Steamboat Springs, Colo. is known as “Ski Town USA,” and for good reason. During ski season, Steamboat Springs is one of the most popular ski destinations in the state, as it is only a three-hour drive from Denver.

During the off season, Steamboat Springs is just another mountain town in Colorado. I recently visited Steamboat Springs and was surprised by the beauty of the town. Not only was the scenery breathtaking, but each place I went to offered a different view of Colorado's nature. I was able to explore Steamboat Springs differently than if I was going there to ski, which is why going to mountain towns during the summer can be fun, too.

1. Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls is a National Park just outside of the main town of Steamboat Springs, and it proved to be a popular hiking spot. The hike is not difficult, as there is a path the entire way to the two scenic points of waterfall. One point takes you to an overlook of the waterfall and the other takes you to the base of the waterfall.

2. Yampa River

You can even see the ski jumps from the river! The Yampa River runs parallel to Steamboat Springs. It is a popular spot for fishing or tubing, or you can walk or bike around the river on the scenic trail.

3. Downtown Steamboat

Like any mountain town, downtown Steamboat offers local shops and restaurants that you cannot find in Denver.

4. Gondola rides

The gondola rides operate in both summer and winter, but offer the best views of Steamboat. The ride takes you up Mt. Werner, allowing you to see the mountain and the town below.

5. The rodeo

Every summer, there is a local rodeo in Steamboat Springs, which can allow you to enjoy the country aspect of Colorado.

6. Steamboat Lake

Steamboat lake is in Clark, which is about a 40-minute drive outside of the town. The lake offers campgrounds, is great for fishing, and is one of the best places in Steamboat to take a boat out.

7. Tombstone nature loop and trail

At the peak of the trail you get a view of Hahns Peak. The trail head begins at Steamboat Lake, and the hike takes you up into the mountains, giving you a view of the lake. The trail is also through fields of wildflowers which is a great place to see nature that is native to Colorado.

8. Yampa River Botanic Park

This garden is open to the public and has many types of flowers, trees and rocks that are tolerant to the Colorado climate.

9. Soccer

Steamboat Springs hosts an annual soccer tournament every summer, and has multiple fields to play on that overlook the mountains.

10. The Strawberry Park hot springs

These are the most popular hot springs in Steamboat, and probably the best in Colorado, because the water contains minerals rather than elements such as sulfur that cause the water to smell bad. The hot springs are relaxing and scenic, as they are on the top of a mountain.

11. Driving

The Poudre River runs along the CO-14. If anything, the drive to get to Steamboat Springs is scenic in and of itself. By going west on the 1-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel, you pass by a reservoir and camping area. If you are coming from the north, you can take the CO-14 out to Steamboat which is mostly through a canyon and gives you a view of the Roosevelt National Forest and the Poudre River.

After visiting Steamboat Springs, I realized just how beautiful Colorado is and how there is so much to see in the state. Next time you find yourself in the mountains, visit Steamboat Springs and you will not be disappointed.