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Steamboat Springs

Sulphur Spring Cave – Quarry Mountain Summit loop from Steamboat Springs

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Routt County

Steamboat Springs

Sulphur Spring Cave – Quarry Mountain Summit loop from Steamboat Springs

Moderate

hikers

Sulphur Spring Cave – Quarry Mountain Summit loop from Steamboat Springs

03:57

12.1km

460m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

967 m

Sulphur Spring Cave

Highlight • Cave

Sulphur Cave has a temperature: of 73°F. According to the sign, this is the most mysterious of the springs. Legend has it that the early Indians used this cave and its springs during rituals. Oracles in similar sites throughout the world have prophesied future events after being mesmerized by sulphur vapors. The geologic features of this cave are particularly unique, displaying the strength of the springs as they travel upward through the porous rock. There is a significant amount of bacterial/algae growth called myceum, the original life form dating back 4 billion years. No entry.

Tip by

4.08 km

Little Moab Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Wow, what a great trail. If you climb Little Moab Trail you‘ll soon hear yourself breathing heavily. Steep technical trail, when you pedal up Little Moab, but also awesome as a downhill trail.

Tip by

5.23 km

Quarry Mountain Summit

Highlight • Summit

The trail offers a steady incline up to the summit, with an elevation change of around 1000 feet. The views from the summit are absolutely worth the effort, providing sweeping views of Steamboat Springs. While hiking, be sure to keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife in the area, including black bears.

Tip by

5.48 km

Lane of Pain viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Take a breather from the Lane of Pain Climb and take in some great views looking down at Steamboat Springs.

Tip by

10.6 km

Lupine Trail

Highlight • Trail

Great trail to pedal up Emerald Mountain. Not too difficult.

Tip by

11.2 km

Howelsen Hill

Highlight • Structure

Howelsen Hill Ski Area is Colorado's oldest continuously operated ski area. The summer months offer many miles of hiking and biking trails.

Tip by

12.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.12 km

3.10 km

3.01 km

605 m

213 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.01 km

3.94 km

1.93 km

834 m

715 m

680 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,500 m)

Lowest point (2,040 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 10 July

28°C

8°C

21 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

The Sulphur Spring Cave – Quarry Mountain Summit loop from Steamboat Springs is a fantastic moderate hiking route that delivers big on unique natural features and panoramic views. This 7.5-mile (12.1 km) hike involves 1513 feet (461 metres) of climbing and takes just under 4 hours, making it a rewarding half-day adventure for hikers with good fitness.

What to expect on Sulphur Spring Cave – Quarry Mountain Summit loop from Steamboat Springs

You'll start with a steady incline, mostly on smooth singletrack, as you make your way towards Quarry Mountain Summit. The forest eventually opens up, revealing beautiful alpine scenery with widely spaced aspens before you reach the summit, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Steamboat Springs. The trail then leads you to the fascinating Sulphur Cave and Spring, a unique geological site with a distinct smell, where you can view its exterior from behind a barrier. This route is best for those who enjoy a good climb and diverse scenery, from dense forest to open alpine vistas.

Planning your visit

The area around Sulphur Spring Cave and Quarry Mountain is known for abundant wildlife, including black bears, so be aware and carry bear spray. While the cave itself is restricted due to toxic gases, the exterior viewing area is accessible. The trail is generally accessible, but be prepared for potential black mud near the spring. This loop is a great option for a morning or afternoon hike, allowing you to experience the changing light over Steamboat Springs from the summit.

Trail details