Rocky Mountain National Park's East Inlet Trail

East Inlet Trail

Description:
The East Inlet Trail begins at the East Inlet Trailhead at an elevation of 8,357 feet and climbs to 10,407 feet in 7.7 miles near Fourth Lake. About 60% of the trail would be considered relatively easy but the remainder is moderate to strenuous. It would be a strenuous hike to travel the trail's entire length and back in one day.

The beginning of the trail is wide and smooth up to the Adams Falls Loop Trail, about .3 miles. The loop trail makes a slight descent to the falls viewing area and then climbs back up to meet the East Inlet Trail. From here the trail travels along the north side of East Inlet Creek, about 20 feet above it. It then makes its way along the north side of a large meadow where the stream is slower moving. This is a beautiful spot and looks like a good area for fishing. Look for moose in these meadows.

After leaving the meadow, the trail climbs up through a rocky area, crossing a few streams along the way. Soon it makes a steep climb along some cliffs on the north side of the valley. You get great views of Grand Lake and the valley below from this stretch of the trail. The trail makes some switchbacks as it climbs around a steep area and rejoins East Inlet Creek. There are some beautiful rock formations along this section of the trail. At one point it descends over a series of rock steps and follows the creek for a while before continuing its climb up the valley. After passing the trail to the Cat's Lair Campsite, the trail begins another steep climb over several switchbacks. The trail is quite rocky from here to Lake Verna.

After passing Gray Jay Campsite, the trail travels, the trail passes through a gulch with a lot of woody debris. It climbs out of this gulch to Lone Pine Lake. This beautiful lake is a great spot to rest or have lunch. From here the trail continues its rocky climb to Lake Verna. There is a hitch rack at the west end of the lake. Horses are not permitted beyond this point. The trail is unimproved from here and travels through the forest north of Lake Verna, Spirit Lake, and Fourth Lake.

Features:

Length:	7.7 miles (12.4 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,357' -10,470'
Elevation change:	3,156 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Nov 1
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Shadow Mountain, Isolation Peak
Trailheads:	East Inlet
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
Take Trail Ridge Road to the west entrance to the Park. Continue south to the road leading into Grand Lake. Turn left toward Grand Lake and then bear left at Tunnel Road across from the Mountain Food Market, just past the stables. Continue on Tunnel Road to the East Inlet Trailhead at its end. There is room for about 30 vehicles at the trailhead. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead. This trailhead is popular for day hikers to Adams Falls.

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