Visitors come to Steamboat Springs for the mountains, skiing, and rodeo, but rarely is our humble mountain town top of mind when it comes to water-based activities. This is absolutely a fallacy as our town offers endless water-based sports and activities for summertime visitors. If you’re hunting for the perfect family reunion destination look no further than Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Bella Vista Estate will be your home away from home as you enjoy everything the stunning Yampa Valley has to offer. In this article, we’re going to share some of our favorite water-based summertime family reunion activities here in Steamboat. Grab your swimsuit and some sunscreen and come on up!
First Things First; Fishing in Steamboat
No matter the style of fishing you enjoy most, Steamboat offers abundant opportunities for casting a line. Try fly fishing on any one of our majestic rivers, including the Yampa River or the Elk River for some world-class brown and rainbow trout. In the summertime, nothing beats the sensation of having your feet in the cold mountain water while the warm sun shines down through the trees. Traditional fisherfolk can catch their fill at nearby Steamboat Lake or Stagecoach Reservoir. Hire a private guide to take your fishing game to the next level and learn the local secrets or stop by one of Steamboat fishing outfitters to get the scoop on what’s biting in the area during the time of your visit. Fishing in Steamboat is a perfect family reunion activity, all within proximity of your comfortable lodging oasis at Bella Vista Estate.
Tube The Yampa River (Responsibly)
The entire family will love tubing down the Yampa River in inflatable innertubes. This is a cherished activity by the locals, however, the window of opportunity can be short. The river is officially open for tubers once the water levels are deemed safe, typically toward the end of June. The river is closed to tubers again after the water levels get too low, when excess river use can contribute to water temperatures rising. This typically occurs in late July or early August depending on the water table flows for the year. If your family visit occurs in July, you may be perfectly positioned to enjoy this priceless family activity. Tubes can be rented or purchased. Cruise down the Yampa River and hop off anywhere downtown for drinks or a meal at one of our family-friendly restaurants. Please remember to always respect river closures to help protect our precious ecosystem, always carry a container for collecting your trash, and avoid wearing accessories (such as flip flops) that can float away downstream and become litter.
Soaking In Steamboat’s Hot Springs
Steamboat’s gorgeous natural hot springs aren’t just a wintertime activity. Enjoy a beautiful night under the stars at Strawberry Park Hot Springs or Old Town Hot Springs while soaking in one of the naturally fed pools. Minerals in the water will help you relax while the heat relieves tense muscles and aches. Couples looking for a more private, intimate soaking experience should plan to visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Families with children should check out Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat, which features family-friendly changing rooms, a fun water slide and climbing features for kids, and several hot pools fed by natural spring water.
Try Standup Paddling on the River or Lakes
Have you always wanted to try Standup Paddleboarding (or SUPing as it’s often referred to)? This is a great family reunion activity that is appealing to multiple generations. Try a relaxing standup paddle boarding experience on one of the nearby lakes or dial up the intensity by trying SUPing on the river. There are several backcountry outfitters in town that will rent your family all of the necessary equipment, including paddleboards, helmets, ankle straps, and more. Inflatable paddleboards are a great option for large families, because they can be deflated and transported more easily than hard-shell kayaks or canoes.
Lounge Poolside at Bella Vista
Lastly, lounge poolside at the Bella Vista Estate. Your ideal large group family lodging estate has a gorgeous custom pool, with comfortable lounge furniture, and an integrated sound system overlooking the entire Yampa Valley. Of course, we rent the entire estate exclusively to one group at a time, so you will have all of the comfort and privacy you desire poolside. Our family groups love the memories that they make enjoying the Bella Vista pool in the summertime. The only argument will be what genre of music to play over the Sonos speakers. Family members can enjoy the comfort of having their private rooms and bathrooms just a few steps away, while soaking in one of the most gorgeous views of the Yampa Valley accessible to any resident or visitor.
July Exclusively for Families at Bella Vista
We absolutely adore having family reunion groups stay with us at Bella Vista Estate. As such, we set aside the estate for the entire month of July exclusively for family reunion groups. Our estate can lodge up to 28 individuals in private and shared rooms in two different lodge buildings. Do you have more questions about how to plan a perfect summertime trip to Steamboat Springs with Bella Vista as your lodging venue of choice? Contact a representative of our team to discuss rates and availability.