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Emerald Mountain
4.7 ★★★★★ 155 Google reviews · Running trail in Steamboat Springs, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 27.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Emerald Mountain's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Emerald Mountain
“A workout for the body & soul-2 waterfalls & a lake at appx11k feet: gorgeous views, steep 1st half, worth it.”
I think it’s a little less than two miles to the overlook if you take the main trail. I’ve yet to fully explore the full mountain but have yet to be disappointed. Well maintained and if you happen to have a mountain bike you are in for a heck of a good time (assuming it’s not mud season).
We biked there today and it was an absolute blast. We made it up to Little Moab and then took the bike only downhill NPR trail down to the base area. Was awesome.
Great moderate uphill and back hike with beautiful views of Yampa valley. Though it seems like it will be busy, you'll find isolation a lot fast thank you expect.
Emerald is a great mountain for hiking and biking. Beautiful views of town and lush, green scene. Purpose built single track provides enjoyable rides.
Trail conditions & character
“A workout for the body & soul-2 waterfalls & a lake at appx11k feet: gorgeous views, steep 1st half, worth it.”
“It was incredible exploring the trails and roads on Howelson hill and learning more about the emerald mountain history.”
“Purpose built single track provides enjoyable rides.”
“Easily accessible from the town of Steamboat, so many trails to choose from and incredible views!”
“Great place for dogs and just about everyone in the family.”
“I SIMPLY LOVE GOD'S CREATION, AS I HIKE DAILY ABOUT 7 MILES!”
Plan your run at Emerald Mountain
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance27.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesteamboatchamber.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Steamboat Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
