On the Yampa River Core Trail

The Yampa River is more like a small stream

Will this yard art make it to halloween??

Bird of prey sculpture on the trail

A more colorful display

A 'rock garden' in the Yampa River Botanical Park

A more whimsical display

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - - One thing we've been impressed with in a number of places we've stayed is the abundance of user friendly green space.  These trails, for walkers and cyclists, offer a different view of your surroundings.  Steamboat Springs' 7.5 mile Yampa River Core Trail runs alongside the river and the railroad tracks which run through the area. It's easy to see that the town places a heavy focus on all things outdoors.  On this 70-degree day (32 at night) there were even hardy children and some adults?? carousing in the river.
     So how, when you're only at a bit shy of 7,000 feet elevation, does a town get the name "steamboat"??  Nearly 200 years ago some French trappers  were passing through.  They thought they heard a 'chug chug' sound like a steamboat coming from one of the thermal springs in the area.  The name stuck and the stinky springs are still around.