Fish Creek Falls Trail

Fish Creek Falls is the 280-foot waterfall 4 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs, the town's postcard, and the walk to it is a quarter mile to an overlook and a short descent to the bridge at its base, 1 mile round trip. The upper falls trail continues 2.5 miles and 1,400 feet to a second waterfall for anyone who wants the hike as well as the view.

From the Forest Service lot, a paved, level path leads a quarter mile to an overlook with the falls in full view across the gorge; this section is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The main trail drops from the lot through aspen and cottonwood to the historic bridge below the falls, where the spray reaches you in June, with rock steps and a couple of short steep pitches.

Across the bridge the trail climbs the far side of the gorge on switchbacks and continues up Fish Creek through the forest, steeper and rockier, for 2.5 miles to the upper falls at about 8,700 feet, a smaller cascade in a quieter setting. The trail goes on to Long Lake and the Continental Divide for a much longer day. Most people turn around at the bridge for the 1-mile version. Every year from April 1 until about July 1 the Forest Service closes the footbridge and the 4 miles of trail beyond it while high water runs against the bridge's scoured abutments; the overlook and the walk down to the bridge stay open, but the upper falls do not.

From Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat, take 3rd Street north, turn right on Fish Creek Falls Road, and follow it 4 miles east to the Forest Service lot at the end. The lot charges a $5 day-use fee per vehicle, payable by card or cash at the machine, and fills by mid-morning from June through September; the overflow lot below adds a short walk, and the town bus stops at the bottom of the road in summer. The site is open 6 AM to 10 PM. Toilets at the lot.

Dogs are allowed on leash. The overlook path is the most accessible walk in Steamboat, and the bridge is fine for any child who can manage rock steps. The rocks by the creek are wet and slick and the creek is fast in June; the Forest Service has pulled people out of it. Carry water. The upper trail is a real hike and needs shoes and a couple of liters. Steamboat is 10 minutes away with everything, and the Steamboat Springs hikes page lists the Spring Creek and Emerald Mountain trails in town.