Big Fish #1819

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access

8,765 ft
Elevation

The Big Fish Trail begins at the Big Fish Trailhead in the Himes Peak Campground. The trail crosses the White River on a narrow foot bridge, then enters the Flat Tops Wilderness where regulations apply. The trail follows Big Fish Creek .75 miles to Bessie's Falls, then continues another mile to Big Fish Lake. One-half mile beyond Big Fish Lake, the trail starts a twisting, two-mile climb onto the Flat Tops, where it joins Oyster Lake Trail #1825.

Print a trail description and map (.pdf)

Getting there

The Big Fish Trail begins 46 miles east of Meeker at the Himes Peak Campground.

From Meeker, CO take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right (east) on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue 6 miles to the Himes Peak Campground. The Big Fish Trailhead is on the left as you enter the campground.

40.02794, -107.27300 · 40°1'40.6"N 107°16'22.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.63.23.34.23.11.51.31.41.92.53.03.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Big Fish #1819

Can you reserve a site at Big Fish #1819?
No. Big Fish #1819 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Big Fish #1819

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.