KidPaths

Denver to Steamboat Springs Drive With Kids

Plan your food and fuel stops before anyone needs them. Once you arrive, the river trail or Fish Creek Falls makes a good first outing.

The drive

Distance
A 157 mile drive west of Denver
Typical drive time
About 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic

Measured from Denver, as stated by the official source listed at the bottom of this page. Traffic, weather and stops with kids add time, so plan for a longer day than the map shows.

Kid-friendly stops on the way

Each stop was checked on its own official site. Open it before you go for current hours, prices and any closures.

  1. Fish Creek Falls

    Steamboat Springs, CO

    A National Forest waterfall site 4 miles from town with a wheelchair-accessible overlook trail.

    Official site

  2. Yampa River Botanic Park

    Steamboat Springs, CO

    A free six-acre botanic garden in Steamboat Springs.

    Official site

  3. Yampa River Core Trail

    Steamboat Springs, CO

    A seven-mile, non-motorized multi-use trail along the Yampa River.

    Official site

Need more ideas before you leave? Browse things to do with kids in Denver or plan a different route.

Free road-trip stop checklist

Stop before everyone runs out of patience: how to plan a real break to burn energy, pick an indoor backup in case it rains, and add up the family total before you pay. One page, emailed now. Then The Weekend Scout once a week: one family outing idea for the weekend. Free. Unsubscribe from any email.

Three things to plan before you leave

  • Colorado's Traction Law applies on I-70 from Morrison to Dotsero every year from September 1 through May 31, and any time conditions require, so check your tires before you leave.
  • Fill the tank and use restrooms before you need them.
  • Plan a meal stop before the final stretch rather than arriving hungry.

Checked against: Steamboat Springs Chamber: getting here, CDOT: Traction Law (checked )

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Plan the Denver to Steamboat Springs family drive with Fish Creek Falls and the Yampa River, plus winter road advice.

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