From the trailhead, Big Fish Trail leaves the campground and crosses the White river by foot/horse bridge. It then enters the Flat Tops Wilderness and follows along Big Fish Creek. The Boulder Lake Trail branches to the west 1 ¼ miles from the campground over the creek. Proceeding up the Big Fish Trail ¾ of a mile, Bessie’s Falls cascades down the slope to the east. One mile further lays Big Fish Lake. The trail continues to follow the meadows of Big Fish Creek for ½ mile beyond the lake and then starts a twisting 2 mile climb onto the Flat Tops. One mile past Big Fish Lake the trail intersects with the Himes Peak Trail. The Big Fish Trail ends a mile further where it junctions with the Oyster Lake Trail.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Use: Heavy
Length: 6.5 miles
Elevation: Starts at 8,782 feet and ends at 10,946 feet (highest point 10,946 feet)
Elevation Gain: +2,223 feet – 59 feet = +2,164 feet
Open To: HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING

Access:
• The Big Fish Trail is located 46 miles east of Meeker.

• From Meeker, take State Highway 13 east for 1 mile.

• Where Highway 13 turns north, turn east on Rio Blanco County Road 8 for 39 miles.

• Turn south on the Trappers Lake Road (FDR 205) for 6 miles to Himes Peak Campground.

• The Big Fish Trailhead is on the left before you enter the campground.

Important Information:

• THIS TRAIL IS USED FOR MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING.
PLEASE RESPECT OTHER USERS.

• DOMESTIC CATTLE MAY BE GRAZING IN THE AREA.