Business Details
9 Years
experience
Steamboat Springs' Best Escape Rooms
The Crooked Key has been Steamboat Springs' premier escape room destination for seven years, consistently ranking in the top 10% of attractions. Our purpose-built, immersive experiences combine theatrical storytelling with intricate puzzles, offering both indoor and outdoor adventures designed for families, tourists, and corporate teams. With four distinct games inspired by themes ranging from Edgar Allan Poe's literary works to Colorado's firefighting heritage, we prioritize originality through custom-designed puzzles and multi-chamber environments.Recognized in the Steamboat Colorado Travel Guide and TripAdvisor's 'Essential Colorado' list, we maintain a 970-367-7619 commitment to community through local philanthropy. Our owner-operated model ensures personalized service, while flexible booking policies accommodate walk-ins and special events. With over 600 five-star reviews across platforms, we guarantee memorable experiences or your money back.
Services
Taphophobia
Lucky Bird Saloon
Flashover!
Key to the City
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Purpose-built, immersive sets with original puzzles
- Bonus time available for every game session
- Central downtown location next to Mahogany Ridge
- Donates to local causes through every purchase
- Owner-operated by Steamboat locals since 2017
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
What people say
5 out of 5 stars
Hundreds of 5 Star Ratings
Top-rated escape rooms
Memorable experience
Highly recommended
Services
Taphophobia
Experience Edgar Allan Poe's nightmare world in this immersive escape room. Solve puzzles inspired by Poe's works using theatrical lighting and sound effects. No physical locks required - just mental agility to escape before time runs out.
Lucky Bird Saloon
Step into 1909 Colorado in this Old West-themed escape game. Uncover Deputy Festus' hidden bribes while navigating saloon-era challenges. Combines historical elements with modern puzzle-solving in a fully immersive western setting.
Flashover!
Become Steamboat's firefighters in this high-stakes rescue mission. Balance physical and mental challenges during a simulated fire response. Tests teamwork under pressure with realistic firefighting scenarios and equipment.
Key to the City: S.K.I.
Explore downtown Steamboat Springs through this interactive geocaching adventure. Solve location-based puzzles while discovering local landmarks. Combines physical activity with mental challenges across 1.5-5 hours of outdoor gameplay.
People
Paul DeCrette
Owner/Operator
Paul DeCrette co-founded The Crooked Key with his wife Nicole in 2017. With extensive experience in immersive entertainment, he personally oversees game design and operation. His passion for creating memorable escape experiences drives daily operations.
Nicole DeCrette
Owner/Operator
Nicole DeCrette co-owns The Crooked Key with Paul. She focuses on customer experience and community relations. Her background in hospitality ensures every visitor receives personalized attention and creates lasting memories through their escape adventures.
Questions
What age groups are appropriate for your escape rooms?
Recommended for ages 7+. Children under 7 require private rooms. Teens 12-17 need signed waivers but can play independently.
How long do escape room sessions last?
Indoor games take 60 minutes. Outdoor Key to the City adventure lasts 1.5-5 hours depending on group size and skill level.
Can we book private sessions for special events?
Yes! Book 4+ tickets for private indoor sessions or 6+ for outdoor games. We customize puzzles for birthdays and celebrations.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund with 48-hour notice. 50% refund for 24-48 hour cancellations. No refunds within 24 hours unless we fill the slot.
Do you accommodate large groups?
Yes! Our rooms accommodate 2-10 players. Outdoor game works best with 3+ participants. Book entire rooms for exclusive use.
Are your escape rooms wheelchair accessible?
Our indoor rooms have limited accessibility. Contact us directly to discuss specific mobility requirements and accommodations.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Trey M.
Jan 28, 2022
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If you like to think out of the box this is the place for you!! My family of 7 went and took on the challenge of the firefighter room! The staff was very friendly and helpful! We had so much fun and are still talking about how much fun we had! Would definitely go back again!
E. Joyce
Jan 03, 2022
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We had a great time in the Flashover room. Our family has completed several rooms in Northern Colorado and this has definitely been our favorite. Clever and logical puzzles and fun themes!
Dana Robertson
Jan 02, 2022
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My husband and I did the Escape the Old West room and loved it. We have done over 15 escape rooms and this was one of our favorites. It was the perfect combination of effects and puzzles. It was not sequential so multiple people can work on different puzzles/clues simultaneously. If you like escape rooms or even if its your first time, I highly recommend this place!
Zachary Zook
Dec 07, 2021
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This place was incredible. I had never done an escape room before. My wife and I were staying in Steamboat for our Honeymoon; We basically did everything you could in town, and on our last night we saw this place! It was so much fun.. It was challenging but so rewarding every time you figured out each clue. When the door opened at the end in time, both of us were smiling ear to ear. So much fun. Highly recommend and I will now be going to escape rooms when we fly back home to Texas.
Brandon Melkonian
Oct 21, 2021
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Our family has been to the Crooked Key twice and and we are hooked. We have looked into more escape rooms because or our new hobby we love. Thank you very much for the service you offer and the fun we had. Such a professional staff and they played the game as if it were real, awesome. We love you guys and cant wait to come back to Steamboat so we can go again and do the Edgar Allan Poe. Thanks again, the Melkonians.
Richard Hough
Sep 23, 2021
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Having played many escape rooms, these are definitely high quality. My group did the Poe room and the Wild West Escape. The wild west room was very solid and had a bunch of really cute features (ask for a hint for sure), but the Poe room was a real standout. Probably one of the best escape rooms I've ever done.
