Each spring, Steamboat Springs celebrates its love for whitewater with the Yampa River Festival — a multi-day event filled with races, community gatherings, and river-centered fun. One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Race, a thrilling downriver event that draws experienced kayakers from near and far.
The Yampa River Festival has been a Steamboat tradition for more than four decades, raising awareness for river conservation while providing exciting opportunities for both participants and spectators. The Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Race honors the legacy of Adam Mayo, an avid paddler whose passion for the river continues to inspire the community.
Set against the backdrop of spring runoff, the race challenges paddlers to navigate Fish Creek’s technical rapids and fast-moving currents. It’s an adrenaline-filled competition that requires skill, strength, and respect for the power of the river.
Festival Highlights
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When: Early June (water levels permitting)
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Where: Fish Creek and the Yampa River, Steamboat Springs, CO
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Events: Kayak races, slalom courses, tube rodeos, SUP competitions, community floats, and family-friendly river activities
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Purpose: Promotes river stewardship and benefits Friends of the Yampa, a local non-profit dedicated to protecting the Yampa River
Whether you’re an experienced paddler ready to take on the rapids or a spectator looking to cheer from the shore, the Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Race and Yampa River Festival offer an unforgettable mix of adventure, tradition, and community spirit.