Frequently asked questions about our Steamboat Springs Escape Rooms

We are open!  Please see our page dedicated to COVID-19 precautions.  Thank you!

All games at The Crooked Key are good! Seriously, read our reviews.  But which game is best depends on your group size, experience, and interests.  This page gives you a good overview of each game’s features ranked side-by-side.  Questions?  Just reach out and we’re happy to help you pick.

All escape rooms are not created equal.  But we can tell you with certainty that visitors to The Crooked Key have fun.  Fun is our primary goal in creating our games and is the overriding word used to describe the experience.  Don’t take our word for it; read our player reviews. Even the most apprehensive visitors leave with smiling faces!

Onsite escape games at The Crooked Key cost $45 per player, per game, with kids 7 and under free. The entire visit typically lasts 50-70 minutes.

The outdoor game is $30 per ticket, with kids 10 and under free. Completion times are variable, but 1.5-2.5 hours is typical.

You’ll talk about the game for days and the memories you create will last a lifetime. Our goal is to give you a fun, 5-star experience, and if you feel we have not lived up to that promise, we are happy to make it right for you, including offering you a refund. If you have any doubts about the value of the experience, please read our player reviews.

Good escape room design and buildout is more involved than you may think.  Wear and tear is extreme.  And of course, expenses are high in a mountain destination like Steamboat, and we like to pay our employees fairly.

We are consistently ranked among the best escape rooms.  Check our reviews!

Though we may be biased, we believe the experience at The Crooked Key is a good value.  It’s something you do occasionally while on vacation, or to celebrate a special occasion with family or friends.  If you play and don’t have a blast, simply ask for your money back before you depart.

No, you are not. At any time during the game, you can go out the way you came in, so safety is never an issue. But the goal of the game is to escape, so the exit door is indeed locked. Every game is monitored on closed circuit video with two-way audio. You can always ask The Crooked Key gamemaster for assistance. If you are still skeptical, come in and ask for a tour, or play our outdoor game which is 100% non-confined.

We designed The Crooked Key’s games to be generally family-friendly (no extreme jump scares or true horror elements), but the escape room puzzles are geared toward adults, young adults, and families playing together.  Here are some guidelines:

• Ages 7 and under – Our puzzles are somewhat challenging and not designed for young children. To be honest, kids this age will likely be more of a distraction than a help. That said, they do tend to have a blast finding hidden objects and playing with the props. If you are more concerned about making a family memory than a record escape time, babies and small children are more than welcome, and kids 7 and under are free with at least two paying adults. Out of respect to other players, please book four or more tickets to make your game private.
• Ages 8-11 – We want everyone who plays to have fun. Therefore, our policy is that at least one adult play with kids under 12 (under 14 for the Key to the City: S.K.I. outdoor game).  And honestly, the more adults the better to help guide them and help them feel successful. Children this age are good at noticing things and working with locks. They often make connections adults do not…  ahhh, young minds! It is recommended, but not required, that families with children under age 12 book a private game (reserve four or more spaces), as you likely enjoy your children more than strangers do, and the gamemaster can offer special accommodations to make the game fun for everyone in your group. You know your children best. Please do not subject strangers to wild or misbehaving children; book a private room if warranted, or consider Key to the City: S.K.I., as this game is private regardless of group size, and children 10 and under play this game for free!
• Ages 12 to 17 – Young adults ages 12 through 17 (14 through 17 for the Key to the City: S.K.I. outdoor game) can participate alone.

We are happy to allow you to watch from a laptop in our lobby if you’ve played before or purchase a ticket. And if you haven’t played yet, just play! It’s way more fun, and your family won’t think your a curmudgeon.

Sure! The Crooked Key gamemasters compiled this advice:

• Do not guess locks.  Spend time solving the puzzles, not wasting time guessing numbers.
• Separate and search! There is plenty to find. Work together, but don’t stay huddled together waiting for the loudest person to do something.
• Communicate… if you find something, let others know. This helps everyone make connections, which is critical.
• Distinct objects in the room generally have a purpose. There are some props, but no intentional red herrings.
• Keep the clues handy and organized in case you need to revisit them.
• There are no clues hidden in any lamps, electrical outlets, plugs or cords. Be safe.
• There is no excessive force or extreme physical exertion required, so be gentle.
• Do not tear down the walls or break apart furniture. Please respect our space.
• Do not bring in tools such as screwdrivers or knives. They just aren’t necessary.
• There is no need for a smartphone (outdoor game excluded). You will have all the information you need to escape the room in the room.
• Double check each other’s answers and searches if you get stuck!
• If you get stuck and are no longer having fun, ask for a clue from the gamemaster.
• Don’t be afraid to be silly! This is a game – have FUN!

Yes! You can purchase gift vouchers online.

The Crooked Key’s onsite escape games will likely not be fun alone and many puzzles require two or more people. You will need to book at least two slots for an open game time, so bring a friend if possible. Alternatively, book a timeslot with some spaces already filled. More people is just more fun, and you have a better chance of escaping. Our gamemasters will do their best to make strangers feel comfortable with each other before the game starts, so have an open mind and embrace the opportunity to meet new people. Our Key to the City: S.K.I. outdoor game does allow solo play, but there is still a two-ticket minimum charge.

Two people can play all escape games at The Crooked Key (most days… some peak demand days require four tickets). That said, the games are optimized for four or more, so we encourage you to bring friends or book a timeslot with some spaces already filled whenever possible. More people is just more fun, and you have a better chance of escaping. Our gamemasters will do their best to make strangers feel comfortable with each other before the game starts, so have an open mind and embrace the opportunity to meet new people. If you want to play with just two people, you will need to take your chances that nobody else books with you or book four or more tickets to make the game private. Also, the outdoor game plays well with two.

Not currently, but if you are a Routt County local, just show or text us your driver’s license and we’ll make your game private at any group size. You must do this before other groups potentially book into your game, as once they book, we cannot kick them out.

Service animals are always welcome at The Crooked Key; any other pet is not. This includes purse pets. Dogs are of course welcome for our outdoor game. Thanks for your cooperation.

While that sounds like a great idea, the answer is no. We do not have a license to serve alcohol. Food and beverages are not allowed in the game rooms, and would inhibit your ability to use your hands and move around while playing. A celebratory drink or meal can be enjoyed afterwards at one the two adjoining restaurants, literally steps from our entrance. If a small child needs water or a snack, that’s more than likely OK, but mention it to us in advance.

While that sounds like a great idea, the answer is no. Food and beverages are not allowed in the game rooms, and would inhibit your ability to use your hands and move around while playing. A celebratory drink or meal can be enjoyed afterwards at one the two adjoining restaurants, literally steps from our entrance. If a small child needs water or a snack, that’s more than likely OK, but mention it to us in advance. If you want to eat while you play, you may also consider our Key to the City: S.K.I. outdoor game.  You can eat and walk during this game, or stop for lunch, drinks, etc. during gameplay.

While The Crooked Key escape games are generally safe, please consult a doctor if you have questions about this type of activity and your unique medical condition.  Loud noises and mild special affects (like fog) should be expected.

The Crooked Key entrance is at ground level and all common areas, including the restroom, are ADA-accessible. Trouble at the Old West Saloon is ADA-compliant, and wheelchairs in our other two onsite games are typically not a problem, but please let us know in advance so we can go over the details with you to ensure everyone will be comfortable.  We will do our absolute best to make accommodations for any disabilities if we are made aware of them.  The outdoor game is played entirely on ground level outdoors. If you have other special requirements, requests, or limitations, please email or call.

We ask that you arrive at your scheduled reservation start time. If you are running late and you have the entire room reserved, you can start the game late but may not have the full hour to complete it. If you are running late and you are grouped with others, the game will likely have already started on time and you will not be permitted to enter the room late.  The Crooked Key is in a really cool walking district with fantastic restaurants, shops, and bars. Plan on arriving downtown early so you can stroll over and be on time.

No! Anyone with an open mind will have fun at The Crooked Key. You will be engaging your senses, searching for hidden clues, and working together. Everyone has unique strengths. And if you are struggling, the gamemaster may offer you a clue (or two or three!) and get you moving in the right direction. 

The Crooked Key is conveniently located downtown, but there is no designated parking. If you drive, plan on an early arrival and park near 5th Street and Lincoln Ave, the main street through town. Most hotels also offer free downtown shuttle service. You may also consider taking the free city bus Red Line which stops at 5th Street. You can also Uber, walk, or bike.

No special equipment is necessary at The Crooked Key; come as you are! You may be more comfortable in casual shoes, but the most activity you will be engaging in may be squatting down to get a closer look at something. If you wear reading glasses, bring them. If you are playing our outdoor game, dress to be comfortable based on the weather that day.

You should arrive at your scheduled reservation time – no earlier or later. You can assemble your group and use the restroom. When everyone is ready, The Crooked Key gamemaster will brief you and start the game. Your game may start without you or be cut short if you are not on time. Once the game begins, it lasts one hour (or sooner if you escape). Afterward, your gamemaster will debrief your group and take a photo. The entire visit typically lasts 50-70 minutes. For the outdoor game, plan on 1.5-2.5 hours.

Yes. Cameras are used by The Crooked Key gamemaster to monitor your live experience, provide clues and assistance as necessary, and generally ensure you have a good time.

While the term “escape room” may illicit a reaction of fear or anxiety, our games are fun first and foremost. All of The Crooked Key games are family friendly. The door is always unlocked and you are free to leave at any time.  Flashover involves low lighting, loud noises, and special effects that could scare small children. Taphophobia has a darker theme and some mild jump scares, but is still appropriate for mature children. The games are designed to be exciting and engage your senses. Contact us if you have concerns.

The Crooked Key provides a great entertainment activity before or after dinner or during a needed ski break. You can visit us during your downtown shopping stroll or before you and your friend go out for drinks. Our escape rooms are games first and foremost; they are designed to be fun! Even the most apprehensive first-time players typically leave with big smiles. Take a chance; you’ll make a memory and have fun. We promise.