In late summer of 1978, a large and well-publicized forest fire swept through Wild Basin, causing a good deal of distress among nearby residents. Backcountry travelers feared that one of the park’s finest hiking areas would be destroyed. Fortunately such was not the case. Most hikers will notice signs of the fire in only a few places; Wild Basin trails and destinations remain lovely. Trailhead parking is limited; carpooling and arriving early are advisable.
To reach the Wild Basin trails, drive south from Estes Park on CO 7 for more than 11 miles through the village of Meeker Park to a large sign indicating Wild Basin. Turn right and follow the paved road a few hundred yards to the Wild Basin entrance station located on an unpaved road to the right. (The Sandbeach Lake Trailhead is to the right of the station.) The road extends 2 miles to Wild Basin Ranger Station.
Beyond the entrance station, the road turns left and passes over the dam that forms Copeland Lake. Copeland Lake is a good place to photograph Copeland Mountain. Early in the morning, the massive round-topped peak often is reflected by the still waters of the lake—as long as the city of Longmont, which owns the lake, has not drawn off the water for use down on the plains.
Past Copeland Lake, much of the road is one car wide and dusty. If you arrive before 9 a.m., you probably will not meet anyone leaving. Driving out will be more difficult later in the day because of increased traffic. Really, the road is perfect—passable in any passenger car without damage to car or occupants but discouraging to folks who just want a nice place to take a drive. Park at the end of the road, at the ranger station.
