Visitors Flock to Yampa Valley for Continental Divide Trail and Community Events
This September, community events will attract visitors from the region and beyond to Colorado’s Yampa Valley. Steamboat Springs will host Trailfest from September 4–6, coinciding with the 15th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival, September 3–6.
Trailfest is the culmination of recent efforts to elevate communities along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT), a 3,100-mile route that follows the Continental Divide and connects communities throughout the region. This three-day event will provide opportunities for CDT hikers, visitors, and locals to interact and learn about conservation and recreation opportunities in the area. Activities will take place throughout the City of Steamboat Springs and surrounding access points to the CDT, including Rabbit Ears Pass and Seedhouse campgrounds.
“Steamboat Springs sits at the intersection of so many amazing community-based opportunities with the nearby ski resort, long-distance trails going through town, and the agricultural history of the area all connected through local business and powerful partnerships,” said event organizer and CDTC Colorado Regional Representative, Jordan Williams. “Trailfest is an opportunity to further those collaborations while we continue to engage with locals and visitors alike, with the end goal of bringing people together to complete the CDT along the Muddy Pass trail gap.”
Steamboat Springs was designated as a CDT Gateway Community in 2018 and serves as the northernmost official Gateway Community in the state, at the crossroads of the CDT and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. It is also located near the last remaining highway gap along the CDT in Colorado, with the 11-mile road walk through Muddy Pass, southeast of the Rabbit Ears Trailhead.
“Steamboat Springs is proud to be a Gateway Community, and we’re excited to welcome Trailfest to town. Trailfest is a unique event that connects many different aspects of the Steamboat community, just like the Continental Divide Trail connects so many unique towns and landscapes across 750 miles in Colorado,” said Laura Soard, Senior Director of Communications for the Steamboat Springs Chamber. “It’s important to educate people about the CDT, the value it brings to our region, and how we can be the best stewards possible of this incredible resource.”
Trailfest weekend will feature a range of opportunities to connect with the trail and the Steamboat Springs community. Programming begins Saturday morning, Sept. 5, with a Community Stewardship event north of town at 9 a.m., where participants will help clear the trail corridor and improve wayfinding. That evening, attendees can gather for the Trailfest Kickoff Party at 6 p.m. at Storm Peak Brewing Co.’s north location. On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Trailfest Expo will take place from 1–4 p.m. at Howelsen Hill, followed by the Free Concert Series featuring Anders Osborne.
Hiker shuttles will be available throughout the weekend to help connect trail users with town, with additional lodging and transportation recommendations available on the Trailfest event page.
“Big Agnes is excited to help bring the first CDT Trailfest to Steamboat Springs. The CDT is the backbone of our outdoor recreation community here in Steamboat and has inspired us through the years while backpacking, hiking, biking, fishing, and all sorts of adventurous missions,” said Katie Hughes, Director of Marketing for Big Agnes. “We want to continue our support as an adopter of the trail and a partner of the CDTC by welcoming this event and raising awareness for protection, conservation, and celebration of the trail.”
Trailfest is hosted by CDTC, with support from the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, The Colorado Trust, and Big Agnes, and in collaboration with community partners, including Yampatika, the 15th Annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival, the Free Concert Series, Steamboat Running Series, and the Steamboat Chamber
Find more information on the CDTC website.
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About CDT Gateway Communities
CDT Gateway Communities are welcoming destinations along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, offering visitors from around the world opportunities to experience the trail and the surrounding landscapes. These communities provide access to the unique experiences found along the CDT, and demonstrate a commitment to being trail-friendly and to supporting the completion, protection, and promotion of the Continental Divide Trail. Through partnership with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Gateway Communities receive resources and support to enhance visitor experiences and showcase their local culture, recreation, and attractions.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premier long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, protect, and elevate the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class resource. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, contact [email protected].