Trails, Open Space & Rivers

The Open Space program is responsible for maintenance and management of over 2,500 acres of undeveloped and agricultural land ranging in size from less than 10 acres to the 880 acre Spring Creek Mountain Preserve. These parcels provide buffer zones from development along the city outskirts and can provide scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and natural corridors along the Yampa River and its tributaries in town.

Agricultural properties are leased to local ranchers, which provides revenues for the city and helps preserve the cultural landscape, history, and traditional land uses of the valley.

Interactive Trail Map

View for up-to-date information on the City of Steamboat Springs trail system

Open Space & Trails Master Plans

• The OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN (PDF) was established in 2008.
• The EMERALD MOUNTAIN PARK MASTER PLAN (PDF) was established in 2014.

Responsibilities:

The Trails, Open Space & Rivers team is responsible for:

• Administering agricultural leases for the Legacy Ranch and Williams Preserve properties
• Advising PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION members
• Coordinating special resource studies and improvement projects related to open space properties and the Yampa River corridor
• Monitoring river use, including compliance with permit conditions for commercial river users
• Year-round maintenance of all open space properties and trails