Steamboat Springs is fortunate to have the scenic Yampa River flowing through the heart of the town. The Yampa River offers prime kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, and more.
Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting
With the Yampa River paralleling the Yampa River Core trail, Steamboat is able to offer some of the most accessible river paddling in the country.
In fact, Paddler magazine has chosen Steamboat as a base for its publishing operations for 14 years.
?Spring and early summer are the best times for kayaking and rafting the Yampa. Peak runoff typically occurs from mid-May to mid-June, and a number of kayak-specific water features along the town stretch provide ample opportunities for intermediate and advanced boaters.?
Steamboat has two kayak schools:
- Backdoor Sports -?www.backdoorsports.com:?970-879-6249
- Mountain Sports Kayak School -?www.mountainsportskayak.com:?970-879-8794
During the peak runoff times, several outfitters also offer rafting trips such as:
- Bucking Rainbow Outfitters/Blue Sky West -?Bucking Rainbow: 970-879-8747
- Colorado River Guides – RaftColorado.com: 800-938-7238
The Yampa River?s 33rd Annual Festival will be June 1-3, 2013. This event offers three days of river competitions and events. This is a fun-filled weekend for the whole family featuring: a kid?s activity zone, Crazy River Dog Contest, tube rodeo, slalom & downriver races, and a free style competition. www.friendsoftheyampa.com
Tubing
When the Yampa River?s water levels drop, usually in the warm months of July & August, tubing becomes its own sport in Steamboat Springs. It is a relaxing way to spend an hour or two cooling off and enjoying the beautiful Yampa River. Commercial outfitters, mandated by the City of Steamboat Springs, offer tube rentals and shuttle service. Private tubing is also allowed.
Michelle Avery, CRS, GRI