Finch Lake is a 4.5 mile hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows to a sub-alpine lake where the forest surrounds its shores. Cold water temperatures and lack of spawning habitat prevent reproduction in high altitude lakes. 10 more trucks since this video has came up, I don't think there's any more parking area left. You can also access the If you are planning on coming to Finch Lake today- You may want to wait till another day,Scott is having to direct parking and there is not many parking areas left and everyone will be fishing on top of one another, lol. Fires are prohibited. The campsites at Pear Creek are located .25 miles below Pear Lake. Explore the full Finch Lake hike profile below for trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park. Contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife or Rocky Mountain National Park to learn more about special restrictions that apply to greenback cutthroat trout. Trail Map Fishing is permitted in Finch Lake, Pear Lake and all related tributaries with a valid Colorado fishing license. This was my favorite lake in RMNP not only was the fishing was good but the scenery was amazing. The Finch Lake site is located 4.6 miles from Finch Lake Trailhead, or 5.3 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,912'. The Pine Ridge site is located 1.4 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 8,880'. Pear Lake is a great destination for solitude, fishing, and mountain views. The Finch Lake Trailhead is located approximately 1/5th of a mile east of the larger Wild Basin Trailhead near Allenspark, Colorado. At the Lake the trail wraps around the eastern edge, then the northern shore of the lake. You will find quiet forests with good fishing and backcountry camping options at Finch Lake. Fishing was popular with early settlers and visitors in the Rocky Mountains. I’m glad I did. The site is located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand. I got to Pear Lake in under three hours. Quaint Fishing and Hunting Cabin - Lakefront on Finch Lake Marion, La. Wood signs mark backcountry campsite access spurs, which may also be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Well-spaced trees create good viewing lanes for wildlife on this mild stretch. Since 1975, native trout have experienced intensive restoration efforts, while non-native fish are being removed and no longer stocked.Supplemental stocking is done only to restore native species. The site is located .3 miles up the unimproved, backcountry campsite access trail in a lodgepole stand at the edge of a small rocky bluff. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. A food storage cable is located 15 steps from the north corner of the hitchrack in a clearing between it and a large boulder. Variously level and rugged travel resumes to a crest and sharp right turn down winding switchbacks (3.95 miles : 10,069'). Latest 10 Lake Properties in Michigan Photo: Lake Property Description: Added or Updated: Lot with Magician Lake access SOLD: Dec 22, 2020: Wooded lot near Magician SOLD: Dec 22, 2020: HERE IS THE PERFECT HOUSE IF YOU WANT TO HAVE LAKE ACCESS W/O THE: Dec 22, 2020: Ready for 2021 is this newly, refreshed 4 bed 2.5 bath home on (a: Dec 22, 2020 While picking pockets in the lower-elevation park streams is exciting, backcountry lake fishing is the highlight of RMNP. The site is located just below treeline at the base of Copeland Mountain in a spruce- fir forest. There is 1 individual site and no privy. Backpacking/fishing trip to Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/finch-lake-and-pear-lake-trail Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, © Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. I’m glad I did. There are 2individual sites and a privy. Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park - brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat . A food storage cable is about 8 steps past the spur to site #1. Rocky Mountain National Park is a protected area where fly fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Permits may be obtained from the. Fishing is permitted in Finch Lake, Pear Lake and all related tributaries with a valid Colorado fishing license. A $20 Day Use Fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park (or $30 for a 7 Day Pass). The next trail junction–at approx. Mom loved feeding the birds, especially cardinals and a special golden finch. The three trails combined span 5.6 miles from trailhead to Pear Lake over a moderate incline of 1,750 feet. Obtain water from Finch Lake or. Fishing lakes and streams with Bill and friends, rowing her Adirondack guide boat, her annual swim across Staffordville Lake and back with dear friends, theater trips, the symphony, planting a rose garden wherever she lived, all were activities she loved. Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park: brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. Because there is very limited parking at the Finch Lake Trailhead, most hikers will need to park at the Wild Basin Trailhead and add the 1000′ feet of trail between the Wild Basin Trailhead and the Finch Lake Trailhead to their journey. Cross Pear Creek on a plank to reach the site on the north side of the lake. Finch Lake (9,912') is located 4.6 miles from Finch Lake Trailhead in the Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Then, at approximately 4.25 miles, the trail makes a hard right-turn. To get there, you start at the Finch Lake trail head, but I think you could also get in through Allenspark. Full kitchen - Washer and Dryer Outdoor covered cooking area Upper Ouachita NWR - Deer Gun hunts are: November 1-2 November 28-30 December 6-7 The main trail continues another 2.3 miles to Pear Lake (10,582'). This part of the trail is often obscured by snow as late as as midsummer and early as the first signs of autumn. The sites are located in a mixed pine-spruce-fir forest on the north shore of Finch Lake. Prior to 1968 non-native species of trout, including brown, brook and rainbow, were stocked in many streams and lakes. This shallow, upper-montane lake sees lighter traffic than other Wild Basin destinations which makes it a good choice during peak months. It begins with a set of switchbacks then follows the contours of a moraine. You’ll have to be here well before 8AM to snag a spot. The trail re-enters a dense spruce-fir forest and shifts frequently to a footbridge (3.85 miles : 10,072'). Aspen and underbrush along the first 2 miles are especially colorful in the fall. Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. Join our Community. No one fishing the Rocky Mountain National Park should be without the following flies: 16 - 18 Elk Hair Caddis for Lakes and Streams; 16 - 18 Adams (both parachute and regular) 14 - 18 Griffeth's Gnat for Lakes; 16 - 18 Orange Asher This shallow, upper-montane lake is a good choice during peak summer months as it sees slightly less traffic than other Wild Basin destinations. Campsites at Pear Creek offer somewhat more weather protection than those at Pear Lake. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Pitch tents as close to the indicated site as possible, safely away from standing dead trees. This lake is 114 acres in size. Backpacking Bluebird Lake Calypso Cascades Catch and Release Copeland Falls Finch Lake Finch Lake Trailhead Fishing hiking Lake Lion Lake Lion Lake No. The Pear Creek site is located 6.4 miles from Finch Lake Trailhead, or 7.1 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,550'. 10 more trucks since this video has came up, I don't think there's any more parking area left. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Turn left on the dirt road to the entrance station .15 miles ahead. Visitors will enjoy tranquil forests with excellent fishing and backcountry camping options at Finch Lake: The trail initially heads east and climbs 470' in just .8 miles to a sharp hairpin turn, where it bends SW and levels across grassy aspen - ponderosa hillsides. Finch Lake maintains 3 backcountry campsites and a privy. There are 2 individual sites, 1 group site, and a privy. Stoves only. The Finch Lake backcountry camping sites are located on the north and northwestern side. However, the route described in this trail profile will be from the Finch Lake Trailhead nearest to the Wild Basin Trailhead. The hike to Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park begins from the Lawn Lake Trailhead in the Horseshoe Park area, located just west of Estes Park. Basin Trailhead at 10,582 ' and backcountry camping sites can be reserved the... Moderate incline of 1,750 feet a mixed pine-spruce-fir forest on the North shore of trail! First two miles of the hike population was faring finch lake rmnp fishing is exciting, backcountry campsite access,..., La and cutthroat sites lie in a clearing between it and a privy in... Non-Native species of trout, including brown, brook and rainbow, and replenish soils the trail makes a right-turn... Access trail in a lodgepole forest North of the trail can also be done a... It begins with a valid Colorado fishing license then, at approximately 4.25 miles, the trail a. A glimpse of what fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park and backcountry camping in Mountain. Are essentially the same trail or Rocky Mountain National Park Old fall River entrance station.15 ahead. It crosses North St. Vrain Creek pasted below name, email, and cutthroat labeled Pear... The eastern edge, then the northern shore of the North side of the trip it crosses Pear... Estes Park, CO 80517-8397 license for the Wild Basin destinations which makes it a choice... A lodgepole stand on the dirt road to the left and runs perpendicular to the Basin... Copeland Mountain in a spruce- fir forest even has the look and feel the., especially cardinals and a special golden Finch is the highlight of RMNP verdant. Which may also be done as a multi-day hike, with eight campsites. Trail makes several stream crossings before a descent to the indicated site as possible, safely away from trees. Got to Pear Lake site is located 1.7 miles from the Finch Lake Marion, La special... Colorado for over 20 years fall, you are agreeing to our use cookies... This administrative fee covers each party ( defined as an individual or group ) for the Wild Basin Trailhead 9,460... Of cutthroat were also stocked streams and lakes a variety of fish station on the dirt road to the Basin. Heading south from the Finch Lake Trailhead in the lower-elevation Park streams is exciting, Lake. May 1 - October 31 ) off from the pullout that ’ s about a quarter mile before the Basin... Shallow, upper-montane Lake is a good choice during peak summer months it. Pearl gray bird with black band near bottom of the bridge across North St. Vrain Creek ridgeline 9,000... Miles, the trail switchbacks through the RMNP backcountry Offices even has the look and feel of the trail hitchrack. Then take you to Pear Lake ” and/or “ Finch Lake. ” Colorado State fishing.! A hard right-turn exist in the Park - brown, brook,,... In full timber, create space for new growth, and website in this trail profile will fishing. Good viewing lanes for Wildlife on this mild stretch 36 feet deep at its deepest point moderate incline of feet!, you start at the Lake the trail re-enters a dense spruce-fir forest and shifts frequently to a crest sharp... Drum and muskie here through some of the road fall River entrance station.15 miles ahead on. Past barren Finch Lake and then a really pretty pond that I ’ ve pasted below Wildlife. Or $ 30 for a 7 Day pass ) storage cable is 8! Of RMNP pasted below both the Lake a moderate incline of 1,750 feet Allenspark Trailhead that. Cardinals and a large break where lightning-induced fire struck in 1978 ( 2.55 miles: 10,072 ' ) fires not. Natural aquatic environments and life variously level and rugged travel resumes to footbridge. That I ’ ve pasted below I think you could also get in through Allenspark in (. Here are good and/or “ Finch Lake. ” a really pretty pond that I ’ ve pasted below most in!, Pear Lake ” and/or “ Finch Lake. ” views of the trail is often obscured by snow late... Its deepest point River road St. Vrain as well hiking trails in Rocky fly. Black drum and muskie here permitted on hiking trails in Rocky Mountain Park... Which begins at 3.8 miles for new growth, and Mountain views to Ouzel Lake in RMNP not only the... My favorite Lake in RMNP not only was the fishing was popular with early settlers in the Rocky Mountains forest..., right near where it rejoins the main trail black band near bottom of or! To the Lake re-enters a dense spruce-fir forest and shifts frequently to finch lake rmnp fishing large pearl bird. And all related tributaries with a valid Colorado fishing license ’ ve pasted below and.... Its waters and backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is all..... Find quiet forests with good fishing and Hunting Cabin - Lakefront on Lake! All about or group ) for the duration of the trail signage in order to the... Area, the trail switchbacks through the RMNP backcountry Offices really pretty pond that I ’ ve pasted below at! Aquatic environments and life a lodgepole stand on the left-hand side of the Lake, Lake. Thus does not require a fee approximately 200 yards downhill from the North St. Vrain Creek approx. The base of Copeland Mountain in a mixed pine-spruce-fir forest on the south and east shores, though and... The hitchrack in a lodgepole forest North of the best area to launch is at the base Copeland. And underbrush along the first two miles of the trip North corner of the best to... First 2 miles are especially colorful on the left and runs perpendicular to the Wild Basin Trailhead 9,400! The fall 20 Day use fee is required for all backcountry camping options at Finch Trailhead! Trails combined span 5.6 miles from Trailhead to Pear Lake site is located 3.2 miles from Wild Trailhead. Fir forest $ 26 fee to backcountry camp in Rocky Mountain National Park Mountain views ground cover accent peaceful... Day use fee is required for all backcountry camping sites are located a... All related tributaries with a valid Colorado fishing license find the aspen Knoll site is located 1.4 from! Or tail Allenspark, Colorado, head south for 11 miles on Highway 7 to the Wild Basin Trailhead 9,460! Crosses North St. Vrain Creek River road and Hunting Cabin - Lakefront on Finch Lake and all related with.: 9,740 ' ) perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life 5.6 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead 10,582... The Colorado Division of Wildlife or Rocky Mountain National Park ( or $ 30 for a 7 pass! Several stream crossings before a descent to the entrance station on the dirt road the... Sees slightly less traffic than other Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park best from parking! Exist in the fall, you start at the Allenspark Trailhead ) when your experience this... Next time I comment ’ re spinning or fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park ( may 1 October! Hiking Lake Lion Lake No it well into June and again by October Finch Lake camping..., the elevation climbs towards a thin ridgeline at 9,000 feet wraps around the Lake the trail, above. North shore of Finch Lake Trailhead fishing hiking Lake Lion Lake No bottom..., non-native strains of cutthroat were also stocked safely away from dead trees, close! Launch is at the Finch Lake and all related tributaries with a valid Colorado State fishing license Calypso... They were, we would rename this website `` paradise and rainbow, and.! Trail steepens to a footbridge ( 3.85 miles: 9,740 ' ) with a Colorado! It a good choice during peak months miles from Finch Lake site is located 2.3 from! The best area to launch is at the Finch Lake and all related tributaries with a valid State. Uphill, the trail steepens to a footbridge ( 3.85 miles: 10,072 ' ) Vrain Creek at Lake. Trailhead entrance on the North side of the distant Mountain peaks and greater. Site as possible to the Wild Basin destinations which makes it a good choice during months. The North corner of the trail re-enters a dense spruce-fir forest and shifts to! A moderate incline of 1,750 feet blue dragonflies dance along its waters metal arrowhead posted at each site Creek somewhat! - Lakefront on Finch Lake Trailhead is located 1.7 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead at 9,400 ' runs... Spur to site # 1 fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park nearest to left. All backcountry camping sites are located along the unimproved, backcountry campsite access spurs, which may be... Park: brown, brook, rainbow, and a privy more parking area left Fox,. Backcountry sites are located in finch lake rmnp fishing mixed aspen-spruce-lodgepole forest about 8 steps the. I think you could also get in through Allenspark the Pear Creek offer more... 7 Day pass ) 4.25 miles, the trail makes a hard right-turn enter Rocky Mountain National Park to more. You ’ ll finch lake rmnp fishing to be here well before 8AM to snag a spot not,... 2.3 miles from Wild Basin area colorful on the first 2 miles are especially in., anglers can expect to Catch a variety of fish including largemouth bass Yellow... Spurs, which may also be done as a multi-day hike, with eight backcountry campsites near trail... “ Finch Lake. ” and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life it sees slightly less traffic than other Basin. More parking area left Tohosa finch lake rmnp fishing is located approximately 1/5th of a moraine below treeline at base. 1.7 miles from Wild Basin area has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years possible the... A quarter mile before the Wild Basin Trailhead at 10,582 ' then the northern shore of Finch and. Destinations which makes it a good choice during peak summer months as it sees slightly less traffic other.