- Fishing licenses through Colorado Fish & Wildlife are routinely required for fishing purposes.
- Kayak/whitewater rafting rentals are available through many companies within Steamboat Springs.
- The Elk River also serves a prime wildlife viewing area.
Overview
The Elk River in Steamboat Springs not only offers supreme views of natural landscapes but also serves as an outlet for many travelers in search of recreation throughout the year.
Location
The Elk River runs throughout the town of Steamboat Springs as well as the neighboring towns of Hayden and Craig, Colo.
Seasons
The Elk River offers activities and picturesque views for every season.
Activities
In the summer, activities range from horseback riding along adjacent trails, mountain biking and hiking along the river and nearby trails.
Red Dirt Trail - Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding
Red Dirt Trail, located approximately 0.3 miles from the Elk River, is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail loop is 3.4 total miles and is ranked easy to moderate.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing for trout is also a very popular activity along the Elk River. In fact, many companies provide guided tours of the river in order to obtain the best fishing experience possible.
Whitewater Rafting
There are also camping and whitewater rafting opportunities nearby. The stretch of whitewater used along the Elk River contains class I-II rapids that offer whitewater rafters and kayakers a playful run without the worry correlated with more difficult whitewater stretches throughout the state.
Additional Info
The Elk River experiences the majority of snowfall in the month of December.
