Fish Creek Falls Trail: Ultimate Hiking Guide

Nestled in Colorado’s northern Rocky Mountains, the Fish Creek Falls Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience just minutes from Steamboat Springs. This guide will take you on a journey through one of the area’s most beloved natural wonders, where a short, family-friendly hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of a 280-foot waterfall.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, the Fish Creek Falls Trail promises an adventure that showcases the raw beauty of Colorado’s wilderness. Join us as we explore everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this spectacular destination.

At A Glance:

Fish Creek Falls Trail Guide

Here’s everything you need to plan your hike along the Fish Creek Falls Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest: route maps, photos, and descriptions, trailhead info, weather forecasts, and much more.

Have a question? Visit the FAQ section below or ask it in a comment at the bottom of the guide.

Trail Description

💡Pro Tip: Start Your Hike Early! Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the trail in the quiet, peaceful hours of the day. This also helps you avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the mountains.

This trail is very short and family-friendly with great views of the 280-ft fall. From the far end of the trailhead, set out on the trail and follow it as it gradually starts descending.

Pass a sign on your left for the picnic area and continue straight ahead. The trail is well constructed and hugs the hillside on the left, with a steep drop-off on the right (keep kids away from the edge).

As you near Fish Creek, take a right to cross the historic bridge originally constructed in 1927. Due to the bridge’s age, only a maximum of 4 people can stand on or walk across the bridge at a time.

This is the best spot to see the falls up the creek canyon above you. The flow peaks during late spring/early summer with the snowmelt and freezes in winter, becoming a popular spot to watch ice climbing in action.

You can continue hiking further along the trail for a longer trip or turn back to ascend back to the trailhead.

Trail Maps

Topo Map

This CalTopo map shows the entire Fish Creek Falls Trail. Review it carefully before you head out to the trail.

Elevation Profile

This graphic shows the elevation gained and lost along the Fish Creek Falls Trail. It also shows tree cover, slope, and aspect changes along the trail.

Trail Photos

Check out these photos from the trail, taken during a visit on October 2, 2024. This is a great trail for fall colors in late September and early October.

Copper Creek/Judd Falls Trailhead

The Fish Creek Falls Trailhead is your access point for the Fisk Creek Falls Trail.

Directions

From Steamboat Springs, Colorado:

Head north on 3rd Street towards Lincoln Avenue.
Turn right onto Fish Creek Falls Road.
Follow Fish Creek Falls Road for about 3 miles until you reach the trailhead parking area on your right.

The drive takes approximately 10-15 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles.

Amenities

Here are the amenities available at the Copper Creek Trailhead.

Restrooms: YES
Picnic Tables: YES
Drinking Water: NO
Garbage: YES
Camping: NO

Access

The trailhead is paved and accessible to all types of vehicles. It is plowed and open all year-round for accessing the trail.

There is a $5/vehicle/day fee for parking at the trailhead. A machine onsite allows payment by credit or debit card.

The parking lot is known to fill very quickly during the summer and on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot!

Click here to visit the USFS website with more information.

Weather

Always check the weather forecast before you head to the trailhead so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Check out the full National Weather Service forecast for the Fish Creek Falls trail below.

National Weather Service Forecast:

HighpointWx Weather Forecast

Leave No Trace

When hiking the Fish Creek Falls Trail, it’s crucial to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to preserve the natural beauty and ecosystem. Here are some specific tips:

Stay on the designated trail: This prevents erosion and protects fragile vegetation. The ecosystem around the falls is delicate, and wandering off-trail can damage plant life that takes years to recover.
Pack out all trash, including food scraps: Even biodegradable items like apple cores can take months to decompose and may attract wildlife, altering their natural behaviors. Carry a small bag for your waste.
Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Feeding wildlife can make them dependent on human food and less able to survive on their own.
Leave natural objects where you find them: Rocks, plants, and other natural items play important roles in the ecosystem. Taking them disrupts the natural balance and deprives other hikers of enjoying them.
Use existing restroom facilities: The trailhead has vault toilets. Using these helps prevent contamination of water sources and maintains the natural environment.
Keep noise levels down: Loud noises can disturb wildlife and other hikers. Enjoy the natural sounds of the falls and forest by speaking quietly and avoiding loud music.

By following these LNT principles, you help ensure that Fish Creek Falls remains beautiful and accessible for future generations of hikers.

Safety Tips

When hiking the Fish Creek Falls Trail, safety should be your top priority. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

Wear appropriate footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction are essential. They provide ankle support and help prevent slips on potentially wet or uneven terrain near the falls.
Stay hydrated: Even though it’s a short trail, always bring water. Dehydration can occur quickly, especially at higher altitudes, and can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making.
Be cautious near the falls: The area around the waterfall can be slippery due to mist and algae. Keep a safe distance from the edge and supervise children closely to prevent accidents.
Watch the weather: Conditions can change rapidly in mountain environments. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared to turn back if storms approach, as lightning can be extremely dangerous near exposed areas.
Carry a first-aid kit: Even on short hikes, basic first-aid supplies can be crucial. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications you might need.
Let someone know your plans: Inform a friend or family member about your hiking plans, including your expected return time. This ensures someone can alert authorities if you don’t return as scheduled.
Stay on marked trails: This not only protects the environment but also keeps you safe. Wandering off-trail increases your risk of getting lost or injured on unfamiliar terrain.
Be aware of altitude: Steamboat Springs is at a high elevation, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness. Take it slow, especially if you’re not accustomed to the altitude, and turn back if you experience severe symptoms like headache or dizziness.

By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure a more enjoyable and secure experience while exploring the beautiful Fish Creek Falls Trail.

Camping Nearby

While there are no campgrounds directly at the Fish Creek Falls trailhead, there are several camping options nearby:

Established Campgrounds

Steamboat Lake State Park Campground: Located about 27 miles north of the trailhead, this campground offers over 180 sites with various amenities including showers and electric hookups. Learn More
Dry Lake Campground: Situated approximately 7 miles from the trailhead, this small Forest Service campground has 8 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a more rustic option with vault toilets. Learn More
Summit Lake Campground: Located about 15 miles from the trailhead, this campground offers 18 sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. It’s situated at 10,300 feet elevation. Learn More
Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday:Located about 3 miles from downtown Steamboat Springs and 7 miles from the trailhead, this campground offers RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, playground, and Wi-Fi. Learn More

Dispersed Camping

For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is allowed in many areas of the surrounding Routt National Forest. Some popular areas include:

Buffalo Pass Road: About 5 miles from the trailhead, this area offers numerous dispersed camping spots along the road. Be sure to camp at least 100 feet from any water source and use existing fire rings when possible. Click here to learn more.
Forest Service Road 296: Off the highway on the west side of Rabbit Ears Pass, this road features a number of dispersed camping sites available first-come, first-serve. Learn More

Remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles when camping, especially in dispersed areas. Check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations and fire restrictions before your trip.

Lodging Nearby

Here are some nearby motels and lodging options near the trailhead in Steamboat Springs. If you make a reservation using one of my links, you’ll help support our site and content. Thank you!

Holiday Inn – Steamboat Springs
Gravity Haus – Steamboat Springs
Nordic Lodge – Steamboat Springs
Quality Inn – Steamboat Springs

There are also plenty of airbnbs and other short term rentals available in Crested Butte to rent if you prefer a home and a lot of extra space. This is only a 15-20 minute drive away from the trailhead.

Rules & Regulations

There are no permits or reservations required to hike the Fish Creek Falls Trail. However, there is a $5 parking fee (per vehicle/day) for the trailhead.

Follow these essential National Forest rules and regulations during your visit to protect the area and preserve public access.

Stay on Designated Trails: To protect the environment and ensure safety, always stay on marked trails.
Pack Out All Trash: Carry out all trash, including food scraps, to keep the forest clean and preserve its natural beauty.
Camp Only in Designated Areas: Use established campsites or areas designated for dispersed camping. Avoid setting up camp near water sources.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them. Keep food and trash secured to prevent attracting wildlife.
Keep Dogs on Leashes: Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times to protect wildlife and other visitors.
No Campfires Outside Designated Areas: Check current fire regulations and only build fires in designated fire rings or grills.
Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles, such as minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.
Obtain Necessary Permits: If required, obtain permits for backcountry camping or other regulated activities.
Respect Quiet Hours: Follow quiet hours in campgrounds to ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.
Adhere to Seasonal Closures: Be aware of and respect any seasonal trail or area closures for wildlife protection or other reasons.

About Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls is a stunning 280-foot waterfall located in the Routt National Forest, just a few miles outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The falls are part of the larger Fish Creek drainage system, which originates high in the Park Range mountains.

The waterfall was formed by glacial activity during the last ice age, roughly 20,000 years ago. As glaciers retreated, they carved out the U-shaped valley where Fish Creek now flows. The falls cascade over a cliff of Pre-Cambrian metamorphic rock, primarily composed of schist and gneiss, which are over 1.7 billion years old.

The area around Fish Creek Falls supports a diverse ecosystem. The lower elevation areas are dominated by aspen and lodgepole pine forests, while higher elevations feature subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. The creek and surrounding wetlands provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including:

Mule deer and elk
Black bears
Various bird species, including the American dipper, which can often be seen diving into the creek for aquatic insects
Native fish species such as Colorado River cutthroat trout

Fish Creek Falls is situated in the Park Range, a mountain range that forms part of the Continental Divide in northwest Colorado. The range includes peaks over 12,000 feet, with the highest being Mount Zirkel at 12,180 feet

Much of the range is protected within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, preserving its natural beauty and ecological importance. It plays a crucial role in the local water cycle, with snowmelt feeding numerous creeks and rivers, including Fish Creek. This water is vital for the surrounding ecosystems and communities, including Steamboat Springs.

FAQ

Check out my answers to some frequently asked questions about the Fish Creek Falls Trail. If I haven’t answered your question, leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

Q: How long does it take to hike to the falls?

A: The hike to the lower falls viewpoint is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) and takes about 20-30 minutes for most hikers. The trail to the upper falls is more challenging, covering about 3.5 miles (4 km) one-way and typically takes 3-4 hours round trip.

Q: Is this a family-friendly hike?

A: Yes, the lower falls trail is very family-friendly. It’s a short, well-maintained path suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The upper falls trail is more strenuous and may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility.

Q: Can I hike to Fish Creek Falls in winter?

A: Yes, Fish Creek Falls is accessible year-round. In winter, the falls often freeze, creating a stunning ice formation. However, winter hiking requires proper equipment like microspikes or snowshoes, and visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially icy conditions.

Q: How much does it cost to go to Fish Creek Falls?

A: There is a $5 per vehicle day-use fee for parking at the Fish Creek Falls trailhead. Annual passes are also available. The fee helps maintain the facilities and trails.

Q: What is there to do at Fish Creek Falls?

A: At Fish Creek Falls, visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. In summer, you can hike to both the lower and upper falls. In winter, the area is popular for ice climbing (with proper equipment and experience). There’s also a picnic area near the trailhead for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Q: Do you need a fishing license to fish at Fish Creek Falls?

A: Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required to fish in Fish Creek or any other public waters in Colorado. Licenses can be purchased online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods stores. Always check local fishing regulations before casting your line.

Q: When is the best time of year to hike to Fish Creek Falls?

A: Each season offers a unique experience at Fish Creek Falls. Late spring to early summer (May-June) is popular for viewing the falls at peak flow from snowmelt. Summer (July-August) offers pleasant hiking weather and lush greenery. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful foliage colors. Winter (December-March) transforms the falls into an ice sculpture, though hiking can be more challenging.

Additional Resources

Check out these additional resources related to this hiking trail:

Steamboat Springs Chamber – Fish Creek Falls: Local insights and visitor information.
AllTrails – Fish Creek Falls Trail: User reviews, photos, and trail conditions.
Fish Creek Falls – Wikipedia: Overview page with background information and additional links
Colorado.com – Fish Creek Falls Hiking Guide: Comprehensive guide with tips and area information.

Notice: The material presented in this route guide may not be comprehensive or precise and should not be solely relied upon when planning your climb. Inadequate experience, physical fitness, supplies, or equipment may result in injury or fatality.

The Next Summit and the author(s) of this hiking guide offer no guarantees, neither explicit nor implied, regarding the accuracy or dependability of the information provided.

By utilizing the information herein, you agree to indemnify and absolve The Next Summit and the hiking guide author(s) from any claims and demands against them, including any legal fees and expenses.

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