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5 ways to get around Steamboat during busy WinterWonderGrass festival weekend

Julia Ben-Asher
For Explore Steamboat
A Steamboat Springs Transit bus drives through wind and snow near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Routt County Road 129.
Scott Franz

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Free daytime parking is available in the Meadows Parking Lot (cars left in the Meadows lot overnight will be towed, so the lot can be snow plowed). Paid parking is available in the Gondola Square parking building. If you’ll be driving to and from the festival, help out the planet and carpool. But there are also plenty of simple, affordable transportation options to get around Steamboat Springs that don’t involve a vehicle.

Free bus system

Steamboat Springs Transit provides a free bus system on a fixed route. The routes span across town. Routes begin between 5:45 to 8:15 a.m. and continue through at least the early evening; night line service begins at about 8 p.m. and continues until between about 2 and 3:30 a.m. Steamboat Springs Transit buses can be tracked in real time on a new interactive city map by visiting http://bit.ly/2lsdc2M.

  • At night, it can be difficult for bus driver to see people at the bus stop, so those waiting to be picked up are asked to wave or shine a cell phone or flashlight at the driver, and to step out of the bus shelter as the bus approaches.
  • Curb-to-curb paratransit is available, and every bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift.
  • Open containers of food or drink are not allowed.
  • Service animals are welcome; non-service animal pets may be boarded if they are in an airline-style pet carrier.
  • Each bus is equipped with a bike rack to fit at least two bicycles (fat-tire bikes and ski bikes will not fit in the racks).

Check steamboatsprings.net for the winter bus schedule, or call 970-879-3717 with questions.

Walking trails

The Yampa River Core Trail is a 7.5-mile paved trail, running from east of Walton Creek Road to west of Steamboat, ending at the Bear River Skate Park. The trail connects many areas: the mountain area, the entirety of downtown, Howelsen Hill and West Steamboat. Along the trail are parks, benches, river views, bridges, informational maps and historical statues and signs. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail, but strollers, runners, bikers and dog walkers are welcome. Etiquette is to travel on the right side of the trail. Dogs should be kept on a 6-foot leash, and dog waste should be immediately picked up and put in a trash can.

Bikes

Fat-tire bikes, or snow bikes, can be rented for about $40 per day, available at several local sports shops. These bikes can be ridden over snow or pavement, on the Core Trail or on area streets in the same direction as traffic. Don’t forget your helmet.

Lyft

Lyft is a smartphone app-based ride-share service in local drivers’ personal cars. This year, the festival has partnered with Lyft for the days of the festival. Download the Lyft app to estimate trip costs and to schedule a ride in advance or at a moment’s notice, and check out WinterWonderGrass Steamboat’s Facebook page (WinterWonderGrass Steamboat) to get codes for discounts on your ride.

Uber

Another smartphone-based ride-share service available in Steamboat Springs. Download the Uber app.


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