Hiking – Finch Lake

This 8.6 mile hike to beautiful Finch Lake in the Wild Basin area of RMNP is one of the leader's favorite hikes.  We will hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows with a 1850' gain to sub-alpine Finch Lake, where the forest surrounds its shores.  There is a section of trail that crosses through where the 1978 Ouzel Fire had burned.  Along with taking in several stream crossings, we will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Ogallala Peak, Mt. Copeland, and Mt. Meeker at this serene lake, where we will  enjoy our lunch.  After our lunch break, we will trace our steps back to the Wild Basin area trailhead, then carpool back to the Estes Park Visitor Center.  

There are 2 meeting locations, depending upon where you come from:  1) JAX parking lot (SE edge), 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland at 7:00 a.m. to carpool to the Estes Park Visitor Center, OR 2) Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. (far NE end of parking lot) at 7:45 a.m. (Restrooms available).  From here, we will carpool 17 miles south to the Wild Basin area trailhead.   PLEASE email, call or text Anita Wright with which meeting location you will be at (970-222-5920 or adwright2001@yahoo.com).