North of Steamboat Springs is Routt National Forest and a number of private ranches that hold herds of deer and elk. Small herds of antelope are found on private land.

Yampa River in the south rising to over 9,000 foot mountains in the north along with foothills, draws, rim rock mesas, buttes, cobblestone creeks, open parks and steep mountain slopes.

Sagebrush, oak brush, mountain mahogany, bitter bush, grasses in open parks, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, aspen, ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine can all be found in this area.

Routt National Forest is about 26,000 acres. Head north on County Road 129 at Clark, then head northwest on County Road 62 to connect with numerous forest service roads. Sleeping Giant 400 acres take US Highway 40 west to County Road 44 turn north then left on County Road 46 to the designated parking area. Deer and elk are found during the year.

Steamboat Springs is a thriving western community that offers hotels, motels, cafes, restaurants, gas, diesel, medical care facilities and a regional airport. Camping is allowed on public land.