Steamboat Springs is a picturesque mountain town nestled in Colorado’s Yampa Valley, about 180 miles northwest of Denver. Known for its world-class skiing, natural hot springs, and charming Old West ambiance, Steamboat is a popular year-round destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a winter ski getaway or a summer adventure, getting to Steamboat Springs is relatively easy, with several transportation options available.
Flying to Steamboat Springs
The closest airport to Steamboat Springs is the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), located just 22 miles from the Steamboat Springs town center. This convenient option allows you to skip the drive from Denver and get straight to enjoying your vacation.
Several major airlines offer flights to HDN, including year-round direct flights from Denver International (DEN) on United Airlines and Southwest. Several airlines operate seasonal flights during peak winter season (between December and March) from other major hubs like Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Boston, New York City, San Francisco and Dallas:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- Southwest
- United Airlines
If you’re looking for more flight options or more affordable fares, you can also fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then drive about 3 hours to Steamboat Springs. This route takes you through some of Colorado’s most scenic Rocky Mountain landscapes and you’ll have two different options – I-70 West to Silverthorne, where you’ll get off on Highway 9, a scenic stretch that goes pas Green Mountain Reservoir, then up through Kremmling on Highway 40. Or you can take a slightly longer route that if you’re looking for more adventure and a couple fun stops along the way. This route includes I-70 West to Berthoud Pass, where you’ll go through scenic Winter Park, Granbym a tiny town called Hot Sulphur Springs and up through Kremmling to Steamboat. This route offers a ton of cute food stops, scenic viewpoints, hikes, and more, but the driving is definitely more involved with high mountain passes. It is all paved highway, however. Rental cars are readily available at DEN, and the drive is generally straightforward, barring any winter weather conditions.
Another option is to fly into the Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located near Vail, and drive 2 hours to Steamboat Springs. This airport is served by Delta, American and United, with most connections through Denver or Dallas. Flying into Vail can be a convenient option, with a shorter, easier drive to Steamboat Springs compared to Denver, although flight costs are typically higher flying into Eagle Vail.
Driving to Steamboat Springs
If you prefer to drive, Steamboat Springs is easily accessible from several major highways. From Denver, take I-70 west to Silverthorne, then north on CO-9 and US-40 toward Steamboat Springs. This scenic route takes you through the heart of the Rocky Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
When driving in from the west and south, Steamboat Spring is accessible from towns like Grand Junction or Salt Lake City via CO-13 and US-40, which both offer interesting landscapes and solid driving conditions. From I-80 to the north, there are also a few routes to reach Steamboat Springs on state highways which will take 2-3 hours by car.
It’s important to note that winter weather conditions can impact travel times and safety, especially when driving through mountain passes. Be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey, and be aware of local requirements for snow tires or chains.
No matter how you get to Steamboat, a world of outdoor adventure and rugged Colorado natural beauty will be waiting for you. Book your Steamboat Springs vacation rental today and start planning your mountain getaway!
