Rocky Mountain National Park

[jah]

I was wondering if anyone has ever backcountry camped and fished in RMNP? I have been there 4 times, and heading out for my 5th trip in August with my wife. We are hiring a guide from Kirk's Fly Shop for the first day, but we are on our own after that. We would love to backcountry camp and fish for 2 nights. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have several books on the topic, but would love to hear from some locals and their experience/suggestions. Thanks!

Jim

[Geoff]

I want to go back, haha. I can tell ya that much. We got kinda skunked on fishing, the weather took a dump on us the second day we were there and didnt let up til we left. So fishing was tough but i really want to go back sometime.

[ness]

No personal experience on the back country camping. I'm sure a call to NPS out there would yield some good information for you, including permits and availability.

[Njardar]

I was wondering if anyone has ever backcountry camped and fished in RMNP? I have been there 4 times, and heading out for my 5th trip in August with my wife. We are hiring a guide from Kirk's Fly Shop for the first day, but we are on our own after that. We would love to backcountry camp and fish for 2 nights. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have several books on the topic, but would love to hear from some locals and their experience/suggestions. Thanks!

Jim

I would think that Kirk could answer any questions you may have. He took me out last year on the Big Thompson and I had a great time. That said I'm using a different guide this year because I got an excellent recommendation from somone who has used him many times. We have emailed several times and he has provided a lot of goof information.

- Charlie

[sfiser]

Look on the map at the Fern/Odessa trail. One of the best overnight hikes in the park. Park your car at Fern Lake trailhead and take the shuttle to Bear Lake and hike the 10 miles back to your car. You pass Odessa lake and Fern lake (both AMAZING greenback cutt lakes) and you can take a side trip to Spruce lake for more greenbacks. You descend into Odessa Gorge, pass Fern Falls, several peaks set a great backdrop. Camp at Odessa or Fern lake. This also takes alot of elevation gain out of the hike. You gain about 900 feet the first 2 miles then hike 8 downhill. Scenery is AMAZING.

Another good one is to hike up to Loch Vale and Mills lake its more of a day hike but has great scenery and fishing and you can make it longer by taking some side trips.

I travel to Rocky several times a year just to hike and fish. Its one of those special places and you really need to get into the backcountry to appreciate how amazing it really is. Too many people only see it from their car window, if they only knew what they were missing by just viewing it from the overlooks on the road