings. Sheraton Steamboat Resort, 2200 Village Inn Court, 970-846-879.970-846-0791 www.redcontemporarygallery.com
Steamboat Art Museum Housed in the historic First National bank building, the free downtown museum features two galleries and a gift shop. 807 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-1755 www.steamboatartmuseum.org Steamboat Springs Arts Council at the Depot Local artist gallery housed in the historic train depot building. 1001 13th St., 970-879-9008, www.steamboatspringsarts.com Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts Nonprofit local and regional artists' gallery — paintings, photography, mixed media, sculpture. 837 Lincoln Ave., 970-846-5970 www.steamboatartcenter.com Wild Horse Gallery Fine contemporary realism by local, regional and nationally known artists, including original oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, drawings, bronze sculptures and blown glass. 802 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-5515 www.wildhorsegallery.com
building), Unit C, 970-871-1569, www.rockymountainpeddler.com
❱❱ Alternative Art Venues: Art, Craft, Interior Design
David Chase Scully Rugs & Furniture 1809 Central Park Dr., 970-879-5667, www.davidchaserugsandfurniture.com
Artisans’ Market of Steamboat Founded in 1982, featuring a large inventory of work from 150 established and new Colorado artists, including dozens of locals. 626 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-7512 www.steamboatartisansmarket.com
Harwigs Local restaurant with monthly exhibitions of work by local artists. 911 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1919 www.lapogee.com
Colorado Group Realty Real estate office with monthly exhibitions of work by local artists. 509 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-8800
Mountain Traditions Art gallery and gift shop specializing in contemporary Western, Native American and wildlife artworks. 833 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-7976 or 888-588-1808, www.mountaintraditions.com
Comb Goddess Hair salon with monthly exhibitions of work by local artists. 1104 S. Lincoln Ave., Suite 102, 970-871-0606 Cowboys and Indians Offers quality Native American art and jewelry. 617 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-8481 www.cowboysandindiansonline.com Creekside Cafe Local restaurant with monthly exhibitions of work by local artists. 131 11th St., 970-879-4925, www.creekside-cafe.com
For advertising information, call Reed Jones at 970-871-4225.
That mountain rising just across the river from downtown harbors a myriad of hiking trails for users of all abilities. Head up the aptly named Lupine Trail from Sombrero Stables to the Bluffs Loop and beyond until your time frame forces you to return. Hint: bring water and keep an eye out for mountain bikers.
WHAT TO DO
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the gondola to the Thunderhead summit for a fun ride down a variety of trails back the base. You also can climb from Thunderhead to the Storm Peak summit, where more singletrack awaits. Plenty of road biking options also exist. One favorite is heading out Twentymile Road (Routt County Road 33) from town, accessed from 13th Street. You can ride an out-andback to the top of the hill in about an hour, or continue on to Twentymile Coal Co. and back, which is about 40 miles. You also can head to Oak Creek on C.R. 27, which sees little or no traffic. Ride through Oak Creek and cut back to Steamboat via Stagecoach Reservoir on C.R. 14 and Colorado Highway 131 for a 50-mile loop. For more punishment, follow the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge course by heading up Rabbit Ears Pass on U.S. Highway 40. Make it epic by continuing to Gore Pass on Colo. 134 and then over Yellow Jacket Pass on C.R. 14. Loop it back to Colo. 131 to complete the 110mile ride, referred to as the “Gore Gruel.” So hop in your saddle and explore yet another side of Steamboat that takes advantage of our world-class terrain.
Suzanne Schlicht – Publisher Lisa Schlichtman – Editor in chief Eugene Buchanan – Magazine editor Mike Polucci – Advertising director Lindsay Porter – Creative services supervisor Steve Balgenorth – Circulation manager Emma Wilson – Editorial intern
Two-hour activities
Biking ..................................................... 34
Climbing ................................................ 66
Biking While Steamboat Springs is known for its skiing, come summertime bicycling is riding fast on its heels. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads surround town, a user-friendly bike path parallels the Yampa River through town, and Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. continues to improve its new downhill offerings on the mountain with the Steamboat Bike Park. Augmenting an already phenomenal network of mountain bike trails, Routt County Riders continues to build even more trails in the area, including the recently finished Beall and Ridge trails on the backside of Emerald Mountain. For an easy, family-friendly cruise, the Yampa River Core Trail is a wide concrete path that parallels the Yampa River from the east side of Steamboat to the west. It’s a great way to experience Steamboat riding, while stopping for picnics, plunges into the river and lunch along the way. For more varied rides, Emerald Mountain, rising from the heart of downtown, offers an array of trails leading from the base of Howelsen Hill up, around and behind Emerald Mountain. Access points include Blackmer Drive, which climbs to a great view from Emerald Mountain Quarry, as well as trailheads at the base of Howelsen Hill (Hint: For a singletrack ascent, take the Lupine Trail from behind the rodeo grounds). From the Quarry, take the Quarry Mountain Trail to the summit, where you can drop off the backside on the new Beall or Ridge trails (and loop the new Rotary Trail near the bottom), or return via such frontside trails as Blair Witch, MGM and Eye to Eye. Steamboat Ski Area serves up 50-plus miles of trails. If you want to forsake the climb, take
Getting Around ...................................... 28 Useful Information ................................ 28
Explore Staff
Steamboat
Off the Beaten Path Local bookstore with monthly exhibitions of work by local artists 68 9th St., 970-879-6830 www.steamboatbooks.com Portfolio Collection/Jim Steinberg www.jimsteinbergphotography.com Rocky Mountain Peddler Features local and regional artist originals, from fine handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind finds, to jewelry and home décor accessories. 1875 Ski Time Square Dr (Torian Creekside
Romicks Into the West Prints by regional artists and photographers, fine furniture, home accessories, lighting and interior design. 402 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-8366 www.romicksintothewest.com Steamboat Art Co. Since 1975, Steamboat Art Co. has offered art, gifts, jewelry, home accessories and furnishings. 903 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3383 www.steamboat-art.com Steaming Bean Coffee Shop Monthly exhibitions of work by local artists 635 South Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3393 www.steamingbeansteamboat.com Urbane This clothing store and skate shop keeps a large amount of art on its walls year-round, rotating to new artists each month. 703 Lincoln Ave., Suite B101, 970-879-9169 www.urbanesteamboat.com White Hart Gallery Seven distinct rooms at the White Hart Gallery showcase furniture, rugs, upholstered goods, lamps and other interior furnishings. 843 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-1015 Zing Features an array of functional and decorative handmade arts, handcrafted furniture and unique home décor. 345 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-2524 www.steamboatzing.com
❱❱ Arts & Crafts Focus Adventures Private instruction and photography workshops hosted locally. Also offers year-round, local photo tours and international photo tours. P.O. Box 771640, 970-879-2244, www.focusadventures.com
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ment in Steamboat, with sales of cruisers and kids’ Glides downtown and new on-mountain rental program (single- and seven-speed Micargis) through Powder Pursuits. 1125 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-3050 Christy Sports Trek full- and front-suspension mountain bike rentals. Child bikes and trailers also available. Helmets included. 1835 Central Park Plaza, 970-879-1250, www.christysports.com Fleischer Sport Full line of hard-tail and full suspension bikes (including Santa Cruz), as well as cruisers, kids’ bikes, tag-alongs and more. 970-870-0900, www.fleischersport.com Orange Peel Bicycle Service Year-round, bike shop specializing in high-end demo bikes and rentals for the whole family. 1136 Yampa St., 970-879-2957, www.orangepeelbikes.com Ski Haus International Rents full- and front-suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, town cruisers, child bikes, tandems, trailers and tag-a-longs — helmets, locks, water bottles and maps included. 1457 Pine Grove Road, Steamboat, 970-879-0385 or 800-932-3019, www.skihaussteamboat.com Steamboat Bike Shop Located adjacent to the new promenade just steps away from the gondola for all your onmountain biking needs, including bike rentals, gloves, pads, helmets, tubes, clothing, Camelbaks and more. Also, offers guided mountain tours. 970-871-5348 Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Rents everything from high-end demo bicycles
to hybrid road bikes, front- and full-suspension mountain bikes, child bikes, tag-a-longs and trailers on hourly and daily basis. Helmet and lock included. Plus, new location on mountain! Downtown: 442 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-9144; Mountain: 2250 Apres Ski Way, One Steamboat P lace, 970-879-6350 www.steamboatskiandbike.com
south of Steamboat), 970-926-3372, www.4eagleranch.com Big Rack Outfitters & Horseback Adventures See description under Guest Ranches.
Wheels Bike Shop Bike-specific shop offers full-service sales, repairs, rentals, demos and custom fittings. Rent anything from cruisers to mountain and road bikes. 841 Yampa St., 970-870-1974, 970-846-RIDE, www.wheelssteamboat.com
❱❱ Bowling alleys Snow Bowl Features 12 bowling lanes with automatic scoring, a small arcade, snack bar and full-service bar. Sunday and Tuesday: PBR Dollar Night ($1 for games, $1 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon) at 9pm. 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza, 970-879-9840 Thunder Rolls Bowling Center 16 lanes, plus billiards, darts, golf simulator, playroom for kids, and full-service lounge. 990 Industrial Ave., Craig, 970-824-2695
❱❱ Fishing, horseback riding and hunting 4 Eagle Ranch Daily guided horseback rides, cattle roundups, Western Family Nights (Wednesdays through July and August), live music and zip line over Alkali Canyon. Lunches with wagon rides from 11 am to 3 pm daily. 4098 Colorado Hwy 131, Wolcott (70 miles
Black Hat Outfitters Cody May guides private land hunts on more than 2,500 acres in the Elk River Valley; accommodates hunters of any experience and provides for youths and hunters with disabilities. 6041 S. Pennsylvania St., Centennial, 970846-8116 or 303-794-2355, www.blackhatoutfitters.com Buck Mountain Outfitters Fully guided deer, elk and antelope hunts on 8,000 private acres around the Deep Creek and Buck Mountain region. Cabins for hunters on five- to six-day hunts. 22990 Routt County Road 54 (15 minutes northwest of Steamboat), 970-870-9665, www.buckmountainoutfitters.net Bucking Rainbow Outfitters Orvis-endorsed outfitter with full-service fly shop, specializing in guided fishing trips (wade and float) on more than 40 miles of private water, as well as beginner, intermediate or expert whitewater rafting trips. Also rents rods, reels and tubes. 730 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-8747 or 888-810-8747, www.buckingrainbow.com Bull Basin Guides Private fly-fishing program with two options on Troublesome Creek and Black Mountain Pond. Hunts for elk, mule deer, black bear, antelope and mountain lion, August through January. P.O. Box 1566, Kremmling, 970-724-0417, www.bullbasin.com and www.troublesomeflyfishing.com
Sew Steamboat Carries fashion and quilting fabric, notions and yarn and teaches basic through advanced sewing and yarn crafts. 929 Lincoln Ave., 970-879-3222
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Calendar of Events ................................... 6
on the cover Alex Shaw rock climbs near downtown Steamboat Springs. Photo by John F. Russell
Splatz Paint, drink and have fun! Two-hour painting classes providing everything you need. 1104 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 105, 970-8i9-2156 www.splatzcanvasandwine.com
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The Potter’s Wheel Paint-your-own pottery studio accepting walkins, reservations (for groups of six or more) and private parties. Fee covers glazing, firing and facility use with a broad selection of ready-made ceramics. 1136 Yampa St., 970-879-4944, www.potterswheelsteamboat.com
❱❱ Bike rental/repairs
Worship Guide .................................. 82 exploreSteamboat.com
Blue Room Velo Mobile Bike Repair 970-846-5922, www.blueroomvelo.com Boomerang Sports Exchange Buying and selling the best used sports equip68 | EXPLORE STEAMBOAT SUMMER 2014
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