Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls has become an iconic destination in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

This is as close to free as you can get without it actually being free. Parking is $5 per car, so load up and head out. It’s the perfect destination for people of all hiking abilities and ages. There are several trail options. You can’t miss the first falls, which is by far the most photographed and popular option. From the parking lot it’s less than a quarter of a mile downhill – you do have to hike uphill to get back to your car, though. You can hike up the mountain to another bridge, farther up is a second falls, and passed that is Long Lake. If you plan on going to the lake, you’re in for a long day. Even going to the second falls is an afternoon excursion.

The first falls are amazing. On the way up, we pretty much bypassed them completely because there were so many people around. Most people will stop and enjoy the first falls deciding to not hike more after that. We headed straight for the bridge.

We had quite a bit of company on the way to the bridge, but most people turned around there. Taking a small break, there were lots of friendly chipmunks and butterflies to watch. They’re very comfortable with people, so they came right up to us. It took less cajoling to get my Partner-in-Crime to head to the second falls. I didn’t lie this time about the distance because he knew it would be a jaunt.

The hike from the bridge to the second falls is definitely a bit harder. On the way to the bridge, there is usually some buffer between the trail and the cliff. To the second falls, a good bit of the trail is the cliff. It makes for great Instagram pictures, though!

By the time we arrived at the second falls, we were hot. Luckily, there was no one there, and I had the forethought to wear bikini bottoms under my shorts and a sports bra. So I stripped and hopped into the pool at the bottom of the falls. Holy bejeezus! The water was cold. After awhile, your skin goes numb, so it’s fine. Lots and lots and lots of pictures were take. I ended up rock climbing up to another waterfall pool in nothing but my bikini and sports bra. I’m adventurous like that.

It truly is a spectacular view.

To hike all the way up and back, it took us five hours. We kept a pretty good pace, but we stopped and enjoyed the view a lot. We spent over an hour at the second falls. It is definitely worth the hike! I think my butt looked better for a day afterwards.