Rabbit Ears Pass
Highway 40 crosses the Continental Divide over this pass, marked by volcanic rock peaks shaped like rabbit ears. In winter it’s a hub for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Rabbit Ears Pass sits at roughly 2,860 meters and is the main route into Steamboat from the Denver direction, about 25 km from town. The pass takes its name from the volcanic rock peaks nearby, which resemble rabbit ears. A viewpoint on the west side looks down over the Yampa Valley and the town. Winter brings deep snow and plenty of free cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling routes. In summer you can hike to the base of Rabbit Ears Peak, where wildflowers blanket the trail and the aspen groves turn gold in September. Winter road conditions can change quickly, so check CDOT road conditions and chain laws before you go.
Opening hours
Open all day (winter depends on road conditions)
Nearby sights
- Fish Creek Falls
- Steamboat Resort
- Yampa River Botanic Park
- Old Town Hot Springs
- Downtown Steamboat & Lincoln Avenue
- Tread of Pioneers Museum
- Yampa River Core Trail
- Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series