Lake Verna

Lake Verna is a long, narrow high-country lake at 10,280 feet in the East Inlet valley. The trail reaches it 6.9 miles from East Inlet Trailhead, with about 1,890 feet of climbing. Treat this as a full-day out-and-back, not a quick lake stop. It suits you if the long approach is part of the appeal.

East Inlet Trailhead sits at the east end of Grand Lake, at the end of West Portal Road. The trail passes Adams Falls, East Meadow, several backcountry campgrounds and cascades, then Lone Pine Lake before reaching Verna. Early on, Adams Falls drops in steps through a narrow rock gorge. It was named for Grand Lake settler Jay E. Adams and was once called Ousel Falls.

At about 30 acres, Verna is the largest lake in the East Inlet valley. A rocky outcrop above the northwestern shore looks along its narrow waterline toward the rugged slopes beyond. The trail continues around the north shore to a broader view at the northeastern corner. Keep both the water and the mountain walls in frame to show the lake’s long shape.

Park crews and the Civilian Conservation Corps built East Inlet Trail in a naturalistic style, using local rock, wood and soil. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005; the durable, landscape-fitting route is part of the story of the visit.