Pine Creek Lake

Pine Creek Lake might be one of the most popular destinations in the Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The trail starts off by gently following Pine Creek, and before long it brings you to a spectacular waterfall that tumbles down from the lake above. From here, things get steeper as the trail switchbacks through the woods up to Pine Creek Lake. This spectacular gem is tucked into a rocky cirque, and it’s well worth spending the night up here to see the stunning stars that appear when the sun sinks behind the peaks. Photo by Laurie Thornton