Fish Creek Falls | Waterfall in Steamboat Springs, CO

Fish Creek Falls is a popular recreation spot year round in Steamboat Springs. The 280-foot-tall is quite a magnificent sight, and only a short walk to see. It’s located about five miles from downtown off Fish Creek Falls Road.

In the winter, Fish Creek Falls freezes over transforming into recreation for ice climbers. During any given day in winter, you’ll find folks climbing up the face of the falls. The trail also makes great snowshoeing. Summer activities include hiking and biking.

Trails

There are two main hiking trails from the parking lot. Learn about hiking each route, one of which was designated a national recreation trail in 1979.

The quickest route to the falls is the 1/5 mile National Recreation Trail. It descends down to Fish Creek where you’ll reach the historic Fish Creek Bridge before continuing up to the base of the falls.
The other trail is the 1/4 mile Overlook Trail. It passes through an aspen forest to just above the falls. This is the easier hike. From the bridge if you keep going on the National Rec Trail you’ll reach Long Lake in 5 miles.

If you’re interested in snowshoeing, read our post on winter hiking at Fish Creek Falls.

Getting There

From Hwy 40 take a right on 3rd St in downtown and another quick right on Fish Creek Falls Rd. Follow that back for a few miles. The falls are located in Routt National Forest.

Start of the trail.