Facility · Colorado ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access
Access McGinnis Lake via this spur off the Skinny Fish Trail #1813. The Skinny Fish Trail begins with a steep, 1-mile climb from the trailhead and then enters a relatively flat meadow following Skinny Fish Creek through aspen, spruce, fir and meadows (burned in the 2002 Big Fish Fire). The McGinnis Trail branches to the east about 2 miles from the trailhead. Follow it for .7 of a mile to McGinnis Lake. Along the trail, the 600-1000' cliffs of the Chinese Wall are visible, forming the basin in which Skinny Fish and McGinnis Lakes lie. Both lakes offer good fishing.
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 travel 8 miles to the Skinny Fish Trailhead parking area.
40.02945, -107.21540 · 40°1'46.0"N 107°12'55.4"W
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
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.
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