Hikers, Cranes, and Community: TrailFest 2026 in Steamboat Springs

Labor Day weekend is migration season in Steamboat Springs, CO, a Continental Divide Trail (CDT) Gateway Community since 2018. Southbound CDT thru-hikers typically pass through northern Colorado at the end of August and the beginning of September on their long journey from Canada to Mexico. Meanwhile, Sandhill Cranes make their own annual migration through the Yampa Valley, drawing visitors to the 15th annual Yampa Valley Crane Festival. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) hosted its first-ever TrailFest September 4 to 6, bringing everyone together for a weekend celebrating the CDT and the community that surrounds it.

On Saturday morning, community volunteers and CDTC Adopters from Big Agnes joined CDTC staff to clear 1.5 miles of trail north of town. This stewardship event was a great opportunity to get out on the trail while helping ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who uses it.

That evening, we kicked off the weekend at Storm Peak Brewing Co. with a celebration for hikers and community members. Guests learned more about the CDT and entered a raffle featuring giveaways from Osprey, Mountainsmith, Gossamer Gear, and other business supporters. Storm Peak Brewing also brewed a special beer in collaboration with Big Agnes, labeled “In Tents” Pale Ale, and donated $1 to CDTC for every pint sold! With a great crowd of attendees, it was a fun way to bring everyone together. It’s always a treat to see CDT hikers passing through town and connecting with local establishments.

On Sunday, the Steamboat Running Series set off on a small migration of its own as runners hit the CDT at Rabbit Ears Pass to take in the high country in both 5K and 10K distances. Later that afternoon, the celebration moved back to town for the TrailFest Expo at Howelsen Hill. Local partners such as Yampatika, Friends of Wilderness, and Routt County Riders offered educational activities and prizes for visitors and hikers alike. Big Agnes was there to help repair adventure gear, and vendors shared their goods and gear. The weekend closed with Anders Osborne headlining the season’s final Steamboat Free Summer Concerts show right at Howelsen Hill.

This inaugural TrailFest was created to engage SOBO (southbound) thru-hikers as they reach Colorado, around 1,500 miles into their journey, while also bringing together the Steamboat Springs community to celebrate the CDT and this beautiful, vibrant Gateway Community. It was a successful first-time event, and we look forward to growing our engagement in the Steamboat Springs area in the future.

A huge thank you to the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, The Colorado Trust, and Big Agnes for their financial support of our programming all weekend, and to every volunteer, partner, and neighbor who showed up. We couldn’t have done it without you!