Rocky Mountain National Park's North Inlet Trail

North Inlet Trail

Description:
The North Inlet trail begins at the North Inlet Trailhead at an elevation of 8,560 feet and climbs for 11.4 miles to its intersection with the Flattop Mountain and Tonahutu Creek trails at 12,195 feet. The trail leaves the trailhead around a locked gate and follows a dirt road through private property for about a mile. You'll come to Summerland Park just before the end of the road (20 minute hike). The road ends near a private cabin. From here the trail is smooth and level as it travels through a lodgepole pine and aspen forest. It makes a few short moderate climbs between level stretches. The lodgepole pine gives way to spruce and fir as you climb higher. Beyond the trail to the Twinberry Campsites, the trail makes a moderate climb up the narrow North Inlet drainage about 75 feet above the creek. A horse trail splits off to the left to avoid meeting other horses on the narrow trail near Cascade Falls. There is a hitch rack above the falls so that horsemen can hike back down to view these beautiful falls.

The trail continues northeast, making a rocky climb over some rock steps. It soon passes a large pool in the creek known as the "Big Pool". Some backcountry campsites are located just beyond the pool. The trail then turns southeast, passing a number of campsites before intersecting the Lake Nanita Trail. From here the trail makes a gentle climb for a while to the northeast before making several long switchbacks above Hallett Creek. The trail eventually breaks out of the forest above an avalanche scar to the west of Hallett Creek. It continues past the scar into the forest where it crosses the creek. There is a hitch rack just before you enter the forest. From here it's a long climb up the ridge over numerous switchbacks to the plateau above. The trail turns north and it is an easy walk to the Flattop Mountain and Tonahutu Creek trail intersection.

Features:

Length:	11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	8,496' - 12,195'
Elevation change:	4,359 feet
Season:	Jun 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	Moderate
USGS maps:	Grand Lake, 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:
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 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 trailhead. The North Inlet Trail begins behind a locked gate on a dirt road.

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