Yampa Valley Regional Airport (IATA: HDN – ICAO: KHDN) serves the northwest Colorado region, including the popular ski destination of Steamboat Springs. Located near the town of Hayden, approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) west of Steamboat Springs, HDN is a seasonal hub for winter travelers and also supports year-round service.

The airport handles over 150,000 passengers annually, with increased traffic during ski season. It offers domestic flights to major hubs and is favored for its accessibility to mountain resorts.

HDN operates year-round, handling commercial flights, private jets, and general aviation. People landing at this airport can quickly get to local resorts or explore the natural beauty of the region. To learn more about schedules, transportation, and services at Yampa Valley Regional Airport, travelers can visit the official airport website.

General Information

Location: Hayden, Colorado, United States
Country: United States
Airport Type: Public, Regional
IATA Code: HDN
ICAO Code: KHDN
Elevation: 6,606 feet (2,014 metres)
Coordinates: 40°28′25″N 107°13′11″W
Timezone: UTC−7 (MST) / UTC−6 (MDT during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 37 km (23 miles) west of Steamboat Springs
Website: www.flysteamboat.com
Operator: Routt County
Services: Domestic flights, general aviation, seasonal charters, airport parking

Parking Information

Yampa Valley Regional Airport provides accessible parking with seasonal adjustments.

Short-Term Parking

Rate: $1/hour, $15/day max
Distance: Directly in front of the terminal
Ideal For: Pick-ups, drop-offs, and short-term stays

Long-Term Parking

Rate: $10/day
Distance: A short walk from the terminal; overflow lots available during ski season
Ideal For: Extended stays, overnight parking

Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards and cash
Security: Staff monitoring and lighting throughout the lots

Contact Information

Airport Information Line: +1 970-276-5001
Email: info@flysteamboat.com
FBO Coordination: Atlantic Aviation HDN (general aviation, private jet services)

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: HDN serves domestic U.S. flights only
Crew Requirements: Domestic clearance via Atlantic Aviation HDN
Transport Options: Rental cars, taxis, hotel shuttles, private transfers
Nearby Accommodation:
Close to Airport: The Home Ranch (seasonal), Hampton Inn Craig
In Steamboat Springs: Sheraton Steamboat Resort, The Steamboat Grand, Hotel Bristol
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); major credit cards accepted

Location and Accessibility

Yampa Valley Regional Airport is found in Routt County, Colorado, about 2 miles southeast of Hayden. It sits roughly a 30-minute drive from Steamboat Springs, making it the closest major airport for visitors going to the ski town or the surrounding area.

The airport is easily reached by car. There are rental car agencies, shuttles, taxis, and airport parking for those who drive themselves. Major highways connect HDN to popular destinations, and public transportation options are available for local travelers. The central location makes it a reliable entry point for both tourists and locals who want to reach the Rocky Mountains or Western Colorado communities.

Airline Services and Destinations

HDN Airport offers both year-round and seasonal flights from several major airlines. In peak winter months, it connects travelers to multiple large cities, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Main airlines often operating at HDN include United, American, Delta, and Southwest.

Flights are scheduled to meet regional demand, especially during the ski season. In the off-season, a smaller number of daily flights are available. The airport supports a range of operations, from commercial flights to executive jets and general aviation, as detailed by Colorado.com. Its services help travelers reach popular resorts and attractions across Northwest Colorado.

Car Rental Information at HDN

Travelers flying into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) can choose from several national rental car agencies. Renters will need to meet certain requirements, provide acceptable payment, understand the details in the contract, and know rules for extra drivers.

Renter Requirements

To rent a car at HDN, every driver must have a valid driver’s license. The license must be in good standing and not expired or suspended. Most agencies like Enterprise and National require the renter to be at least 21 years old.

Renters will also need a major credit card or debit card in their name. People with a learner’s permit or instructional license cannot rent a vehicle. Anyone under 25 years old might be charged an underage surcharge.

Agencies may also require proof of a return airline ticket for those flying in. It’s helpful to have a reservation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Most car rental companies at HDN accept the following payment types:

  • Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
  • Debit cards with the VISA or Mastercard logo and sufficient funds

Prepaid cards and money orders are usually not accepted at the rental counter. At pickup, some agencies require a credit check for debit card users.

A refundable deposit amount will be placed as a hold on the card. The specific deposit can vary by agency, but is generally required no matter the payment type.

Rental Contracts and Agreements

Every renter must sign a rental agreement before taking the vehicle. This contract covers the period of rental, car type, mileage limits, insurance details, and any optional protections.

A typical rental agreement includes:

ItemDetails
Rental periodStart and end dates, time of return
Car classSelected vehicle model or similar
Insurance optionsCollision Damage Waiver (CDW), liability, personal
Deposit amountRequired hold based on payment method

Some contracts may require renters to show insurance verification or purchase extra insurance. It’s important to review all terms and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Additional Drivers and Surcharges

Car rental agencies at HDN allow additional drivers if they meet the main renter requirements. All extra drivers must be present, show a valid driver’s license, and may also need a credit or debit card.

Adding another driver often comes with a daily surcharge. Some companies waive this fee for immediate family members or spouses. Drivers under 25 may face both an extra driver fee and an underage surcharge.

Always list all additional drivers on the rental contract at pickup. This helps ensure insurance coverage and compliance with rental terms. For more on the rules at HDN, check the guidelines for Yampa Valley Regional Airport car rentals.

Loyalty Programs and Payment Policies

Travelers at HDN Airport can benefit from specific loyalty perks, especially through car rental programs. It’s also important to be aware of payment and banking policies that could impact the rental or travel experience.

Emerald Club Benefits

The Emerald Club, offered by National Car Rental, provides customers at HDN Airport with several useful benefits. Members can skip the regular lines and pick their own vehicle from a dedicated area, which speeds up the rental process. This advantage helps save both time and hassle after a long flight.

Earning rewards is straightforward. Each rental earns points, which can lead to free rental days or other perks. Members can also use the Emerald Aisle for faster service, which is especially convenient during peak travel times.

Joining the Emerald Club is free, and users can manage their loyalty account online. The program is designed for frequent renters, but even occasional travelers can take advantage of quicker reservations and occasional discounts. For more details about National’s Emerald Club at Yampa Valley Airport, visit this car rental information page.

Overdraft Fees and Payment Issues

When renting a car or booking travel, using a credit or debit card is common practice; however, travelers should be careful to avoid overdraft fees and related payment issues. If a debit card lacks enough funds, a transaction can trigger an overdraft, resulting in extra fees charged by the bank.

It’s best to check the account balance before making travel-related payments. Some loyalty programs or rental agencies might require a credit card instead of a debit card to help prevent these problems.

Many rental locations put a hold on funds until the vehicle is returned. Be sure to factor in this temporary hold to avoid accidentally overspending. Reading the payment policies and understanding the potential for overdraft situations helps keep travel stress-free for everyone involved.

Local Attractions

Steamboat Ski Resort

One of Colorado’s top ski destinations, known for its Champagne Powder® snow and western charm.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Natural hot springs in a forested canyon are open year-round with a rustic mountain atmosphere.

Fish Creek Falls

A scenic waterfall with accessible hiking trails just outside Steamboat Springs.

Howelsen Hill

North America’s oldest operating ski area and training ground for Olympic athletes.

Yampa River Core Trail

A paved path is perfect for biking, walking, and exploring the scenic river corridor through Steamboat.

Downtown Steamboat Springs

Historic downtown with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and western-style storefronts.

Travel Tips

Best Times to Park:
Arrive early during the winter season (Dec–Mar) due to high passenger volume
Mid-morning and mid-week generally offer more parking availability

Additional Notes:
HDN is busiest in winter due to direct flights from major U.S. cities
Check airline schedules as routes vary seasonally
Wi-Fi is available in the terminal; food and beverage options may be limited outside peak season
FBO services include de-icing, hangars, and ground handling for private aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions

HDN Airport offers a variety of services, including up-to-date flight information, transportation options, and airport maps. Several major airlines operate flights to and from the airport.

How can I find out about current departures from Hayden Airport?

Travelers can check current flight departures by visiting the official HDN Airport website. The site provides real-time updates on flight statuses.

Where can I access the flight schedule for Hayden Airport?

The most recent flight schedule for Hayden Airport is available on the Yampa Valley Regional Airport website. This page lists arrival and departure times and is kept up to date.

What transportation options are available from HDN Airport to Steamboat Springs?

From HDN Airport, travelers can access shuttles, rental cars, and private transport services. Shuttle services offer convenient trips between the airport and Steamboat Springs. More details on transportation options can be found through local Ski Town Transportation FAQs.

Where can I find a map of Hayden Airport?

An airport map is available on the official airport website. The map shows terminal locations, parking areas, and amenities.

Which airlines offer flights to and from Hayden Airport?

Several major airlines provide service to and from HDN Airport, including United, American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue. Information about the airlines that serve the airport can be found on the Fly Steamboat FAQ page.

How far in advance do flight schedules get posted for Hayden Airport?

Flight schedules are usually posted several months in advance. Travelers can check for updates and seasonal schedules on the Yampa Valley Regional Airport site. Airlines may adjust schedules closer to departure dates.