Want to break up the drive from Denver to Steamboat by sprinkling in some incredible cultural experiences? The best part? There’s something happening every weekend throughout the summer. The Rocky Mountain Tour de Art Journey includes art walks, theater, opera, historic walking tours and so much more. Enjoy visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and learn about Northwest Colorado’s history and heritage.
The Itinerary
You choose the what, when and where. Use the sections below to build your own adventure.
Days 1 & 2: Silverthorne, CO
Days 2 & 3: Steamboat Springs, CO
Day 3 or 4: Silverthorne
The Route
Denver to Silverthorne to Steamboat Springs to Silverthorne to Denver
1. Start in Denver and follow I-70 west to Exit 205 for Silverthorne.
2. Merge onto CO-9 N to Silverthorne/Steamboat Springs
3. In Kremmling, turn left onto Park Ave/US-40W to Steamboat Springs
Day 1 & 2: Silverthorne
Start your art adventure in Silverthorne, Colorado, the heart of Summit County! Silverthorne delivers endless outdoor adventure, a thriving arts and culture scene, and some of the most welcoming residents in the Rockies.
STAY
Hampton Inn & Suites or Summit Resort Group
Stay in the centrally located Hampton Inn & Suites that features stunning views of Buffalo Mountain; or rent a private home from Summit Resort Group that meets all of your group’s needs. Coming soon to Silverthorne is Colorado’s first pending B-corp lodging property, The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms.
EAT
BREAKFAST: House of Vibes Coffee & Curio or Sunshine Café
Start your morning with a cup of joe and a specialty biscuit at one of Silverthorne’s newest eateries, House of Vibes Coffee & Curio. While waiting for your morning beverage of choice, check out the curios and local art that make House of Vibes one of the coolest new hang outs in town. Or, fill up on a breakfast burrito or the trout and eggs at local favorite Sunshine Café.
LUNCH: Enza’s Delicatessen or Mercado La Perla
Enjoy lunch outside at Enza’s Delicatessen & Market and savor a modern twist on deli and market items from this new Italian deli and see why Enza’s has quickly become one of Silverthorne’s most popular restaurants. Or, if you are looking for some of the best tacos around, head to Mercado La Perla for delicious street tacos and browse the market shelves while you wait.
DINNER: Timberline Craft Kitchen & Cocktails or The Mint Steakhouse
Treat yourself to something special at dinner time with handcrafted cocktails and American classics featuring global inspiration from Timberline Craft Kitchen & Cocktails. If you’re looking for a traditional Colorado meal, head to the historic Mint Steakhouse and grill your own steak.
DRINK: Angry James Brewery
Cap off your evening with a locally crafted brew from Angry James Brewery. The brewery has live music every Wednesday, or on weekends, simply sit back and enjoy the mountain views from the patio.
ACTIVITIES
PERFORMING ARTS: Lake Dillon Theatre Company
Enjoy theatre under the stars with an outdoor performance from the Lake Dillon Theatre Company. The Theatre will be performing SHOUT, The Mod Musical Wednesday through Sunday July 14-25 and 8-TRACK, The Sounds of the 70s Wednesday through Sunday August 11-22.
Summit Community Orchestra Concerts
On select Fridays throughout the summer, the Summit Community Orchestra will be performing free concerts on the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center outdoor stage. Check the schedule to see when the harp duo, string quartet, woodwind quintet or brass quintet take the stage.
VISUAL ARTS: Art walk in Silverthorne
Explore the Town of Silverthorne while also experience the variety of public art located throughout town. Don’t miss the fox mural outside the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center.
EVENTS: Silverthorne First Fridays
Attend one of Silverthorne’s signature First Friday community events. From arts and food to music and fun, First Fridays showcase the community’s talented makers, artisans and performers.
Outdoor Recreation
HIT THE WATER: Take in the Blue River with a guided fly-fishing trip from Cutthroat Anglers, which backs right up to the Blue’s famous waters. Or rent a paddleboard from Colorado Adventure Guides and test your balance on the waters of North Pond Park.
HIT THE TRAIL: Silverthorne is surrounded by the Gore Range mountains, the White River National Forest, and the Eagles Nest Wilderness and Ptarmigan Wilderness areas, making it an ideal destination to hit the trail. Explore a new path with trail options like Mahan Lake, Acorn Creek or Harrigan Creek.
Day 2 & 3: Steamboat Springs
Welcome to Steamboat Springs where arts and culture have been thriving since the first settlers arrived with an organ and paints. Today Steamboat is home to the oldest continuing performing arts camp in the country, numerous galleries and a vibrant performing arts, music and literary scene.
STAY
$ Rabbit Ears Motel. Iconic Steamboat Motel in the Downtown Creative District $$ The Steamboat Grand. Near the base of the ski mountain. $$$ Moving Mountains. Luxury Home Rentals
EAT
BREAKFAST: Creekside Cafe & Freshies
Sit by the creek at Creekside and listen to the water flow by as you eat food prepared from local ingredients. A local tradition. Enjoy time outside under the morning sun or in the bustling atmosphere of Freshies with fresh combinations of food and down home hospitality as you start your day.
LUNCH: Seedz & Backdoor Grill
Seedz is all organic, all delicious and tucked downtown on the main street. You can find it by the white picket fence that surrounds it. Backdoor Grill has the best burgers in town, combinations you never thought of and curly fries.
DINNER: Aurum & Cafe Diva
Located on the Yampa River, Aurum is a summer favorite to watch the tubers float by as you sip a Moscow Mule or dive into their brussel sprout appetizer or duck wings. For an intimate dining experience head to a staple of Steamboat, Cafe Diva for some of the richest, most flavorful food in Steamboat.
DRINK: Brew Trail
Enjoy beer from local breweries, whiskey at the Steamboat Whiskey Company and some fine wine at Harwigs.
ACTIVITIES
VISUAL ARTS
Steamboat Creates: Frida Kahlo’s Garden exhibit
Artwalk: https://www.steamboatcreates.org/first-friday-artwalk/
Mural Walking Tour – https://www.steamboatchamber.com/activities/mural-tour/
PERFORMING ARTS
Opera Steamboat – https://operasteamboat.org/
Piknik Theater – https://pikniktheatre.org/
Strings Music Pavilion – https://stringsmusicfestival.com/
HERITAGE
Tread of Pioneers Museum: https://treadofpioneers.org/
AUTHORS AND POETS
Off the Beaten Path Bookstore – https://www.steamboatbooks.com/
NATURE WALKS AND TALKS
Yampatika: https://yampatika.org/
Botanic Gardens: https://yampariverbotanicpark.org/
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Flat Tops Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbr/recarea/?recid=81632
Fish Creek Falls: https://www.steamboatchamber.com/activities/hiking/fish-creek-falls/
Bike Town USA: https://www.steamboatchamber.com/activities/biking/
Boating & Rafting: https://www.steamboatchamber.com/discover-steamboat/state-parks/
DAY 3 OR 4: SILVERTHORNE
After waking up and enjoying breakfast in Steamboat, break up your drive home to the Colorado Front Range with a stop in Silverthorne for the day!
Eat
LUNCH: Blue Moon Bakery
A trip through Silverthorne isn’t complete without pastries from Blue Moon Bakery. Stop by for a sandwich and some to-go goodies to enjoy on your drive home later in the day. If you’re looking for an extra caffeine boost before your drive, head to Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea and peruse the works of local artists while drinking your coffee or tea.
DINNER: Sauce on the Blue
If you are looking to stick around Silverthorne for the evening, head to dinner at Sauce on the Blue while you wait out traffic and make the most of your day! Sauce on the Blue offers delicious pizzas and Italian fare and has plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the Blue River.
Activities
EVENTS: Silverthorne Sunday Art Strolls
Enjoy a stroll along the Blue River trail on select Sunday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m. Experience pop-up artists and musicians while taking in the sounds and sights of the Blue River. If a Sunday Art Stroll isn’t being held, take a walk along the Blue River Trail outside the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center to see the various public art displays.
OUTDOOR RECREATION: Bike the Blue River Trail
Grab your bikes and ride down the stunningly scenic and family-friendly Blue River Trail, a 3.5 mile paved path with plenty of spots to enjoy a riverside lunch.
Explore a Silverthorne park or the Silverthorne Recreation Center Soak in the views while kids explore the playgrounds at Rainbow Park. After a busy trip, relax sore muscles at the Silverthorne Recreation Center aquatics area, featuring several pools and an indoor hot tub and sauna.