Yampa ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Yampa, Colorado.
1. Devil's Causeway Hike
BREATHTAKING ALPINE TREK
Devil's Causeway Hike is one of the most popular attractions in the Yampa area, offering a challenging but rewarding hiking experience. The trail features a narrow land bridge with dramatic drop-offs on both sides that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Hikers should be prepared for high elevation and changing weather conditions when tackling this iconic Flat Tops Wilderness trail.
2. Flat Tops Wilderness Area
NATURAL MOUNTAIN PARADISE
The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is an often-overlooked natural treasure on the west side of Yampa featuring quiet hiking trails, stunning views, and natural mountain lakes. Its diverse landscape ranges from heavily forested lowlands to high mesa tundra, offering visitors a true Colorado wilderness experience. The area provides abundant recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout its pristine natural setting.
3. Flat Tops Scenic Byway
GATEWAY TO WILDERNESS
The Flat Tops Scenic Byway is an 82-mile national scenic route that begins in Yampa and winds through astonishing flat-top mountains and two national forests. This beautiful drive takes visitors through pastures, lakes, forests and provides spectacular views of the White River Valley. The byway serves as the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the region and offers numerous opportunities to stop for recreation along the way.
4. Antler's Cafe
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Antler's Cafe is a beautifully restored restaurant and bar that's listed on the State Register of Historic Properties. The establishment operates seasonally for dinner from Thursday through Sunday, mid-May through November. This historic eatery offers visitors a taste of authentic local cuisine in a charming, preserved setting that reflects the area's rich heritage.
5. Stillwater Reservoir
SERENE MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Stillwater Reservoir is a picturesque mountain lake accessible via a county road leading west from Yampa. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, and fishing in this tranquil natural setting surrounded by stunning wilderness views. The reservoir serves as a perfect base for exploring the nearby Flat Tops Wilderness Area and offers a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist destinations in the region.
6. Pack Country Outfitters
GUIDED WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
Pack Country Outfitters offers guided outdoor adventure experiences in the wilderness areas surrounding Yampa. Their services typically include hunting trips, horseback riding excursions, and guided hiking tours through the spectacular Flat Tops Wilderness. Visitors seeking an authentic Colorado outdoor experience with expert local knowledge will find this outfitter provides access to some of the region's most beautiful remote areas.
7. Stagecoach State Park
ALL-SEASON OUTDOOR RECREATION
Stagecoach State Park is centered around an 820-acre reservoir with a marina on the western flank of the Park Mountain Range near Yampa. The park serves as the state's base camp for exploring the Flattops Wilderness Area and offers year-round recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this scenic mountain setting.
8. Yampa River Trail System
RIVERSIDE URBAN PATHWAY
The Yampa River Trail System runs adjacent to downtown Steamboat Springs and offers an accessible outdoor recreation opportunity close to urban amenities. The trail system follows the picturesque Yampa River, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, tubing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors and locals alike appreciate this convenient pathway that showcases the natural beauty of the river corridor while connecting key destinations in the area.
9. Fish Creek Falls
MAGNIFICENT NATURAL WATERFALL
Fish Creek Falls is a spectacular 283-foot waterfall located near Steamboat Springs, just a short drive from Yampa. Visitors can marvel at the impressive cascade and historic bridge before exploring the adjacent hiking and mountain biking trails that lead to the Continental Divide. The area offers both easy viewing options and more challenging trails, making it accessible for various fitness levels and interests.
10. Steamboat Lake State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARADISE
Steamboat Lake State Park features a swim beach and a full-service marina for boaters and swimmers during the summer months. The park is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery including views of Hahn's Peak, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this beautiful natural setting not far from Yampa.
11. Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area
PRISTINE ALPINE BACKCOUNTRY
The Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area offers pristine backcountry experiences near Steamboat Springs within reach of Yampa visitors. This protected wilderness features alpine lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and challenging hiking trails through spectacular mountain terrain. The area is particularly known for its pristine natural state and opportunities for solitude away from the more developed tourist destinations.
12. Chapman Reservoir
REMOTE FISHING DESTINATION
Chapman Reservoir is located approximately 14 miles from Yampa and offers a more remote water recreation experience. Anglers particularly appreciate this less-crowded fishing destination that provides opportunities to catch various trout species in a peaceful setting. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful forest scenery and serves as another gateway to exploring the wilderness areas near Yampa.
13. Trappers Lake
WILDERNESS FISHING PARADISE
Trappers Lake is often referred to as the "Cradle of Wilderness" and is one of the most scenic lakes accessible from the Flat Tops Scenic Byway. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities in a stunning setting surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Visitors from Yampa can enjoy this pristine natural area along with hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding wilderness.
14. Yampa River Rafting
THRILLING WATER ADVENTURE
Yampa River Rafting offers exciting water adventures on one of Colorado's last free-flowing rivers. The river begins high in the Flat Tops and flows down past Yampa town and north to Steamboat Springs, providing various sections suitable for different skill levels. Visitors can experience the thrill of navigating rapids or enjoy more peaceful float trips while taking in the spectacular scenery of the Yampa Valley.
15. Routt National Forest
VAST MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Routt National Forest surrounds Yampa on both sides and offers countless recreational opportunities throughout its vast protected lands. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing spots, camping areas, and scenic drives within this diverse mountain ecosystem. The forest provides year-round activities including summer hiking and mountain biking as well as winter sports in certain areas, making it a true all-season destination.