Why You Shouldn’t Drive to Strawberry Hot Springs in Winter

Strawberry Hot Springs is one of the most magical places in Steamboat Springs — steaming mineral pools surrounded by quiet forest, snowy trails, and star-filled skies. But getting there in winter is a very different story than visiting in the summer.

If you’re wondering whether you should drive yourself to the hot springs between November and April, here’s the honest answer:
You probably shouldn’t.
And here’s why locals strongly recommend booking a shuttle instead.

1. The Road Requires 4WD (and They Check During Winter Months)

From November 1st to May 1st, the road leading to Strawberry Hot Springs has a strict requirement:

4-wheel drive with snow tires or chains. No exceptions.

This isn’t just a suggestion — staff at the entrance turn cars away every day during winter for not meeting the requirement. Even AWD rental cars often don’t qualify because they’re missing snow tires.

If you’re not in a properly equipped vehicle, you will not be allowed up the road.

2. The Road Is Steep, Icy, and Narrow

What looks like a short drive on Google Maps is actually one of the trickier winter roads in Steamboat. The final stretch includes:

• Steep grades

• Tight, narrow turns

• Packed snow and ice

• Limited visibility after dark

• A drop-off along part of the road

Locals call it “deceiving” — it doesn’t look bad until you’re halfway up and realize your tires aren’t gripping.

Your rental car absolutely won’t be ready for this.

3. Parking Fills Quickly (and Getting Stuck Is Common)

Winter visitors who do attempt the drive often run into another issue: parking. The small lot fills fast, especially for evening soaks.

Drivers frequently get stuck trying to park or leave the lot because the packed snow creates deep ruts.

Sweet Pea Tours bypasses this issue completely — your driver drops you off and picks you up right at the entrance, no stressful maneuvering required.

4. Driving Down in the Dark Is Even Harder

If you book an evening soak, you’ll be driving back down the mountain in full darkness — and the road does not have lighting. Combine that with icy surfaces and sharp curves, and it becomes one of the toughest winter drives in Steamboat Springs.

Professional drivers know:

• Which sections ice over first

• Where to slow down

• How to navigate safely in low visibility

For travelers, especially those unfamiliar with mountain driving, it’s simply not worth the risk.

5. A Shuttle Lets You Actually Relax

The whole point of visiting Strawberry Hot Springs is to unwind — not worry about slipping tires, steep roads, or parking headaches.

With a Sweet Pea Tours private shuttle, you get:

• A safe, winter-equipped vehicle

• A local driver who knows the road

• Easy pickup + drop-off

• No parking stress

• No worrying about 4WD requirements

You get to relax the entire time — before, during, and after your soak.

6. Locals Don’t Drive Themselves… and That Says Everything

Ask anyone who lives in Steamboat what they do when friends or family want to visit the hot springs in winter.

Nearly all of them will say the same thing:

“We book a shuttle.”

Locals know the conditions, the road, and the risks — and they avoid driving it whenever possible.

The Safest Way to Get to Strawberry Hot Springs This Winter

If you want to enjoy the hot springs without worrying about winter conditions, a private shuttle is the most reliable option.

Sweet Pea Tours offers:

• Safe winter transportation

• Experienced, friendly local drivers

• Private vehicles for your group

• Round-trip service at your chosen time

• Stress-free travel to one of Steamboat’s most iconic spots

👉 Book your Hot Springs Shuttle today:
https://sweetpeatours.com/

Relax. We’ll handle the road.