As the aspens change color in the Rocky Mountains, there's no better way to enjoy the season than with a cold craft beer in Colorado. With Oktoberfest celebrations and more than 400 breweries across the state, there's something for everyone. Many of the breweries in Steamboat Springs are independently and locally owned and serve up a wide variety of artisan craft brews.
In September, the days are warm, perfect for a beer on a sun-soaked deck after a day of hiking or biking. The evenings are cool, perfect for throwing on a fleece jacket and sipping a beer around a fire pit.
Where are the suds flowing in Steamboat? Check out some of our favorite breweries in Steamboat Springs listed below.
If bratwurst and beer and your thing, pull out your lederhosen and dirndls and head to the Steamboat’s version of Oktoberfest.
Celebrating its 14th year, OktoberWest is Steamboat’s interpretation of the traditional Oktoberfest and the revelry returns to the newly redeveloped Steamboat Square at the base of the mountain resort. Come raise your glass to the celebration of craft beer with more than 25 brewers showcasing their specialty brews, plus plenty of food and live music.
Or hop over to one of the locally owned breweries around town. Here’s where our team knocks back a glass or two after a day of hiking or mountain biking:
Good times are on tap on the large outdoor rooftop deck at the taproom and brewing facility on the west side of town. Storm Peak Brewing pours 20 rotating taps, including Mad Creek, a Colorado twist on the classic German Kolsch, and the Gaper, brewed with German Pils malt.
Storm Peak also has a watering hole on the opposite side of town, The Bus Stop. Close to the base of the ski mountain, it’s a great spot for après after a downhill mountain bike adventure or a day out skiing or boarding!
This local’s favorite started pouring its first brew – Picking Hops IPA – in 2016 and quickly became a favorite watering hole in downtown Steamboat. The brewpub is on Yampa Street directly across the river from the legendary Howelsen Hill ski area.
Pretend you’re in Munich and raise a glass of Mountain Tap’s Kickin’ Back Kolsch, a Kosch-style German ale, or the Local’s Lager, a German-style Pilsner.
On a beautiful sunny summer afternoon, park yourself on one of the picnic tables on the outdoor patio. When the snow starts flying climb inside a gondola cabin. Each gondola seats 6 adults and comes equipped with twinkly lights, a heater and bluetooth speaker so you can play your own music.
Welcome to the newest addition to the Steamboat’s growing craft beer scene! The Yampa Valley Hop House originated in Hayden and Craig, neighboring towns down the valley. The Steamboat outpost opened this past year in downtown Steamboat and the regulars on tap include Yampa Valley Blond, Sandhill Crane Red and Coal Miner Stout, alongside seasonal brews.
So there you have it, our guide to the best places to enjoy a cold craft beer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado this fall. Whether you're looking for a festive Oktoberfest celebration or a more low-key brewery to relax at after a day of outdoor activities, you're sure to find something to your liking. So grab a stein and raise a glass to the start of the fall season in Steamboat!
