Steamboat Springs — Steamboat’s long-standing tradition of hunting through town for a 25-pound wooden, Yule Log kicks off Monday, when the first clue will be broadcasted and printed through local media.

The 36th annual Yule Log Hunt, hosted by the Tread of Pioneers Museum and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, includes 10 carefully crafted clues leading participants on a journey through town and an ultimate destination of a Yule Log hiding place.

“There seems to be more and more excitement each year,” said Candice Bannister, director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum. “It’s a really fun and interesting small town tradition, and these are the kinds of things that sometimes define small towns.

Bannister said the most important thing to remember about the hunt is that earlier clues describe places in town, but not the actual hiding place of the log. The locations described in each clue, if solved correctly, will lead the participant on a journey of several stops before the clues describe the log’s actual hiding place.

“We’d like to encourage people to really think about the clues and see if you can solve them. It’s a journey towards the end of the game, the final hiding place,” Bannister said.

Another important thing to remember is that when the log is found, Tread of Pioneers Museum should be called immediately at 970-879-2214 so that museum staff can call off the hunt.

The winner of the hunt, who finds the Yule log first, will receive a $150 Steamboat Chamber gift certificate and a historical photograph from the museum’s collection. The winner will also sign their name on the log alongside the names of previous year’s winners.

As always, the log will not be hidden on private property, inside buildings or in areas that charge fees to enter. At least a portion of the log is visible from its hiding place and the log is distinctively marked with the words “Yule Log” in red letters.

Last year, residents Laura Sankey and Jennifer Meeks found the Yule Log at the stagecoach display Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association’s building after only two clues about the log had been revealed. That site will be the starting point for this year’s hunt.

Bannister said that after 35 years of hiding the log, past locations of the log aren’t necessarily off limits.

“Each year obviously we are trying to come up with spots where it can remain hidden as long as possible and encourage people to use the clues,” she said.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow