Hiked this July 25th.  This time of year I would recommend an early start as the afternoon temps are in the 90's or higher.  We started at 5:45 am and returned to the trail head at 8:30 am and it was already starting to heat up. I would recommend bringing more water than you'd think you'll need this time of year.

The trail at the base can be challenging for kids with the loose rock and incline.  I took my seven year old with me and he managed it well (with a lot of help), glad my five year old decided to sleep in with mom at the camper as it would have been extremely challenging for him.  The loose rock and incline at the base ends after 150 to 200 yards and the trail was more manageable for him.  My only caution as a parent would be taking into consideration kids under six or seven on this hike due to the loose rock conditions and incline. Coming down was just as, if not more challenging for him.

About half way up the trail splits to the left (south) or right (north). We went right and followed a well marked, easy to follow trail to the top.  I spoke with another hiker on the way down who had hiked both trails in the past, he stated the left (south) is a bit steeper than the north.

I would recommend this hike to everyone, the views at the top are amazing.

Steamboat Rock is located within Steamboat Rock State Park. There is a gate at the entrance manned by an employee, and a Discover Pass or Interagency Pass is required to access the park. The park offers recreational activities such as camping, fishing, or hiking, and is typically full of RV campers. Well maintained paved roads free of any obstruction lead to the trailhead ensuring easy access for any vehicle and the trail is in good condition.

The trailhead is on the left (west) side of the road as you come from the main entrance along Steamboat Rock Park Entrance Road. The trail consists of a gradual incline approaching Steamboat Rock before requiring a rocky scramble to ascend to the summit. Once at the summit there is a trail network that winds through fields of wildflowers and offers various viewpoints in each cardinal direction. I spotted a lot of wildlife once atop Steamboat Rock to include marmots, deer, and several large birds such as Golden Eagles.

Be advised there are a large number of bees on top of the rock this time of year pollinating in the fields of wildflowers. I walked among the flowers for nearly an hour and the bees were not bothersome, but if you are allergic to bee stings then make sure you bring an EpiPen or avoid the field of flowers altogether.

If you're looking for wild flowers they are here! This majestic and thunderous butte is so far my favorite new hike of the season!  The trail head is very easy to find and the trail is in good condition.  There are a few parts of the ascent that are quite steep and and rocky, but at the top you'll be rewarded with an expansive and meandering meadow full of wild flowers, sweeping views, and plenty of wildlife.  Make sure to take enough water since it's pretty dry up there and be on the lookout for eagles, deer, and a wide variety of birds!  

It was a beautiful sunny day for exploring the top of Steamboat Rock. We saw several different kinds of wildflowers in bloom, including phlox and balsamroot. We also saw two deer, which was pretty cool. This is a great spring hike, but wouldn't recommend for summertime as there is no shade.

That first bit of trail up the rock is a little sketchy and crumbly so be careful.