The 45th annual Yule Log Hunt, presented by the Tread of Pioneers Museum, will begin Wednesday. Each weekday’s clues will be posted on the museum’s website and Facebook page, air on local radio stations, and be printed in the Steamboat Pilot & Today.

A new clue will be released each weekday for up to eight days, unless the log is found sooner. 

Every year, the clues take you on a path toward the log’s hiding place; the clues do not describe the hiding spot itself until the last few clues of the hunt.

The Yule Log is not physically placed in its hiding place until after the release of clue No. 6 in an effort to prevent Yule Log hunters from randomly stumbling upon the log without using the clues.

The 2024 hunt starts at the site of last year’s hiding place: Snake Island across from Dr. Rich Weiss Park. Clues often include information that refer to community history or past events. Unless the log is found sooner, the eighth and final clue is scheduled for release Friday, Dec. 20.

The Yule Log Hunt has been a traditional holiday event in this community for over 45 years. The 3-foot long, 25-pound log is hidden within Steamboat Springs city limits.

It is distinctively marked with the words “Yule Log” (in red letters) and at least a portion of it will be visible from its hiding place. The log will not be on private property, inside of buildings or in areas that charge entry fees. 

When the log is found, the lucky winner should immediately call the Tread of Pioneers Museum. The log must be presented to a Tread of Pioneers Museum staff person before the winner will receive the $150 Steamboat Chamber gift card generously donated by the Steamboat Chamber.

The museum is grateful to have F.M. Light & Sons sponsoring the hunt this year. Join the fun, solve the clues, find the log and begin your path to the winners’ circle of Yule Log fame!