Take a step into the heart of the Yampa Valley in the South Routt area, which is situated approximately 25 miles south of Steamboat Springs and includes historic towns like Oak Creek, Yampa, Toponas and Phippsburg. Watch as the mountains open into expansive ranch lands and quiet backdrops, where residents enjoy a slower pace of Colorado living. From tight-knit communities, enduring frontier and ranching legacies and small-town authenticity, South Routt has a lot to offer if you know where to look!
You won’t find big city traffic jams or crowded trailheads packed with tourists looking to snap photos of Instagram-worthy views. Instead, enjoy historic brick storefronts and century-old cafes that have been well loved by locals for generations. South Routt reminds everyone to slow down and connect with the nature all around them.
Things to Do in South Routt
South Routt has come a long way from being a predominantly mining town and has turned into an area where people can live, eat, and enjoy endless access to outdoor recreation. Check out these South Routt favorites when it comes to spending time with the community and exploring the outdoors!
Hike, Bike, Fish or Paddle at Stagecoach State Park
Where? 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek
Stagecoach State Park is located in Routt County, nestled into the picturesque Yampa Valley. No visit to South Routt would be complete without one of Northwest Colorado’s most scenic recreation destinations. Enjoy views of rolling hills and mountain ridgelines as you allow the season to dictate what activity you enjoy. The good news is that the park offers something for every part of the year, from boating and paddle boarding in the summer, as well as trout fishing from the shoreline and miles of trails for hiking and biking. When snowfall comes around, Stagecoach State Park transforms into a quiet winter playground for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Experience Signature Community Events During the Summer Months
Where? Various Locations
Yampa’s Fourth of July Celebration is one of the most beloved local traditions in South Routt. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy the classic small-town parade, the rodeo and the captivating fireworks that light up the night sky. This is a signature event that you won’t want to skip! Later in the summer, a Taste of South Routt brings together chefs in the local food scene, live music, and an array of regional artisans for a day jam-packed with family-friendly fun. Whether you’re considering a move to South Routt or you’re just passing through, this is a prime opportunity to enjoy the area’s creative spirit and culinary talent from barbecue, baked goods to locally sourced produce.
Take a Walk Down History Lane at the Yampa-Egeria Historical Museum
Where? 100 Main Street, Yampa
The Yampa-Egeria Historical Museum is housed in the town’s original bank building (dating back to 1904!) and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The museum offers insight into early ranching traditions, railroads, and the hardy pioneers who settled the valley. Preserving this history is integral to respecting the deep roots found in the South Routt community. Visitors can admire antique furnishings, early photographs, and even ranching equipment as they view rotating exhibits that highlight different subjects, such as local schoolhouses and the area’s mining legacy. The museum and historic Town Hall also serve as a community gathering hub in Yampa, hosting seasonal events, educational programs and storytelling sessions that bring the community together throughout the year. Plan to stop by in 2026 when museums across the state launch co-celebrations for the 150th statehood and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – our nation’s semiquincentennial! The Yampa-Egeria Historical Society offers annual memberships for just $20.
Where to Eat and Drink in South Routt
Building off of its roots of small-town hospitality and ranching, it’s no surprise that there are hidden gems to be uncovered in South Routt! If you appreciate a dining scene with down-to-earth flavor, you’ll be swapping stories with the locals over a cold drink in no time!
Order Breakfast for Dinner or Dinner for Breakfast at Penny’s Diner
Where? 98 Moffat Avenue, Yampa
Penny’s Diner is a casual dining option in South Routt, where you can rely on the coffee always being hot and the plates being hearty. Discover the all-day menu at this South Routt eatery and explore the sweet treats and nostalgic desserts from classic milkshakes to homemade pies and banana splits that some say are legendary! The menu features a wide variety of options, which ensures that everyone in your party sees something that speaks to them. In the mood for chicken and waffles? Biscuits and gravy? A bacon lover’s cheeseburger? All of the above? You’re in luck because Penny’s has it all! No matter when the craving strikes, you can get it satisfied at this 24 hour diner.
Dig into the Signature Smoked Wings at Dueling D’s BBQ and Grill
Where? 116 Main Street, Oak Creek
You’ll find Dueling D’s in the charming mountain town of Oak Creek. The grill is serving up Texas pit smoked meats, such as brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage and chicken. If that wasn’t enough of an enticement, then there are also burgers and plenty of appetizers to share, including signature smoked wings! Dueling D’s also offers a full range of domestic and craft beers, as well as wine and mead. Check out the full bar and find something refreshing to pair with your protein-packed plate. Owner and pit master, Dana Christensen, trained in Austin, Texas to perfect her methods before bringing them to Colorado. So come check out pork green chili, smoked meat quesadillas, and D’s Colossal Sandwich if you think your appetite is up for a challenge! No BBQ meal is complete without some homemade fruit cobbler, so save some room for something sweet after your feast.
Grab a Rocky Mountain Pizza at the Oak Creek Tavern
Where? 105 Main Street, Oak Creek
The Oak Creek Tavern is a cozy, neighborhood bar located in historic, western digs. The tavern has been featured in Denver Westword, as well as Rocky Mountain PBS, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and has been voted the Best Bar in Routt County by readers of the Steamboat Pilot & Today. If that’s not enough of a recommendation, then come on by for bingo and live music and a cold drink to see for yourself. Everybody is welcome at the tavern, so whether you’re a hippie, a cowboy, a coal miner or a ski bum (or anyone in between), you’ll feel right at home. Even for visiting city folk, high end cocktails are no problem. The tavern boasts South Routt’s most diverse liquor selection. Pair a Colorado-made bar pizza with your drink or snack on some chips or hot pretzels. Oak Creek Tavern is open seven days a week — so if that cactus in the window is glowing, come on in!
Satisfy Your Barbecue Craving at Yampa Garage Biscuits & BBQ
Where? 70 Moffat Avenue, Yampa
Everything at Yampa Garage Biscuits & BBQ is smoked fresh daily over fire, old school BBQ style! The lineup features small batch, handcrafted meats from a Pitmaster out of North Carolina. On the menu you’ll find ribs, sausage, sandwiches, and more, along with a host of mouthwatering sides, soups and salads. Don’t skip out on the freshly made biscuits, either! Stay tuned via socials for weekend specials, such as the pimento cheese platter served with pickled veg and housemade crackers. If you see the smoked andouille or elk sausage with beer cheese and roasted peppers on a French roll — you know what’s for lunch! When you’re craving authentically delicious fare, look no further. Get your fix of biscuits and gravy on Saturdays or enjoy that good ol’ Southern hospitality Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. After overcoming a fire in the summer of 2024, Yampa Garage Biscuits & BBQ is back to serving loyal, hungry customers in Routt County.
Pick Up a Coffee and a Pastry from Sweet Pine Cafe
Where? 111 Main Street, Oak Creek
Looking for a cozy eatery to grab a breakfast sandwich or a salad? Sweet Pine Cafe in the heart of Oak Creek has that and then some on the menu! From breakfast favorites such as New York bagels, Bonfire breakfast burritos with chorizo, sausage and bacon to lighter fare such as yogurt berry parfaits, avocado toast and more — the menu is perfect for an on the go breakfast or a light lunch while catching up with a friend. Get your caffeine fix, whether you drink cold brew, matcha, cappuccinos or mushroom coffee, Sweet Pine has it all! If that wasn’t enough, you can order ice cream in a cup, in a waffle cone or even as an affogato (ice cream and espresso) for a mid-day pick-me-up!
Things to See in South Routt
Enjoy a scenic two hour drive as you soak in the views from the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway from Yampa to Meeker. You’ll find several pullouts along the way to get out and snap some photos or simply stand back and admire the view. Another “must-see” in South Routt is Finger Rock, which stands an impressive 300+ feet tall!
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway
Where? Yampa to Meeker (Yampa Entrance)
Just outside of Yampa, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area boasts must-see views in the South Routt region. Many people have soaked in the striking views of well-traveled mountain landscapes but here you’ll find views that only a fraction of travelers have admired in their lifetime! Jagged volcanic plates rise high above alpine lakes, while wildflower meadows blossom in the spring and forests of spruce and aspen rise high and mighty. The Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway is an 80+ mile drive that connects Yampa to Meeker and is the perfect way to enjoy some of the more dramatic scenery in the county. Along the unpaved drive, there are multiple pullouts and trailheads if you want to get out, stretch your legs and get a closer look. Whether you’re into backcountry hiking, fishing or simply enjoying a Sunday drive listening to your favorite tunes, the Flat Tops Byway is the perfect way to enjoy those postcard-worthy South Routt views. A portion of the byway closes during the winter months!
Snap a Photo of Yampa’s 300-Foot Tall Finger Rock
Where? 44G5+6P, Yampa
Finger Rock is a 300+ foot tall pillar along Highway 131 south of Yampa. There’s a sign marking the landmark, though you’re likely to recognize it on your own! The volcanic monument is unique to the region, so take a selfie or frame the stunning geological landmark in a striking landscape photograph as it looms high above its surroundings. Historians note that Finger Rock formed as the remains of a 12 million-year-old volcanic neck. The rock is within sight of the Flat Tops, which are capped with basalt lava flow according to Tom DeLancey, the Steamboat author who published “A Geologic Field Guide to Steamboat Springs and Vicinity.”
Admire Fall Foliage Views at Oak Creek Mountain Park
Where? County Road 49Z, Oak Creek
Oak Creek Mountain Park features 4.5 miles of trails across 165 acres. Visitors will find a large map and a donation meter at the trailhead, along with trail markers. There is a designated parking area, with the trailhead off of Twenty Mile Road just past the train tracks in Oak Creek. If you time your hike right, you’ll enjoy prime fall foliage leaf peeping in the autumn, with some locals noting that the park seems to be a little bit ahead of the rest of Routt County. Find peace within the aspen groves as you explore the trails, all of which can easily be completed within a couple of hours. The trails form overlapping loops, making it easy to find your way around.
Interested in Learning More About South Routt? We Can Help!
While South Routt isn’t for those who prefer larger-city amenities and the hustle and bustle of nonstop action, the area does offer more affordable living costs and fantastic access to outdoor recreation. Properties around South Routt can range from small to medium sized cabins, cottages and single-family homes — so let us help you explore the options. Our team at The Group Real Estate is here for you!