Rocky Mountain National Park's Lake Nanita Trail

Lake Nanita Trail

Description:
The Lake Nanita Trail climbs from North Inlet Junction at an elevation of 9,612 feet to Lake Nanita at 10,778 feet. It climbs through 11,078 feet making an elevation change (loss + gain) of 2,204 feet. The trail travels downhill and crosses North Inlet Creek over a wooden bridge just below North Inlet Falls. It then begins a long steady climb to Lake Nokoni. It makes numerous switchbacks as it climbs the ridge to the south and travels through dense spruce forest. After the last switchback, the trail follows the Nokoni Creek drainage under some sheer rock walls. Lake Nokoni lies in a steep sided bowl.

After crossing Nokoni Creek over a wooden bridge, the trail travels along the east shore of the lake and makes a steep climb above the south end of the lake. You get a great view of Lake Nokoni from the trail. It heads southeast over the ridge and makes a moderate descent over several switchbacks to Lake Nanita. There is a hitch rack east of the trail just before you get to the lake. Horses are not permitted beyond this point. Lake Nanita is surrounded by magnificent and unusual peaks. Fishing access is on the north and east shores of the lake.

Features:

Length:	3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,528' -11,078'
Elevation change:	2,204 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	McHenrys Peak
Trailheads:	North Inlet
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Lake Nanita Trail can be reached from the North Inlet Trail. To reach the trailhead, 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. Continue on Tunnel Road a short distance to a dirt road going to the left that leads to the water works building (about .25 miles). Turn right at the water works building and follow the narrow road to the North Inlet Trailhead. Hike the North Inlet Trail for about 6.7 miles to its junction with the Lake Nanita Trail.

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