Yampa, Colorado

Yampa is a quiet, ranching town known as the “Gateway to the Flattops”. Hunting, camping and fishing are big activities that attract a lot of people to the area. There are several businesses in town, including a couple restaurants and lodging options.

Antler’s Cafe is a beautifully restored restaurant and bar that’s on the State Register of Historic Properties. It’s open seasonally for dinner, Thursday-Sunday, mid May through November. Penny’s Diner is another good choice for grub. It’s an old school eatery that’s open 24 hours a day, located adjacent to the Oak Tree Inn.

Main Attractions

Flat Tops Trail Byway – It’s a national scenic byway that goes west from Yampa, 82 miles to Meeker. The road winds through astonishing flat top mountains and two national forests.

Recreation

Flat Tops Wilderness Area Winter Snow — The Flat Tops Wilderness area near Yampa. Photo: ben d

Camping:

Both primitive car camping and campgrounds with facilities can be found on the Flat Tops Byway, which is in a remote part of the Routt National Forest. There is camping available nearly as soon as you reach the byway.

Fishing:

Beginning high in the Flat Tops, the Yampa River flows down past town and north to Steamboat Springs. It’s a great river for fishing along much of it.
There are also numerous lakes on the Flat Top Trail.