12 July 2014 - Steamboat Springs

Following my road trip to Utah, I decided to spend a couple fo days in Steamboat Springs. This is still quite a drive from home (3.5h) but compared to last weekend, it was nothing.

I decided to leave early on Saturday (06:00am) so that to enjoy the farmers market and most of the day. 

272 Km on I-70 / Hwy-40 (3.5h)

It was my first time in Steamboat during the summer season. It is beautiful!!

Steamboat Springs (CO)

It was a busy weekend (hot air ballon show) and most (if not all) of the hotels were FULL! I managed to get the very last room downtown at the "Nordic Lodge". Not a really fancy room but at least the location was prime.

Then, I rented an awesome MTB and decided to ride on the amazing trails: 
Distance: 24km
Duration: 2h 09min
Elevation: 500m (2100m --> 2600m)

KHS-6500 / MSRP $4000.-

View from the top (almost)

Back to the hotel in the early afternoon, I walked downtown and visited the area:

Fair by the river

This why there it is called Steamboat "Springs"

Sulphur Spring

 Then, later in the afternoon, I drove to a wonderful place: "Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs"!

The dirt road that leads to Strawberry Park is beautiful...and as this place is open 365 days a year, I may be quite challenging during the winter season!!

The main entrance / cashier

Beautifully nested within the Aspen trees...

The "hot" springs, really hot!!!

The owner has built several pools where the hot water mixes with the mountain river

There is a small camping site and a couple of rooms as well 

Mail boxes on the road leading to the springs...

Only in Colorado!

Last shot on the way back home...

Back home on Sunday afternoon, beautiful weekend...must come back with the "girls" ;-)