things to do near Steamboat Springs
The Zirkel National Forest is your backyard
Situated in the Elk River Valley just 6 miles from Steamboat Lake State Park, Brown Dog Cabin puts you at the center of some of Colorado’s finest outdoor country, and some of the best things to do near Steamboat Springs. The Elk, Yampa, and Little Snake rivers are a short drive for fly fishing. Horseback riding, snowmobiling, mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing are right outside the door.
Snowmobiling
Miles of groomed snowmobile trails run right from the property through the Routt National Forest. This is some of the best snowmobiling terrain in Colorado — wide open meadows, dense pine corridors, and ridge lines with views that go on forever.
- Trails accessible from the property
- Routt National Forest access
- Rentals available nearby in Clark & Steamboat
Hunting
The Elk River Valley is world-class elk and deer country. Colorado’s Unit 14 and surrounding areas draw serious hunters year after year. The cabin’s 35 private acres and proximity to national forest land make it an ideal base camp for a hunting trip.
- Elk & mule deer country
- Access to Routt National Forest
- 35 private acres on property
Fly Fishing
The Elk, Yampa, and Little Snake rivers are all a short drive from the cabin and offer some of the finest fly fishing in the state. Whether you’re chasing cutthroat on the Elk or browns on the Yampa, the fishing here is the real thing.
- Elk River — minutes away
- Yampa River — short drive
- Little Snake River — short drive
Lakes & Boating
The cabin comes with an inflatable raft, and two canoes — yours to take to Hahn’s Peak Lake, Steamboat Lake, or Pearl Lake, all within 15 minutes. Just remember to bring your own straps for your car. Paddle, fish, or just drift. These are quiet, beautiful mountain lakes with no crowds.
- Raft & 2 canoes included
- Pearl Lake — 15 min
- Hahn's Peak Lake — 15 min
- Steamboat Lake — 15 min
Hiking & Snowshoeing
The Mount Zirkel Wilderness and Routt National Forest offer hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy valley walks to serious alpine climbs. In winter, the same trails become snowshoe routes through silent, snow-covered forest.
- Mount Zirkel Wilderness access
- Routt National Forest trails
- Snowshoeing in winter
Star Gazing
No cell service. No streetlights. No neighbors. Step outside on a clear night and the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon. The Elk River Valley has almost no light pollution — on a good night, you’ll see more stars than you thought existed.
- Zero light pollution
- Milky Way visible most clear nights
- Best in summer & fall
Steamboat Springs, 35 minutes south
When you want a town, Steamboat Springs is one of Colorado’s best. World-class skiing at Steamboat Resort, hot springs, great restaurants, and a genuine Western mountain-town feel. Close enough for a day trip, far enough that you won’t hear it from the cabin.
- Steamboat Ski Resort
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Old Town Hot Springs
- Yampa River Core Trail
- Restaurants & shopping
Ready to Unplug?
Leave the noise behind. The cabin is waiting, and so is the mountain air.
Contact Stephanie for rates and availability, 720-297-6920 (Call or Text)