Hiking to Finch Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, by Deb Stanley
Finch Lake may not be one of the best known lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it a place of quiet and scenic beauty.
Just 4.5 miles from the Wild Basin Trailhead, this lake doesn't see the crowds hikers deal with in the Bear Lake area.
The Wild Basin entrance is on Highway 7 south of Estes Park. After paying at the entrance station, drive the road to the "Finch Lake Trailhead." Follow the signs to Finch Lake carefully past turnoffs for the Allenspark Trailhead and Calypso Cascades.
About 2.5 miles from the trailhead, the forest suddenly opens up with views of the surrounding peaks. Look carefully here and you'll see why. The hundreds of dead trees were created when a lightning strike started the Ouzel Fire of 1978. 1,050 acres burned creating an opening in the forest. The forest is coming back, there are new growth trees that are more than 12 feet tall in places.
At 4 miles from the trailhead, the path makes two long switchbacks downhill, dropping about 175 feet. While the trail levels out, it's not too far until hikers come to the sign that says "Pear Lake." Look left at the sign to see you have arrived at Finch Lake!
If the wind isn't blowing, the a spot along the shoreline to take a photo with the mountains reflecting in the water. Walk along the shoreline to take photos of different mountain peaks in the background. Finch Lake is a beautiful, quiet, serene place to enjoy your lunch and a some time in the backcountry.
If you want to spend a little more time at Finch Lake, there are three campsites on the other side of the lake. For details on backcountry camping in the park, click here.
More Rocky Mountain National Park hikes: Flattop Mountain, Gem Lake, MacGregor Falls, Best waterfall hikes in RMNP, Calypso Cascades & Ouzel Falls, Spectacle Lakes, Chipmunk/Ypsilon Lakes, Mount Ida
Need more hiking trails? Click here.
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